There has been a setback in a proposed Morecambe court action, and player Tom White plays in a friendly despite agent’s advice against it.
Lancashire Guardian report that a planned court application to force the sale of the recently relegated club by its owner, Jason Whittingham, and Bond Group Investments has been delayed due to a lack of communication.
Minority shareholders, supported by Wright & Lord Solicitors, sought a High Court order to appoint independent directors and oversee a sale of Bond Group shares.
Despite a 48-hour deadline given to Whittingham, there has been no word from him or the potential buyer, Panjab Warriors, amid rumours of a consortium led by Jonny Cato.
Whittingham faced a 12pm deadline on Monday to meet National League terms, or the club risks further sanctions.
There’s no sugarcoating this, it isn’t good news. Huge thanks to Steve, to Wright & Lord, and to the multiple minority shareholders who were willing to support the action, but with Panjab now radio silent, there’s no point in taking it to court unless they re-engage. pic.twitter.com/GUbfCrtolO
— James Wakefield (@JamesTWakefield) July 28, 2025
No, everyone concerned continues to try to find solutions, but it’s a body blow as this really did appear to be a viable route and substantial effort was put into it by multiple parties.
— James Wakefield (@JamesTWakefield) July 28, 2025
A statement from Wright & Lord Solicitors said: “On Wednesday 23 July 2025, we announced a planned action by a group of shareholders against Bond Group and Mr Whittingham. That was to seek an order from the Court to appoint directors and to require the completion of the sale to Panjab Warriors if Mr Whittingham failed to conclude the transaction within 48 hours.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from other minority shareholders and apologise for not having had time to respond to everyone individually.
“Meanwhile, Mr Whittingham has not responded at all to the letter of claim sent to him and Bond Group Investments Limited. And despite having assurances from Panjab Warriors’ legal team that Panjab Warriors would complete the transaction and provide evidence in support of a court application, they appear now to have reversed that decision. In fact, 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. Meanwhile, there does not appear to be any evidence to support the assertion that there is another buyer team, led by a Mr Cato or indeed anybody else.
“We believe the court process would have been successful and would have created a precedent for the protection of Clubs in future from rogue majority owners.
“We are in dialogue with the EFL and National League who have been very helpful and supportive. The unfortunate truth is that going into administration will not afford the protection from liquidation that exists for other companies operating in the UK, or indeed football clubs in the EFL This is due to a section in the National League Rules of competition (written before the rules regarding financial fair play were introduced) which requires all liabilities to be paid in full in order to exit administration and stay in the National League.
“Entering and then exiting administration therefore would involve a sizeable payment to Bond Group Investments. Accordingly, there would be nothing to gain, and such a payment would probably be very unpalatable to contemplate.
“Our efforts continue as a group to find solutions. – Wright & Lord Solicitors”
Meanwhile, the agent of Morecambe player Tom White had agent advised him not to play against AFC Fylde at the weekend due to the uncertainty of the club and risk of injury.
Liam McDermott wrote: “It’s well documented what’s going on at Morecambe at the moment, it’s an incredibly sad and frustrating situation for all concerned.
“But I want to share my respect and praise to this man.. Thomas Alan White.
“I look after Tom but we are also very close mates so I have a deep understanding of the emotions and strains he’s going through right now. He hasnt been paid for 2 months and has no idea where his future will be at the moment.
“For the first time in my career as an agent, I advised Whitey not to play yesterday at Fylde. With my agent hat on, im worried sick he’s going to get injured and his situation at Morecambe is difficult enough to navigate as it is.
“His response `no chance’ I wouldn’t do that to the gaffer and the fans.
“It came as no surprise that I got a text from one of my younger players who played, who told me that Whitey was immense both on the pitch and in the changing room yesterday.
“Toms professionalism, empathy and mentality, in the midst of a horrible situation is testament to his character and his values as a human being.
“Just don’t make many like you Thomas.”
LATEST STATEMENT FROM JASON WHITTINGHAM (27th July):
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 Sikh 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.
Jason Whittingham,
Bond Group Investments LTD
Tom White’s agent advised him not to play against AFC Fylde at the weekend due to the uncertainty of the club & risk of injury.
White’s response “No chance, I wouldn’t do that to the gaffer and the fans.”
What a class act 👏🏻#COYS🔴
pic.twitter.com/wmPmtxABVW— THE NL DECK (@TheDeckNL) July 28, 2025
Huge credit to all the @MorecambeFC supporters who travelled in their numbers this afternoon. You are an absolute credit to your football club.👏
All at AFC Fylde wishes everyone connected with the club all the very best and hope to see the situation resolved.🤝#BornToBeFylde pic.twitter.com/zWP9N2LwT4
— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) July 26, 2025
All @MorecambeFC senior players starting today against @AFCFylde – a quite remarkable effort from them and the youngsters. Every credit to all of them and the back room staff. @BBCLancsSport pic.twitter.com/GYTHwWgkin
— Derek Quinn (@derekquinncomm) July 26, 2025
FULL TIME: AFC Fylde 0-0 Morecambe
That could be it…
— Morecambe FC Feed (@MorecambeFCFeed) July 26, 2025
▶️Watch highlights from today’s Mill Farm stalemate as we hosted Morecambe at Mill Farm. ⤵️📺#BornToBeFylde pic.twitter.com/n3HEBwjhKp
— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) July 26, 2025
Unity at the end for @MorecambeFC players and fans after a competitive 0-0 draw with a good @AFCFylde side who I hope do well this season @BBCLancsSport pic.twitter.com/0j9h9oSDqm
— Derek Quinn (@derekquinncomm) July 26, 2025
Twitter users reacted to the setback in a proposed Morecambe court action and player Tom White plays in a friendly despite his agent’s advice…
@GazStan23: Without trying to sound selfish , my son is an academy play for Morecambe and seeing what has happened to this club is devastating and embarrassing. We will need to look for a new club no matter what happens and he loved playing football for Morecambe.
@harryy6666: FFS. Sounds like his arseholery scared off PW. This gets shitter by the hour.
@HolmesdaleView: Jason Whittingham and the Bond Group are absolute criminals for this. Ripping apart a football club which has stood as a focal point for the people of Morecambe for 105 years and they do not even have the decency to openly come out and face it. #Morecambe #UTS @MorecambeFC
@HrDesert: That’s it then, surely.
@harryy6666: Maybe a daft question but anything worth a try. Panjab Warriors has 2 directors on Companies House records. They both have active directorships in other companies. Is it worth trying to contact either via those other companies? Expect they’ve walked but worth a try
@MorecambeFCFeed: They have a web of companies that show no obvious signs of trading. Their whole bid seemed weird anyway… Too late now though, we’re gone.
@FGRFCNews: Such a shame for you all hope it changes somehow
@andyh2602: What’s going on @Panjabwarriors?
@HolmesdaleView: Jason Whittingham and the Bond Group are absolute criminals for this. Ripping apart a football club which has stood as a focal point for the people of Morecambe for 105 years and they do not even have the decency to openly come out and face it.
@cllrdclifford: So we’re now dependent on Jason meeting a deadline, which would be severely out of character. The NL won’t have much option but to suspend us. This story doesn’t end well
@nickday85: Not looking good for Morecambe 😢
@MarkHowsham: Rogue owners are the scourge of football. If the Morecambe owner is following the Dale play book, he will have issued a holding statement update and promise to the NL committee. Gaining an extension.
@heyit5sam: Deadline now passed for Morecambe FC. Can only hope Whittingham has put his tail between his legs, cut his losses and sold the club. Let’s hope he saw sense & actually did the right thing
