Supporters say end of 105-year-old Lancastrian club, which could collapse in days, would devastate seaside town
In the century since it was founded, only a world war has stopped play at Morecambe football club. But the 105-year-old institution is days away from collapse amid the “unfolding disaster” of a takeover deal.
The Shrimps, as they are affectionately known, are the latest victims of lax football governance rules, after similar crises at clubs including Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield Wednesday and Bury FC, one of the oldest in the world.
“It’s soul-destroying,” said David Freer, 62, a lifelong fan who has commentated on Morecambe games for 12 years for the Football League.
As recently as 2021, the club were holding their own in the third tier of English football – their highest-ever ranking. Morecambe were relegated for the first time in their history in 2023 and then again last season.
Now there is a real possibility the club will be banned from playing their first game in the National League, which kicks off in three weeks, and players will be allowed to leave the club for nothing if they are not paid by Friday.
“It is two minutes to midnight and it’s just terrifying,” said Freer.
The club’s playing staff were only paid a third of their wages in June, and school proms, weddings and wakes due to be held at Morecambe’s 6,400-capacity Mazuma Stadium were abruptly cancelled.
