Relegation to the National League is never ideal for any club, simply because it is often a difficult league to escape. Unfortunately for Morecambe, they face the harsh reality of life back in the fifth tier in season 2025/26.
Back-to-back relegations for the north west outfit
To make it even worse, it was the Shrimps’ second straight relegation. It has been a dramatic fall from grace for Morecambe. The north west club won promotion to League One in 2021 for the first time in their history, although they only lasted two seasons in the higher tier.
In reality, they were always going to struggle to compete in League One, so it wasn’t a massive surprise that they spent so little time in the league.
The club was wildly financially punching above its weight by making it to the third tier, especially for a club that has spent most of its history in non-league football.
In fact, in living memory, Morecambe were in the Northern Premier League. They only won promotion to the Conference in season 1994/95. The Shrimps only won promotion to the EFL in 2007 for the first time.
A problem with the club’s owner
It feels like Morecambe boss Derek Adams has been fighting with one hand tied behind his back since the end of last season, or even earlier. The reason for this struggle has been issues with the club’s owner, Jason Whittingham, who took control of the club in 2018.
For one reason or another, Whittingham has failed to give the club the funds it needed to enjoy a successful campaign. In April, Whittingham told the BBC: “The process of selling the club is ongoing and, as things stand today, there appears to have been real, positive and recent progress within the last two weeks.”
Unfortunately, there has been no visible progress on a takeover since his April comment. The current custodians of the club have been keen to sell the club for a while.
In fact, in February, Whittingham admitted that he couldn’t wait to sell the club, but would attempt to do his best while he finds another owner for the club.
There have been various takeover attempts and bids dating back to last summer. None of the deals have come to fruition, which has left the club rudderless.
This season’s chances of success were not helped by the fact that Morecambe were under a transfer embargo until July. Issues with funding prevented transfers in the winter transfer window, which could have made a big difference in how the club’s campaign has panned out.
The transfer embargo meant that the managerial team didn’t know what sort of squad they were working with. A lack of funds meant that the club had to scramble around for free signings and loan players in July. Once again, not ideal preparation for a new campaign.
What does the future hold for Morecambe?
Relegation to the National League was not a massive surprise considering what has been going on regarding finances. Being in the National League is nothing new to the Shrimps, who have spent most of their existence in the non-league game.
The main issue that needs to be resolved for the club to move forward is ownership. If the club can find owners who can financially back the club and have the right intentions, then it’s a step in the right direction.
However, everybody at the north west outfit seems to be just drifting along, waiting for change. Until that change happens, Morecambe will be in a state of limbo.
Matt Tomiak
