Morecambe FC thank fans for ‘inspirational’ support after ownership protest

Hundreds of Morecambe FC fans gathered to take part in an organised protest against the owners of the club.

The action was organised to put pressure on the current and prospective owners to progress the sale of the club quickly.

Morecambe FC is owned by Bond Group Investments, whose sole director is Jason Whittingham. The club has been up for sale since September 2022 and many fans have called for a change of ownership as quickly as possible so new investment can come in.

In a rare public statement last week, Mr Whittingham told ITV that a deal with an as yet un-named buyer of the club had been agreed back in July, and negotiations to conclude the sale with the English Football League (EFL), who have to ratify any deal, remained ongoing.

The Shrimps currently sit rock bottom of the Football League, occupying last place in the League 2 table, as frustrations continue to mount amongst their fan base.

Before their game at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on Saturday against Port Vale, which the Shrimps lost 1-0, a large group of fans marched from The Exchange pub on Regent Road to the stadium.

The protest was organised by the Shrimps Trust, which represents Morecambe fans, with support from the recently formed protest group, The 1920 Union,

At kick off, black balloons were released inside the stadium, and in the 26^th minute, fans turned their back to the pitch for two minutes, to signify the 26 months that the club has officially been put up for sale.

There was a highly charged atmosphere inside the stadium throughout the game, which was acknowledged by the club after the match.

In a statement, they said: ‘’On behalf of the staff, directors, and players of Morecambe Football Club, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the fans who supported the team during our recent match against Port Vale.

‘’The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the Shrimps' faithful were nothing short of inspiring. From the first whistle to the final moments of the game, the support was truly fantastic.

‘’The atmosphere created by you, the fans was electric, and the vocal backing could be heard throughout the entire match, driving the team forward despite the result.

‘’We are proud to say that the attendance at the game marked the largest home support of the season, excluding our special Community Day. This level of support means everything to the club, and it reinforces the incredible connection between the team and the town.

''A special thankyou goes out to those supporters who stayed behind after the match to assist with the clearing of the stadium.

‘’Your dedication and teamwork reflect the true spirit of Morecambe FC, and we're grateful for your efforts.’’

A spokesperson for the Shrimps Trust said: ‘’From the police force and our local MP, to the media, the FSA, and throughout the football family -you have shown us Shrimps fans a tremendous amount of comradery and support.

‘’We have contacted the owner numerous times since our last update. However, we have received no response.

‘’We have (also) had no contact from the prospective owners, and we still do not know who they are.

‘’The Shrimps Trust will continue to communicate with the above parties and provide any update that we can. We urge the owner and the prospective owner to move at pace going forward.

‘’You can see the frustration of our fan base growing. These protests are the start, and we will be discussing and agreeing further, stronger action to ensure that pressure is kept on.

‘’We have worked hard to get our plight across to the media, and thank those who have covered far.

Morecambe and Lunesdale MP, Lizzi Collinge has been supporting a revamped and strengthened Football Governance Bill, aimed at addressing the issues facing the financial sustainability of the professional game in England.

The Bill aims to establish an Independent Football Regulator and a new set of rules to protect clubs, empower fans and keep clubs at the heart of their communities, tackling financial sustainability across the football pyramid.

Ms Collinge joined the protest on Saturday and added: ‘’It was great to be at Morecambe FC supporting the fans.

‘’This brilliant community is the reason I'm working on football regulation and why the Bill currently going through Parliament is so important.

‘’Thanks to the Shrimps Trust for welcoming me.’’