Morecambe FC staff and players finally paid overdue wages

Friday, 31 March 2023 16:55

Morecambe FC has confirmed that staff and players have finally received their overdue wages for March.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the club said: ‘’This afternoon, we can confirm that all wages for March 2023 have been paid.

‘’We would like to place on record, our massive thanks to all staff and players for their patience, co-operation and understanding during this period. The selflessness and commitment shown across the football club has been incredible during a challenging and stressful time.

‘’We will continue to work extremely hard behind the scenes to make sure this is avoided going forward.

‘’Collectively, our focus switches back to football and our survival in League One, starting at Barnsley tomorrow.’’

Co-Chairman Graham Howse, added: ‘’I’m pleased to confirm that Sarb Capital have made a significant six figure investment into the club through a purchase of shares today.

‘’We are grateful for the efforts and generosity of Sarbjot and the team at Sarb Capital.’’

The news broke on Tuesday morning that payments due may be delayed, which proved to be the case. Now, three days on, payroll has finally been fulfilled.

Earlier, director, James Wakefield expressed his frustrations at the situation.

‘’The bottom line is our priority is getting good people paid for the work they’ve already done,’’ he said, speaking to The Shrimps Trust Podcast.

‘’The board, to a man, is livid that we find ourselves in this situation. It is only the Bond Group who have control over the sale process and access to the information required to source external funding.

‘’Our never say die attitude doesn’t change. We massively appreciate the patience of the people who work for the club – staff, players, everybody.

‘’It’s hugely frustrating, but our frustrations pale into insignificance next to the importance of people being able to pay their mortgages.’’

A statement, attributed to Jason Whittingham of club owners Bond Group Investments Ltd, on Tuesday, said payments may be delayed but they fully expected them to be made by the end of the week.

The Shrimps have been officially up for sale since autumn 2022.

Potential new owner, businessman Sarbjot Johal, was still in negotiations hoping to complete a proposed takeover with his company Sarb Capital.

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

Bond Group Investments has owned Morecambe FC since 2018.

Prior to that, Shrimps staff experienced delays in payment of wages several times during the 2016/17 season during an ownership crisis which enveloped the club.

The Shrimps travel to Barnsley in League One tomorrow.