Generous football fans have already pledged thousands of pounds towards a fundraising campaign aimed at helping to secure the future of Morecambe FC.
The ‘Save Our Shrimps’ campaign was launched over the weekend by the Shrimps Trust.
The initial target is to raise £50,000.
You can donate to the campaign here:
Rich Allan from the Trust has been speaking to Beyond Radio’s Dave Salmon.
Click below to watch:
The Trust said: ‘’Morecambe FC is a proud club, with a history spanning over a century.
‘’We like many other clubs in the EFL, have an ownership issue.
‘’Whilst an independent regulator for football is not forthcoming, us Shrimps fans need to fight for our club survival.
‘’We need funds.
‘’This is a Shrimps Trust fundraiser. We need to get money into our coffers so that we have the financial resources to either have a financial stake in our beloved football club and attempt to secure its future, or protect the existence of a football club in Morecambe should the worst happen.''
‘’Please support our campaign. Shrimps’ fans - now is the time to unite, now is the time to put our money where our mouths are.
‘’To the wider footballing community - this isn’t just a Morecambe FC issue, this is a football pyramid issue. As such we call on you for support too.
‘’If you don’t want to see another EFL club fold, due to mismanagement, and you feel passionate about the lower leagues in this country. Please help Save Our Shrimps.
‘’This is an impassioned plea from us Shrimps, to the wider footballing community, help us get this campaign to go viral. Help us raise funds to try and save our wonderful, community club.’’
The Trust also added that due to the fast-changing position of the club’s plight, if the campaign is determined not succeed in raising enough funds to purchase a significant share of the club, the funds will be used in other ways as determined by the Trust Board.
This may include projects such as developing the land at the side of the nearby Hurley Flyer pub, or a fan zone at the ground, with any spend subject to member approval.
Above: Morecambe FC owner, Jason Whittingham of Bond Group Investments
The Trust continued: ‘’Many people have asked about the objective behind the Shrimps Trust fundraiser and what it seeks to achieve. The answer is intentionally broad because the future of the club is currently uncertain.
‘’Over the past year, many supporters and Shrimps Trust members have urged the trust to do more to support the club in its current state. Some have even suggested that we increase our share ownership to have more influence on the club's structure. However, achieving this requires significant funds.
‘’Owning the club outright would cost millions, a position we are far from. Therefore, complete ownership is unlikely to result from this fundraiser. We could increase our shareholding through a new share issue, but unless the funds raised are substantial, it wouldn't change the club's current situation. Another option is a partial share acquisition from Bond Group, but this, too, would require significant funds.
‘’The reality is that if the club continues in its current legal entity, the most likely outcome is a change in ownership, either through a solvent sale or through an administration process. While the trust would have some influence in such scenarios, without significant funds, we are unlikely to be part of any ownership group.
‘’In a worst-case scenario, a new phoenix club might be formed in the future. While this is highly unlikely at this stage, if it were to happen, the trust would take an active role in the new structure, which would also require funds. In all scenarios, one thing is clear: we need a fighting fund that the trust can use regardless of the situation that arises.
‘’We can only achieve this with the generosity of the football community and those fortunate enough to help.
‘’Rest assured that whatever the outcome, the funds will be securely held within the trust. Any large expenditure will be subject to membership approval, as always. Our true desire is for a smooth ownership transition, allowing the funds to be spent on positive initiatives that benefit supporters. This is the desired outcome for everyone.’’
The Shrimps Trust was founded in 2017, as a voice of the fanbase, during a period of uncertainty which ultimately resulted in the acquisition of Morecambe Football Club Limited by Bond Group Investments Limited.
In February, hundreds of Morecambe supporters staged a march, highlighting the club was for sale.
Bond Group Investments has owned Morecambe FC since 2018.
The English Football League (EFL) have to approve any prospective new owner of any club.
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
