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Morecambe FC board say takeover talks are ‘at an advanced stage’

The Board of Directors at Morecambe FC say talks to takeover the club are ‘at an advanced stage’.

In a statement, they said that it was planned that paperwork to facilitate the sale from Bond Group would be submitted to the English Football League (EFL) ‘early next week’.

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A spokesperson for the club, on behalf of the directors, said: ‘’This morning, we spoke to Bond Group who confirmed talks with a prospective owner are at an advanced stage, and submissions to the EFL planned for early next week.’’

The club is owned by Bond Group Investments, of which Jason Whittingham is the director.

Last month, Mr Whittingham said four parties were interested in purchasing the Shrimps, amid the ongoing saga of the sale process at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, adding it was ‘highly doubtful’ that Bond Group would remain as owners in six months’ time.

He also told a national media outlet more than a month ago that he was aiming to close a deal with an un-named buyer within the next 10-14 days.

That timeframe came and went, with no update on the sale process or progression.

The statement also addressed the ongoing situation regarding lack of announcements in terms of the signing of new players for the upcoming season.

The club currently has five senior first team players under contract, and is operating under a transfer embargo imposed by the English Football League regarding and ongoing matter relating to payments owed to HMRC.

Despite Derek Adams returning as first team manager on June 3, no new players have yet been officially announced, with many fans voicing their concern and frustrations over an apparent lack of progress.

The statement continues: ‘’Concurrently, Derek Adams and his team are working hard to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.

‘’We appreciate the patience of every single fan and friend of the club and will provide further updates as soon as it is possible to do so.’’

The club’s financial situation comes against the backdrop of the long and protracted sale process, which has dogged the club for many months.

Morecambe Football Club was put up for sale in September 2022 by Bond Group.

The English Football League (EFL) has to approve any prospective new owner of any club.

Morecambe began pre-season training on Monday (July 1), ahead of the League Two campaign on August 10.

The Shrimps are due to play a number of friendly fixtures in the run up to the new season, including games against Championship side Blackburn Rovers and League One outfit Burton Albion.

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