Morecambe FC fans queued in their hundreds to get their hands on the club's new kit in a show of unity for the crisis-hit club.
Demand was huge for the newly-launched 2025/26 football strip at an event held at the former Beach Cafe on Morecambe Promenade on Tuesday.
At one point the queue of people waiting to get into the kit launch event stretched along the Prom from the Battery to near the junction with Alexandra Road in the West End of the town.
Banners were displayed outside the cafe calling for the sale of Morecambe Football Club and an end to the financial crisis that threatens its very existence.
Beyond Radio presenter SilentMark was among the fans waiting.
Speaking live on 'The Resident' show while he was there on Tuesday evening, he said he'd queued for more than two hours before finally getting in to buy the new kit.
He said there was a "community vibe" among the queueing fans.
Pictured below, SilentMark in the queue on Tuesday evening.
"I would say there's about 400 people here, it's jampacked with people and it's wonderful to see," he said, speaking at around 7.20pm on Tuesday.
"I started queuing at about 6.15pm, at the Alexandra Road entrance to the Prom. People are still queueing there, right up towards the church.
"They are delivering pizza in the queue (from) The Sultan Experience, there's been music from a couple of bands as well, people with acoustic guitars. It's a genuine community vibe. It's been really lovely.
"The new kit looks stunning."
Photo credit: The Terrace
There remains a huge question mark over whether Morecambe will play first-team league football this season wearing the new kit, with the club currently suspended from the National League and the league due to meet again on August 20 to discuss the Shrimps' future in the competition.
Morecambe technical supplier Terrace announced last week that they would still launch the kit - with three events at the former Beach cafe; yesterday evening, then again today (Wednesday August 6) from 9am to 7pm, and tomorrow (Thursday August 7) from 9am to 3pm.
Carl Sewell, director of Terrace, said last week: "We can confirm the kits and technical wear for Morecambe FC 2025/26 will be released, in an effort to recover our supply costs laid out and recover some of the brand's losses over recent months during the current challenges.
"After continuing to commercially support the club and proceed with stock orders at our own investment, we must proceed to recover our losses.
"Stock ordered by the club, will remain in holding, in hope of a brighter tomorrow before August 20. Should this stock not be required by the club, this will then be released for general sale.
"Finally, should a 'phoenix club' emerge in the shadows of any negative final conclusions, Terrace would like to put on record that playing kit will be provided free of charge for players, for the first two seasons, if required."
Below, fans queueing on Tuesday evening. Photo credit: The Sultan Experience
Meanwhile, there has been no further news on a possible sale of the club and an end to the crisis.
Staff are due to return to work at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium today (August 6), having still not been paid two-thirds of their June wages, and none of their salaries for July.
Talk has continued on what might happen in the worst case scenario, should the cash-strapped Shrimps be expelled from the National League and the club go out of business.
The Shrimps Trust supporters' group have been discussing the possibility of a new fan-run 'phoenix club'.
This week Nigel Borras, a Morecambe web designer and long-time Shrimps supporter, registered the company 'AFC Morecambe Ltd' at Companies House.
Mr Borras told Beyond Radio this was to "protect it" as a company, so it could be used in future if required for a 'phoenix club', and that he'd contacted the Shrimps Trust to inform them.
A Shrimps Trust spokesperson confirmed that Mr Borras had been in touch, and had no further comment to make at this stage.
As the crisis continues, other football clubs have rallied round to support Morecambe and its fans.
Bury FC has offered free tickets to Shrimps supporters for its game on Saturday.
"To our friends at Morecambe FC:
"We at Bury Football Club have watched with great sympathy and understanding as you navigate uncertain times. As a club that knows all too well what it feels like to face challenges off the pitch, we want you to know: you are not alone.
"As a gesture of solidarity and footballing friendship, we invite all Morecambe supporters to join us at Gigg Lane on Saturday, 9th August, for our home match.
"Whether you’re in need of a temporary football fix, a place to feel connected, or simply want to enjoy a matchday with fellow fans who understand—our gates and hearts are open to you.
"Show your Morecambe FC season ticket or wear your Morecambe FC badge with pride at our turnstiles for FREE entry to our Northern Premier League West home opener against Newcastle Town on Saturday 9th August 2025.
"Wear your colours. Bring your voices. You’ll be warmly welcomed as part of our football family."
Bury FC was expelled from the English Football League in 2019 amid its own financial crisis, then went into administration before re-emerging in the North West Counties League.
Harrogate Town AFC, from League Two, also offered free entry to Shrimps season ticket holders for their game on Saturday.
"We stand in solidarity with our friends at Morecambe FC," said a Harrogate Town spokesperson.
"We'd like to offer Shrimps season ticket holders a free ticket to our fixture against Grimsby on Saturday
"Just bring along your season ticket from this season or last season."
MORECAMBE FC CRISIS: TIMELINE OF EVENTS SO FAR
Friday June 27: The Morecambe FC board of directors reveal that the planned sale of the club to sports investment firm Panjab Warriors is on the brink of collapse, just weeks after the prospective new owners gained clearance from the English Football League (EFL) to proceed with a takeover. The board said owners Bond Group Investments were "considering reneging on the deal". Players and staff at the club were due to be paid their monthly salaries, but hadn't received the money from the owners.
Tuesday July 1: The board gives Bond Group an ultimatum, sell to Panjab Warriors or the club faces being put into administration. By this point, staff have been paid around a third of their wages.
Wednesday July 2: Jason Whittingham from Bond Group denies "stalling" over the deal, says he still intends to sell but that "any transfer of shares (has to be) done in a way that holds no recourse for either the club or Bond Group". He says he intends to "resolve the matter of staff salaries" and wants to "avoid administration at all costs". As such, he says he has begun the process of dismissing the board. All five board members - co-chairmen Rod Taylor and Graham Howse, and James Wakefield, Charles Appleyard and Mick Horton (below) - are terminated as directors at Companies House, although minutes of a Shrimps Trust meeting reveals all five had resigned before this.
Thursday July 3: Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale , says in Parliament that the club is "in crisis". Both she and Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, call on Bond Group to complete the sale. In a further statement, Jason Whittingham says "work continues to complete the sale process and give Morecambe Football Club the fresh start the club and its community deserve". Sponsors Bay Camera and Communications Ltd say they will stop sponsoring the club until it is sold.
Friday July 4: Mr Whittingham says the long-awaited sale will complete on Monday July 7 and that final terms have been agreed with Panjab Warriors. The board of directors, he said, have been invited back to "support the final stages of the sale process". The five directors are then reappointed. The Shrimps Trust said they had spoken to Kuljeet Singh Momi of Panjab Warriors, who confirmed an agreement had been reached. But, said the trust: "If a deal is indeed agreed, we do not understand why it needs the weekend to complete."
Monday July 7: Mr Whittingham says the sale will not complete on Monday as extra time is needed for "final items" to be signed off and "it’s likely we will need tomorrow to complete the sale.’’ In response, the board of directors resign again. Mr Whittingham also says there has been "a campaign of abuse" against him and his family on social media and this has "put off at least two potential buyers" of the football club.
Tuesday July 8: Panjab Warriors say everything is ready for them to take charge and accuse Mr Whittingham of holding the club hostage. As the new Football Governance Bill passes through the Commons, Lizzi Collinge calls on the Morecambe FC owner to "sign the damn paperwork". Morecambe beat Longridge 2-1 in their first pre-season friendly.
Wednesday July 9: Jason Whittingham says a new buyer has come forward and agreements will be signed "this evening". The Shrimps Trust respond by saying that the National League had not been made aware of the alternate buyer.
Thursday July 10: Panjab Warriors say they are "currently seeking legal advice and will begin exploring all legal avenues, including action for misrepresentation and recovery of funds". Meanwhile, events and functions at the football club are having to be cancelled, including parties for primary school leavers, due to the ongoing issues.
Friday July 11: Tarnia Elsworth of the Shrimps Trust said the club was "effectively grinding to a halt". The club is, by now, under a transfer embargo preventing them from signing new players.
Saturday July 12: Panjab Warriors has raised formal complaints with the National League. They have called for an investigation - alleging breaches of the Owners' and Directors' Test (OADT) which owners have to pass to show they are fit and proper to own a football club.
Monday July 14 In an interview with 'The Ugly Game' website, Rod Taylor, former co-chairman of Morecambe, says the club has "only days left, literally days.”
Tuesday July 15: Fans club together to raise money for a treat for the playing staff, who still have not been paid in full. Morecambe defeat Hyde United 5-2 in a pre-season friendly.
Wednesday July 16: Morecambe announce their upcoming pre-season fixture against Barrow AFC on Tuesday July 22 at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium will now be played behind closed doors.
Thursday July 17: The Shrimps Trust reveal the name of a person they say that two different sources have told them is in talks over the sale. Mr Whittingham released a statement saying "recent guesses" on the identity of a prospective new buyer of the club are "not accurate".
Friday July 18: Beyond Radio and national media visit the club to speak to former directors and fans about the crisis. Mr Whittingham releases a statement saying the consortium buying Bond Group's major shareholding in Morecambe FC is "led by Mr Jonny Cato" and that "sales agreements will be completed today" with a "further announcement to follow today". No further announcement is made.
Saturday July 19: Morecambe draw 1-1 away at Marine in a pre season friendly. Panjab Warriors "express deep concern and strongly contest yesterday’s public announcement by Mr Jason Whittingham regarding a proposed sale of Morecambe Football Club to a consortium including named individual Mr Jonny Cato".
Sunday July 20: Morecambe FC announces its pre-season friendly with Barrow, scheduled for Tuesday July 22, has been cancelled.
Monday July 21: The Shrimps Trust supporters group say that "we understand that the (Barrow) fixture on Tuesday has been cancelled as the players as a group have decided not to play until the current ownership situation is resolved" and "we support their decision".
Tuesday July 22: BBC Radio Lancashire report that they've spoken to Derek Adams, Morecambe FC manager, who says "the players are not on strike and they all trained today at the training ground. Their professionalism has been magnificent during this difficult time. We all want this situation to be resolved and the best outcome for Morecambe Football Club." Morecambe announces their game with AFC Fylde on Saturday will go ahead.
Wednesday July 23: A group of Morecambe FC shareholders issue an ultimatum to the owner - sell the club within 48 hours or face High Court action. Wright and Lord Solicitors, of Morecambe, say a 'minority shareholder' action could be taken against Bond Group Investments and Jason Whittingham in an effort to force the long-awaited sale of the Shrimps.
Friday July 25: The National League gives Mr Whittingham until noon on Monday to meet terms they'd outlined to him in writing. They are due to meet on Monday afternoon to "discuss possible further sanctions".
Saturday July 26: Morecambe draw 0-0 away at AFC Fylde in a pre-season friendly.
Sunday July 27: Jason Whittingham releases a public statement saying: "Bond Group Investments has continued to work with the consortium led by Jonny Cato in their efforts to acquire the majority shareholding in Morecambe Football Club. Whilst talks are ongoing, it is clear that continual negative press statements impacting on the club, have given them cause for concern and pause. Alongside this, Bond Group had agreed to an offer, made by a representative of, and on behalf of, the Panjab Warriors, and are ready to sell on that basis. Despite numerous attempts over the past week to contact Panjab Warriors regarding their offer, and our willingness to complete, we have not heard from them. We now urge the Panjab Warriors to make contact in an effort to complete on the sale."
Monday July 28: The planned High Court action by a group of Morecambe FC minority shareholders, hoping to force a sale of the club, has stalled. Wright and Lord Solicitors said: "Over the past week, it has proved impossible for anybody involved to directly reach any of the Panjab Warriors representatives. Without the evidential support from Panjab Warriors and their commitment to buy, any court application at this stage is futile."
The National League suspends Morecambe until August 20, affecting their first three league games of the season due to start on August 9, and also removes them from the coming season's National League Cup. The league will meet again on August 20 to discuss whether to expel the Shrimps altogether.
Tuesday July 29: Panjab Warriors, Wright and Lord Solicitors on behalf of a group of minority shareholders, the Shrimps Trust and Lizzi Collinge release a joint statement saying: "Panjab Warriors are now ready, willing and able to proceed with the purchase immediately. The funds required to clear the necessary liabilities would be met forthwith. This would see the payment of all outstanding wages and other immediate liabilities to allow the club to prepare for the season and lift the club’s suspension and embargo from the National League. The National League are aware and ready to sanction the deal and immediately lift the suspension and embargo should the sale proceed."
Morecambe's friendly match with Lancaster City, scheduled to take place that evening, has been cancelled.
Wednesday July 30: A joint statement by Panjab Warriors, Wright and Lord Solicitors on behalf of a group of minority shareholders, the Shrimps Trust and Lizzi Collinge, says "the first team have had to stop all football operations as the required insurance which was in place has now lapsed as payment has not been made".
Thursday July 31: A further joint statement, by Panjab Warriors and the minority shareholders action group, says "as of Monday, 4th August, the club is officially shut" unless the sale is completed. Tarnia Elsworth steps down as chair of the Shrimps Trust and is given a standing ovation by members for her work over the past year in what the trust called "undoubtedly the most challenging period in the history of Morecambe FC", during the organisation's Annual General Meeting held at the Strathmore hotel.
Friday August 1: Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, reveals she's written to Mr Whittingham calling on him to complete the sale. It is announced that an event celebrating Morecambe FC, to raise money for the Shrimps Trust, will be held at the Winter Gardens in Morecambe on August 22.
Monday August 4: Beyond Radio visits the club where a small number of employees - including members of management - are still going about their duties. No official closure date is confirmed by the staff we spoke to and the club's much-loved kit man of 30 years, Les Dewhirst, tells us that today "was never the last day".
Read more:
Morecambe FC crisis: "It was never the last day" - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Top government minister calls on Shrimps owner to sell club - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC fans' group chair to step down from role - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: First team football operations at club have stopped - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Shrimps suspended from National League - reaction - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Shrimps suspended from National League - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Pre-season match "will go ahead" amid dismay over club's future - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Owner names head of prospective new buyers of club - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Fans rally round to offer support to playing staff - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: "Club effectively grinding to a halt" - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Panjab Warriors threaten legal action after Shrimps sale U-turn - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Owner announces last-minute new buyer of club - Beyond Radio
Businesses rally round to help Morecambe FC staff as wages remain unpaid - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC owners-in-waiting say club is "being held hostage" over delayed sale - Beyond Radio
UPDATED: Morecambe FC takeover deal still not done as board resign for second time - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC owner says social media ‘campaign of abuse’ has put off potential buyers of club
Morecambe FC owners say sale of club will complete on Monday
Morecambe FC crisis: Devastated Shrimps fan withdraws sponsorship until club is sold
Morecambe FC owner says "work continues to complete the sale process"
‘Crisis point’ - Morecambe FC owner sacks board of directors as administration row rumbles on
Administration threat as Morecambe FC owner given sale ultimatum
'Where is the money?' Morecambe FC sale on brink of collapse after wages delay
INTERVIEW: Morecambe Maritime Festival to set sail for second year
Dad of Morecambe teenager killed in road crash jailed for 10 years
Health trust in charge of Lancaster hospital seeks new public governors
Lancaster MP to run half marathon for Gaza crisis aid charity
Morecambe FC crisis: "It was never the last day"
"Unbelievable vandalism" at historic Lancaster house
Council deputy leader apologises after "flippant remarks" about Carnforth cause a storm
Tickets flying out for fans' night celebrating Morecambe FC
Storm Floris bringing travel disruption to Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
New exhibition in Lancaster celebrates black entertainers of Morecambe's heyday
Police take action after Morecambe roads used as "car sales forecourt"
Morecambe FC crisis: Top government minister calls on Shrimps owner to sell club
Empty beer keg used to smash window as burglars target Morecambe bar
Morecambe FC crisis: Football club to "officially shut" on Monday, say would-be owners
Morecambe FC fans' group chair to step down from role
'Morecambe's new brunch spot' set to open in former pizzeria
Cancer charity CEO is new President of Lancaster and Morecambe Chamber of Commerce
Morecambe FC crisis: First team football operations at club have stopped
Apology after bin collections delayed due to staffing shortages
VIDEO: Morecambe puppy rescued from violent beatings stars in new RSPCA film with Alesha Dixon
