Latest news with #Shrimps
The Guardian
7 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
‘It's soul-destroying': takeover crisis leaves Morecambe FC on the brink
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. The local food bank and Citizens Advice branch have offered help to employees, while an Indian restaurant fed them all for nothing earlier this month. A whip-round by fans raised £361 for the players, who politely declined the donation, which will instead go to the supporters' group the Shrimps Trust. Joanna Young, the chief executive of Citizens Advice North Lancashire, said: 'We've had contact from people who have been affected by what's happening at the football club, who find themselves in a very difficult financial position. 'Most people budget for what they're expecting to receive. Receiving a third of your wages – that just pitches people into financial crisis.' Lizzi Collinge, the Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said she had wept and barely slept over the 'unfolding disaster' at the club. There was a 'very real risk' that the club would cease to exist in a matter of days, she added. Morecambe's takeover drama began in 2023 when the owner, Jason Whittingham's Bond Group Investments, announced it was selling to the London-based investment firm Panjab Warriors, which then loaned £6m to the Shrimps. Two years of financial turmoil followed, with unpaid bills, sackings and resignations. It came to a head last week when Whittingham announced he was selling the club to a mystery third party and not to Panjab Warriors. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion In the Commons last week, Collinge used parliamentary privilege to raise a suspicion that Whittingham is using Morecambe to leverage his own finances. 'I suspect that Jason Whittingham has built a house of cards, and it is now falling down around his ears,' she said. 'Morecambe FC is being held hostage, and it breaks my heart … The likes of Jason Whittingham should never have been allowed to buy a football club.' Panjab Warriors said this week it was considering legal action against Bond Group Investments, accusing it of possible 'misrepresentation and bad faith dealing'. Whittingham has not commented on the allegations. Morecambe FC was approached by the Guardian for comment. Tarnia Elsworth, the chair of the Shrimps Trust, said the end of the club would devastate Morecambe, a seaside resort that relies on the thousands of football fans who visit the Mazuma Stadium every year. Football was a 'common thread' that held the town together, she said. 'It's the one place where 3,000 people meet regularly to share experience. I've got members who've been doing that for 60 years. For some people it's the only contact they have with other people.' Outside the stadium, lifelong fan Mike Gibson, 58, said he had been watching his beloved Shrimps for 43 years. 'All that time could just disappear and could all be ripped away from you,' he said. 'It just feels like losing a family member. It's a deep part of your life.'
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Terms agreed on delayed Morecambe takeover
Terms have been agreed on the protracted takeover of Morecambe by Panjab Warriors, current Shrimps owner Jason Whittingham has said.A turbulent week at the National League side saw the board threaten to place Morecambe into administration if Whittingham did not complete the sale of the club on subsequently sought to remove the board the following the deal between Whittingham's Bond Group Investments and Panjab Warriors has now been made and is set to be formally completed on Monday, 7 Shrimps were relegated from League Two last season after 17 years in the English Football League. More to follow.
Scottish Sun
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers go wild for ‘amazing' new ice cream available in supermarkets that's a twist on a childhood favourite
Find out where you can get hold of this twist on an iconic dessert SWEET TREAT Shoppers go wild for 'amazing' new ice cream available in supermarkets that's a twist on a childhood favourite SHOPPERS are going wild for a new ice cream treat that's a take on a childhood classic. Many of us will remember Angel Delight as a special treat dessert from our childhoods - and now you can get it in ice cream form too. Advertisement 1 The Angel Delight ice cream sticks come in two different flavours Credit: Facebook/@Snack Reviews Morrisons is currently selling Angel Delight ice cream sticks, which come in the flavours Butterscotch & Chocolate and Strawberry & Vanilla. They come in packs of four and are selling for £2.75. If you've got space in your freezer you can get two packs for £4 at the moment. The description on the Morrisons website says it's 'fluffy, light and mallowy ice cream perfectly twisted together for a tasty soft serve treat'. Advertisement 'Perfect for a quick snack after school, a fun dessert after dinner, or simply when you fancy something sweet, these ice cream sticks are easy to enjoy anytime!' it says. Delighted shoppers shared the new find on the Facebook group Snack Reviews. 'Can't believe they have finally got a new product. Now all they need to do is experiment with new flavours like they used to, #AngelDelightComeback,' one person said. Another said the ice creams are 'so nice' while a third person said 'I need these!!!'. Advertisement A fourth commenter added: 'The strawberry and vanilla ones are amazing, Aldi do Banana and Shrimps, they are just as good.' The ice creams will be perfect as the summery weather returns again halfway through next week. 'survey reveals what your ice cream eating habits could say about your personality' Forecasters are expecting highs of 25C by Wednesday. Angel Delight was first launched in 1967 and has been a popular cheap dessert for decades. Advertisement You can buy it in sachets and all you need to do is add 300ml fresh milk and whisk it. Then you let it stand for five minutes before tucking in. What other new products have launched recently? Shops are often bringing in exciting new products to entice customers. Recently Cadbury announced it was introducing a new Twirl flavour with a huge twist. Advertisement Twirl White Dipped has the famous flaky texture of a Twirl bar but it's encased in white chocolate instead of the classic milk chocolate. Meanwhile, Tesco has started selling Wotsits Mac 'n' Cheese Bowls. They come in the flavours Sweet & Spicy, Flamin Hot and Really Cheesy. And Sainsbury's has recently brought out the S'mores Brownie, which combines the US marshmallow sandwich with a chocolate brownie. Advertisement Shoppers have raved over the £4.25 find, which they say is a "dream".
