Morecambe chairman confirms club will stay ‘full time professional’ following National League relegation

The chairman of Morecambe FC says the Shrimps will remain a full time professional club, despite their relegation from the National League.

The Shrimps will compete in the sixth tier of English football next season for the first time since 1995, after relegation was confirmed following a 5-1 defeat at Woking on Saturday.

It was the club’s third relegation in four seasons, after being a League One side less than three years ago.

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WATCH: Morecambe’s relegation from National League sealed after heavy Woking loss

The drop into National League North caps a tumultuous first season for ownership group Panjab Warriors, following their takeover of the club from Bond Group in August 2025.

In a lengthy statement released on Saturday night, chairman Kuljeet Singh Momi ruled out the playing side of the club becoming a part time operation, and were ‘committed to the rebuild of this wonderful club.’

Addressing who were described as ‘valued Morecambe supporters, sponsors, partners, staff and stakeholders,’ Mr Momi said:

‘’Today is a painful day for us all.

‘’The frustration and anger felt by many of you is fully shared by us too and we completely recognise that the optimism and positivity that was evident last August was not able to be carried forward throughout the season. The expectations that we all shared have not materialised on the pitch.

‘’As owners, we are committed to continuing the required rebuild of this wonderful football club with urgency, vigour and renewed determination.

‘’In football, we all know that the table never lies and the results fell short of the expectations we all had. None of us wanted or expected to be in this position.

‘’And yet notwithstanding those results, your loyalty and support at matches all season has been unwavering and special. We very much appreciate that support and recognise that it deserves more going forward.’’

Morecambe legend Jim Bentley returned to the club at the end of January, following the disastrous tenure of Ashvir Singh Johal, which saw the club win just five of their first 28 league games, and crash out of both the FA Cup and FA Trophy at the hands of lower league opposition.

Below: manager, Jim Bentley

However, despite some fine victories, notably a 4-2 victory away at Rochdale, and a 5-0 win at Sutton United, the Shrimps could only muster four wins and five draws from his 16 games back in charge. Over the course of the campaign, this points per game return would have been likely to see the club beat the drop, but defeats at crucial times, including a run of three losses in a row just before Easter, proved costly.

The statement continues: ‘’Jim’s recent work has reinvigorated many parts of the Club and in particular has started to rebuild the vitally important connection between the first team and the fans.

‘’However, the complete root and branch review of the whole football club, both on and off the pitch that we started some time ago will complete shortly. Wherever we need to change things to give the Club the best possible chance of success, both football-wise and day-to-day operations-wise, that change will happen.

‘’Since we completed the takeover, we have provided the Club with the financial backing needed to be competitive and that commitment and backing from us will always continue.

‘’Relegation does not change our long-term vision and plans or our resolve and commitment to transform the significantly loss-making business that we inherited and which we are determined to turn around and make sustainable as soon as is possible.

‘’This football club has so many great opportunities to take advantage of and we intend to do this both with you and for you.

‘’Planning for next season started several weeks ago and discussions with Jim Bentley about the most appropriate shape of the football department, the first team squad and his role within the Club next season are continuing and have been positive. One thing is non-negotiable though, and we will be remaining a full-time professional football club next season.

‘’Our objectives are very clear - to learn from the experience of this season, raise professional standards wherever necessary throughout the business, continue to provide the first team with the resources required to succeed, and rebuild a club that you can all be proud of once again without being hindered by historic mistakes, financial indiscipline and mismanagement.

‘We are not hiding from taking the difficult decisions required to return the good times to Morecambe.

‘’To each and every fan who has supported and remained loyal to us this year, we sincerely thank you. You are the bedrock of this great football club and we will reset, rebuild, rise and return stronger. You deserve it.’’