‘The board is livid’: Morecambe FC director expresses frustration as wages remain unpaid

Friday, 31 March 2023 10:08

Morecambe FC staff and players remain unpaid as the delay over wages continues.

The news broke on Tuesday morning that payments due may be delayed, which proved to be the case. Now, three days on, payroll still hasn’t been fulfilled.

Speaking on The Shrimps Trust podcast, 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.

‘’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, and it’s impossible to say more than that without prejudicing efforts to secure funds to pay wage, which is our sole focus.

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

‘’Personally as a board we completely understand that it’s being sorely tested.

‘’It is a difficult situation and we can only focus on trying to resolve it.

‘’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: "Due to the timing over the potential acquisition of the club, Bond Group Investments has experienced a delay with incoming funds.

"Whilst we are still hopeful that those funds will come through later today (Tuesday), and payroll will happen as usual on 28th, payments may be delayed but we do still fully expect them to be made this week.”

The Shrimps, who play in League One, 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.

Beyond Radio has approached the EFL for an update.

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 are due to travel to Barnsley in League One tomorrow.