Businesses rally round to help Morecambe FC staff as wages remain unpaid

Takeaways have rallied round to support Morecambe FC staff with free food as their salaries remain unpaid due to the crisis at the club.

The Sultan Experience takeaway and restaurant, based on Caton Road in Lancaster, provided free food for Morecambe FC staff on Monday.

"A big thank you to all the staff at Morecambe FC for giving us the opportunity to support the club and feed them all," said a Sultan Experience spokesperson.

"It was a real pleasure for all of us at Sultans, and we hope everyone enjoyed the food and the experience.

"We’re glad to have been part of it and it truly was a huge success, seeing the smiles on so many people’s faces. If there’s anything else we can do to help in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out - we’re always here to support."

Below, free food for Morecambe FC staff supplied by The Sultan Experience.

One supporter, Paul Carter, placed an order for food at the Sultan Experience and donated it to Morecambe FC staff.

"WOW WOW WOW!!!! Paul placed an order - not because he wanted food, but simply to support our business and to say thank you for what we’re doing for the Morecambe FC staff," said The Sultan Experience spokesperson.

"He even left a note: 'Not wanted — use for MFC staff'.

"That’s the kind of gesture that reminds us why we do what we do. In times of struggle, this is what shines through: kindness, unity, and people looking out for each other.

"Paul - thank you.

"You’ve reminded us all how powerful support can be - even the smallest act can speak volumes!

"Let’s keep standing together, Morecambe. We’ve got each other."

Martin Thomas, commercial manager at Morecambe FC, tweeted on X: "The amazing support shown by commercial partners this week has been unbelievable.

"From phone calls checking on the staff wellbeing to even providing free food for staff. I can't thank them enough."

Last week Mr Thomas also tweeted a "massive thank you" to Atkinsons Fish and Chips of Morecambe for sending lunch for all the staff.

Staff wages were due on Friday July 27, but only around a third has been paid so far, as wranglings continue over the sale of the club.

On Tuesday, would-be new owners Panjab Warriors said the outstanding payroll was £131,000.

The sale to Panjab Warriors from owners Bond Group Investments remained on a knife-edge as this story went to press.

A Panjab Warriors statement on Tuesday said: "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."

The Shrimps Trust supporters group said on Monday: "The trust, the (former again) board of directors and Panjab Warriors have worked tirelessly, along with our MP and the National League, to get this matter concluded today, for the staff that continue to be underpaid, whilst stoically continuing to work at the club."

Jason Whittingham from Bond Group said on Monday: "Bond Group Investments Ltd remains committed to the sale of its majority shareholding in Morecambe Football Club. In doing so we also remain committed to ensuring that staff are paid as soon as possible and the club avoids administration.

‘’We made significant progress over the past few days, getting legal agreements drawn up and agreed in principle, subject to signing, with various stakeholders involved in the sale.

‘’Despite the expectation to complete today, unfortunately there are some final items to get signed off and it’s likely we will need tomorrow to complete the sale.’’

Read the very latest here: Morecambe FC owners-in-waiting say club is "being held hostage" over delayed sale - Beyond Radio