Fans react as Morecambe FC issues a joint statement on an ownership agreement in principle, but we have heard this all before.
The suspended National League club’s owners (Bond Group, led by Jason Whittingham) and buyers Panjab Warriors have agreed in principle to transfer majority shares, following mediation after a prior failed session.
The EFL approved the takeover in June post-relegation from League Two, but the club faced chaos including suspension from the National League, operations closure in late July, and an impasse.
A separate bid involved businessman Jonny Cato. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy urged the sale amid the Football Governance Bill’s passage.
The joint statement emphasises compromise for stability, thanks staff (naming Rob, Derek, Oliver, Martin), apologises for stress, and calls for fan support. Final documents are being prepared, with unclear timeline.
Joint Statement – Morecambe Football Club Ownership Agreement#UTS 🦐
— Morecambe FC (@MorecambeFC) August 14, 2025
Encouraging news today. Cautiously hopeful this leads to real stability for Morecambe FC. The fans, staff, and community have waited long enough. https://t.co/S0LcvyLUoZ
— Lisa Nandy MP (@lisanandy) August 14, 2025
MORECAMBE STATEMENT:
Panjab Warriors and Bond Group Investments Ltd are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached in principle for the transfer of majority shareholding in Morecambe Football Club Ltd.
Following constructive discussions and a shared commitment to securing the future of the club, both parties have agreed to a structured settlement that ensures a smooth and fair transition.
This agreement reflects the willingness of both sides to compromise in the best interests of Morecambe FC, its supporters, and the wider community. It paves the way for continued stability and a positive future both on and off the pitch.
Final legal documentation will now be prepared, with immediate steps being taken to inform key stakeholders, including the National League and the club’s management team.
Both Panjab Warriors and Bond Group would like to thank all parties involved for their patience and support during this process, and we look forward to a new chapter in the club’s history.
Bond Group Investments adds:
We would like to thank all of the staff at the Club for their forbearance and can only apologise for the stress this has caused. In particular I would like to thank Rob, Derek, Oliver and Martin for their continued professional conduct and support throughout this process and also their support for the staff and the Community.
I would hope that the Shrimps Fans can now give their full support to the Club and it’s journey ahead.
SHRIMPS TRUST STATEMENT:
The Trust can confirm that a constructive meeting has taken place between Bond Group and Panjab Warriors.
We understand that formal negotiations have now concluded and that Sale and Purchase Agreements are in the process of being documented for submission to the National League.
This represents a significant step forward in the process. While we remain cautious until the necessary approvals have been confirmed, all parties have verified this information with us, giving us some assurance that a resolution is in sight.
Fans react as Morecambe FC issues a joint statement on an ownership agreement in principle…
@DippyDon_95: Until there’s official confirmation of a takeover I wouldn’t trust that Jason Whittingham bloke at all
@GabSutton: Anybody have an idea of whether this is likely to be good news or not? Fingers crossed this comes to fruition
@rokerroarontour: Until that paper is signed forgive me if I dont believe him
@CRparker88: We’ve only heard this drivel about 5 times already, so I’ll believe it when/if it actually happens. Probably more BS
@Champ_GFC74: There have been too many false dawns with this charlatan. I can only hope this one finally carries some substance to the statement 🤞🙏
@pgillett2024: I won’t believe it until all the legal stuff has gone through without any problems but hopefully this is the start of the loyal fans getting their club back… #UTS
@OliMGraham: If you believe this I don’t know what to tell you. Jason has lied and lied and lied and if this is a continuation of this tactic to see him through to the 20th then I will not be surprised. We’ve seen all these words before, remain vigilant #JasonOut
@princessmacd: Fingers crossed for you all from @ReadingFC fans 🙏 🤞 just don’t hold your breath because we know only to well that it isn’t done until it is done 🤔
@RuytonShrew: Think we’ve come to learn that, where Jason Whittingham is concerned, nothing can be taken at face value. Don’t believe it til it is actually done and dusted.
@JLeech456: I don’t see reason to trust it any more than the other 200 statements that have turned out to be nonsense
@SBJJC97: We’ve been here before, we’ve heard it before. I won’t believe anything until the sale is complete.
@stormcloud25: Let’s hope so, but I won’t believe it until Whittingham signs on the dotted line. We’ve had too many false dawns before.
@TheMemphisEra: Would love to sit here and say this is great news, but wasn’t there a ‘deal agreed’ previously? Still racing against the clock this, 6 more days.
@JCrook93: It’s now or never. Let’s wait & see. Leopards never change their spots
@thescreenster: We’ve been here before two months ago. The difference is we now have basically no players and the staff still haven’t been paid. I’ll believe it when we’ve actually been sold
@SmiffySUFC: “Agreement in principle”. Good news, in principle!…hopefully the paperwork gets completed and everything finalised with CH in the coming days. It’s not done until it’s done though, as all Shrimpers know too well.
@alfieeswilson: Literally near word for word of the June statement ://
@harry_statter: DONT GET YOUR HOPES UP. HOW MANY TIMES HAS THIS HAPPENED?
@ThomasFeaheny: Hopefully this gets concluded & Morecambe can get back to playing football as Panjab Warriors & Bond Group Investments announce an agreement has been reached in principle for the transfer of the majority shareholding of the club. Final legal documentation are now being prepared
@DannyRead1993: This is positive likely than not now @MorecambeFC are finally saved but why it took over a month for Jason Whittingham & Chris Golding to complete this transaction
He said this on the 4th July. Spot the difference. Not enough salt in the world for the pinch required.
— JS (@jswindle29) August 14, 2025
Is this not the same thing I saw 2 months ago? Is it an accidental retweet? pic.twitter.com/sKWueSJVyj
— Bobby Stephens (@_bobbystephens) August 14, 2025
