Morecambe FC’s board of directors have issued a stark ultimatum to Bond Group Investments and director Jason Whittingham—complete the sale of the club by 6 pm or face administration.
Initially set for 4 pm, the deadline was extended this afternoon after “new information came to light,” according to co-chairman Rod Taylor. It follows mounting pressure from within the club, the prospective buyers Panjab Warriors, and a fanbase growing increasingly angry with the prolonged sale process, which has dragged on since September 2022.
The crisis deepened last week when players and staff failed to receive two-thirds of their June wages. A third has since been paid, but with the remaining balance still outstanding, unrest has spread across all levels of the club. The responsibility to meet payroll obligations lies with Bond Group until the sale completes—obligations they have now failed to fulfil.
In a statement issued this morning, the club’s board accused Whittingham of “refusing to sell his shares” despite previous verbal and written agreements. They claim Panjab Warriors are fully prepared to pay wages but cannot do so until ownership officially transfers.
“Jason Whittingham risks the destruction of people’s livelihoods, the truly wonderful football club that we love, the community that it sits at the heart of, and 105 years of proud history,” the board said.
It’s the strongest public condemnation yet from within the club, and one that makes clear where blame lies in the eyes of senior leadership.
Supporters and PFA Rally Behind Staff and Players
On Monday night, fan group The 1920 Union held a demonstration outside the Mazuma Mobile Stadium. Though hastily arranged, it drew significant support. A statement from the group reinforced solidarity with players and staff and pledged further action to raise media attention.
The Shrimps Trust also voiced its support for the board’s position, encouraging Whittingham to finalise the sale and pledging ongoing assistance to affected employees. Citizens Advice North Lancashire has been made available to support club staff during the uncertainty.
The Professional Footballers’ Association added its backing on Tuesday, highlighting the human toll of delayed wages and calling for a swift resolution.
Despite having passed the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test weeks ago, Panjab Warriors remain unable to act due to Whittingham’s refusal to complete the deal. The group claim they have already invested £6 million in efforts to acquire the club.
At the time of writing, Whittingham and Bond Group have yet to release any public statement.
Writer’s View
Morecambe’s situation is tragically familiar—a club caught in limbo by ownership that no longer seems willing or able to fulfil its obligations. With an approved buyer ready to act and wages overdue, the refusal to complete the sale borders on reckless. The board’s decision to threaten administration is drastic, but perhaps it’s the only card they have left.
What matters most now is safeguarding the livelihoods of players, staff and the fabric of a club that has served its community for over a century. The clock is ticking, and Morecambe deserves better than this brinkmanship.
