Morecambe FC "continues to face serious financial pressures"

Morecambe FC bosses and members of a fans' group have met for talks on several issues still facing the club as owners continue to inject £200K a month to keep the Shrimps afloat.

A "constructive and positive" meeting was held between the Shrimps Trust, the official body representing Morecambe fans, and Ropinder Singh, club Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer Steve Dewsnip - as they discussed a range of matters both on and off the pitch.

Among the topics was the current financial position and challenges the club finds itself in.

Minutes from the meeting reveal that the club "continues to face serious financial pressures, with insufficient revenue and excessive costs".

But cash flow was described as ‘’firm and consistent, with no issues".

It was confirmed that owners Panjab Warriors - who took over in August 2025 - have been injecting approximately £200,000 per month to keep the club afloat, which is not considered sustainable.

Key priority areas are driving new revenue streams, reducing costs and overheads, and ensuring the club does not owe any more undisclosed debts, after a winding up petition was issued against the club from a groundworks company over an unpaid bill under the previous ownership of Bond Group.

This led to the National League placing a transfer embargo - the second in a matter of weeks – on the club.

A statement from the club last month stated that the bill was being settled in full, and the National League confirmed the embargo had been lifted.

Other creditors, including Lancaster and Morecambe College, which serves as the club’s training base and where the Academy play their home fixtures, remain unpaid. As a result, the club said they will need to find an alternative location to train in the interim.

While the debt to the college remained outstanding, the club said they had been charged for use of the facility despite the grass pitches being ‘’unusable’’ for large periods of time due to the weather.

There was also acknowledgement that, due to the circumstances surrounding the sale and acquisition of the club last summer, due diligence was not completed before contracts were exchanged.

Panjab Warriors bought the majority shareholding in Morecambe Football Club from previous owners Bond Group Investments in August 2025.

The club had been up for sale for almost three years, having gone on the market in September 2022.

The protracted sale process included a series of tense back-and-forth public statements between the parties involved last summer, and Morecambe FC staff not being paid wages in June and July 2025, with the outstanding amounts only settled after Panjab Warriors took over.

Morecambe FC was also suspended from the National League on July 28, and unable to kick off the season as planned on August 9, amid concerns over the club's ability to meet its financial obligations for 2025/26, again eventually starting the season after the takeover was complete.

The club said they now have full visibility of who is owed money and is in active discussions to resolve matters with outstanding creditors, and that both the regulator and the National League remain in close and frequent contact with the club.

It was also revealed at the meeting that staff wages for March were delayed "as a result of banking batch issues with Barclays". They have now been paid.

The club are reviewing ways to streamline the payment process, and a commitment was given that staff will continue to be paid on time going forward.

Ben Cassar, vice chair of the Shrimps Trust (below), said: ‘’Monday’s meeting between the Shrimps Trust, Morecambe FC and the Community Foundation was a constructive and positive one.

‘’No single meeting will erase the concerns felt across the fanbase over recent months, nor should it. However, Monday did represent a step forward and an important opportunity for open and honest dialogue.

‘’A wide range of topics were discussed, including many of the questions previously raised with the club by Shrimps Trust members. Engagement from all parties was clear throughout, and assurances were provided on several key matters.

‘’If those assurances are now followed through, it will mark the beginning of an important process of rebuilding trust and confidence around Morecambe FC, recognising that this will take both hard work and time.

‘’As always, we will continue to work constructively with the club and its representatives, while continuing to challenge and raise the concerns of our members wherever necessary.’’

Other matters discussed in the meeting included:

Appointment of Chief Operating Officer

Steve Dewsnip has been in post just over five weeks and described it as a “baptism of fire”, but one he is enjoying.

He said he is committed to open, honest and transparent dialogue and is focused on making the club more efficient and financially sustainable, acknowledging this will be a long-term process with challenges ahead.

The door remains open for dialogue and he has already had productive discussions with Mr Cassar.

Embargoes & Regulation

Embargoes have been imposed and lifted quickly once issues were clarified.

The National League and regulator continue to monitor the position closely, with communication taking place every few days.

Kit Supplier

Following the club’s decision to part company with current kit supplier Terrace, a  replacement supplier has been agreed, with the name to be announced shortly. Contracts have been negotiated and signing is imminent.

There is ‘’confidence that the club will not be without kits for the summer".

Season tickets

The early bird sale is underway and will run for one month, and pricing is considered to offer strong value regardless of league status.

The Mazuma Mobile Stadium

Non-Football Revenue

It was acknowledged that the stadium is underused during the week.

A new weekly marketing committee has now been formed. There will be increased focus on events, community engagement and front-office visibility.

Budgets for next season are being finalised with a strong emphasis on commercial growth.

Accounts

The accounts for 2024/25 are largely ready, with the audit delayed due to auditor availability.

External accountants are supporting completion of the final audit, and there is confidence that the accounts will be filed on time. They are due to be submitted to Companies House by May 25.

Draft accounts for the licensing application are ready to sign once the audit is complete.

Football Matters

It was acknowledged that relegation could impact attendances, however there is confidence in finding alternative revenue streams.

There remains a commitment to keeping the Academy going in some form next season.

Following Ashvir Singh Johal’s departure, 35 CVs have been received for the role of first team manager, with three to four candidates currently under discussion for next season.

The club also placed on record their desire for current manager Jim Bentley (below) to remain at the club in some capacity next season and into the future.

Communication & Supporters

The club acknowledged supporter concern following several difficult years. A commitment was given to improved communication and to answering questions where possible.

It was stated that Kuljeet Singh Momi and Harjit Singh, the current directors of the business, are not comfortable answering all questions asked due to business sensitivity and confidentiality, however anything that can be answered would be.

They added there was ‘’a clear desire to get the supporter base back on the front foot and refocus on positive stories".

Morecambe currently lie second from bottom of the National League, in deep relegation trouble, with five games of the season to play, starting away at league leaders Rochdale on Good Friday.