Panjab Warriors issue final warning to Morecambe owner Jason Whittingham

Panjab Warriors have issued a scathing final statement urging owner Jason Whittingham to sign off on the sale of Morecambe FC, accusing him of holding the club “hostage” for personal financial leverage.

With unpaid wages, looming tax deadlines, and the threat of administration, the consortium warns that the club is “on life support”.

Morecambe’s ownership crisis deepened on Monday as the long-awaited sale of the club was delayed once again.

Whittingham, speaking on behalf of Bond Group, maintained that he remains committed to completing the takeover and ensuring staff are paid.

Delays

However, despite recent progress, he admitted final sign-off issues meant the deal was now expected to complete a day later than planned, on Tuesday.

Some time ago, the board of directors – who were recently removed by Whittingham before being invited to return – issued a stark ultimatum.

Either the sale is completed immediately, or the club must enter administration.

An hour after Whittingham’s Monday statement, directors Rod Taylor, Graham Howse, Mick Horton, Charlie Appleyard, and James Wakefield confirmed they would be stepping down that evening.

They referenced their public pledge from July 1.

That statement said administration would be the only responsible course if the takeover had not been finalised by that date.

However, they added they had reached an agreement with the owner to remain on standby and return as directors on Tuesday, should their involvement be necessary to complete the deal.

With no news of completion so far, Panjab Warriors have swiftly issued a strong statement on social media, laying out their stance.

WATCH NON-LEAGUE PAPER GOALMOUTH HERE

Critical

It read: “Morecambe Football Club stands at a critical crossroads.

“The next 24 hours will define the future of this club, its people, and its legacy.

“From the Panjab Warriors side, everything is ready.

“Our legal team has confirmed that all documentation has been complete since last week, all conditions have been met, and funds are in place.

“The sale is seconds away from completion – all that is required is Jason Whittingham’s signature.

“Yet despite reaching this final moment, Morecambe FC is being held hostage.

“We now suspect the club is being used as leverage in unrelated personal financial matters-a move that threatens its very survival.

“Staff remain unpaid, tension is mounting, and the impact on morale within the club is growing by the
hour.

“Critical financial deadlines are being missed. Morecambe FC is now on life support.”

Public interest

The consortium outlined several critical financial deadlines, including £131,000 in unpaid wages and £45,000 in VAT due imminently.

Additionally, they emphasised the urgency of these payments to avoid further consequences.

“Failure to do so may result in the club being placed under transfer embargo and at risk of administration,” Warriors stated.

They also urged the UK Government, local MP, EFL, and National League to intervene, warning this is no longer a private matter but one of “public interest and the survival of a historic football club”.

“The Panjab Warriors have been fully approved by the EFL, and all funds – source and sufficiency – have been cleared,” the statement continued.

“Over the past 14 months, we have continuously supported the club financially, providing £1.7 million in working capital, in addition to the £3.8 million purchase sum.

“We believe the undisclosed mention of so-called investors at this late stage is misleading and potentially fraudulent.”

“We issue this final appeal to Jason Whittingham: Sign the paperwork. Release the club. Do the right thing.”

The Panjab Warriors concluded: “To the Morecambe fans, the Shrimp Trust, and the Board of Directors: we thank you for your continued strength and support.

“Your perseverance throughout this entire process has been nothing short of inspirational.

“For the future of Morecambe FC. This is the final hour. Let’s not look back with regret.”

READ MORE: Just do it! Morecambe fans urge owner to complete promised sale now