
Morecambe FC has appointed a leading champion of the football club as its new Director of Fan Engagement.
Tarnia Elsworth, former chair of the Shrimps Trust supporters group, will be appointed to the club's board of directors in the new role.
Ms Elsworth was front and centre during the fight to save the club earlier this year, amid a financial and ownership crisis prior to new owners Panjab Warriors taking control.
She will lead the club’s strategy for fan and business engagement, working with the ownership, the directors and team, the Shrimps Trust and wider fanbase, the Morecambe FC Community Foundation (the club's official charity), and the wider community to ensure that Morecambe FC has a modern and exciting approach to fan engagement.
"It really is a dream come true to be a director at Morecambe FC, and a very proud moment for myself and my family," said Ms Elsworth.
"Having been part of the Shrimps Trust in the 2024/2025 season, I have worked with a large section of our fan base, and I look forward to expanding that remit.
"I understand that without our fan base our club would be nothing and am keen, therefore, that they are at the heart of decision-making and the future for Morecambe FC.
"I have good connections across the district and county, as well as giving our current fan base and business users the best experience possible. I want to work with everyone at the club to ensure that we are attracting new fans and new businesses that want to enjoy not only the football but also the fantastic community facilities that we have at the Mazuma Stadium too.
"I will be working hard over the coming weeks to get a fan engagement strategy in public view, and I will be using my skill set (and enthusiasm) to ensure that Morecambe FC goes from strength to strength in this area.
"Sustainability is key at this level of our beautiful game; the support that we saw when we were in our darkest times at the end of last season was incredible.
"I hope that I can make certain all that support continues, and we get as many people as possible enjoying and supporting the success and sustainability of the next part of the club's history."
Ropinder Singh from Panjab Warriors, CEO of Morecambe FC, said: "We worked with Tarnia last year and were impressed by her professionalism, relationship with the fan base, and knowledge of the community across the district (and wider county).
"We think she is perfect for this role, and we are already excited about her leading the strategy for fan engagement after the discussions we have had.
"We want to work with dynamic and enthusiastic people that will help our plans to make this club as successful as possible.
"As custodians of the club, it is vital that we have the right board of directors in place, who are committed to a new and sustainable, values-driven way of working.
"The fan base is the heartbeat of Morecambe FC; it is critical that they play a key role in the plans and future of our club."
Ms Elsworth stepped down as chair of the Shrimps Trust in the summer.
She runs her own business in the town, financial advisers TP Financial Solutions, alongside her wife Annabel Lumsden.
Morecambe FC said its owners were in discussion about further appointments to the club's board of directors and further announcements will be made in due course; and that Ms Elsworth's appointment remains subject to the necessary FA clearances.
The other directors at Morecambe FC are new chairman Kuljeet Singh Momi, former co-chairmen Rod Taylor and Graham Howse, and Harjit Singh.