Chairman pledges urgent rebuild after third relegation in four seasons
Category: Local News
Morecambe FC has officially been relegated from the National League following a disheartening 5-1 defeat against Woking on Saturday. This loss marks a tumultuous chapter for the club, which will now compete in the sixth tier of English football for the first time since 1995. The relegation is particularly poignant as it signifies the club's third drop in four seasons, a stark decline from its previous status as a League One side less than three years ago.
The club's ownership, Panjab Warriors, which took over from the Bond Group in August 2025, is now faced with the challenge of rebuilding the team and restoring its reputation. In a statement released on April 11, 2026, Chairman Kuljeet Singh Momi addressed the fans, sponsors, and stakeholders, emphasizing the club's commitment to remaining a full-time professional entity, even after this setback.
"Today is a painful day for us all," said Momi. "The frustration and anger felt by many of you is fully shared by us too, and we completely recognize that the optimism and positivity that was evident last August was not able to be carried forward throughout the season." He acknowledged that the expectations shared by everyone involved with the club had not materialized on the pitch.
During the current season, the Shrimps struggled significantly, especially under the previous management of Ashvir Singh Johal, who oversaw a dismal record of just five wins in 28 league games. This poor performance culminated in early exits from both the FA Cup and FA Trophy against lower league teams, setting a grim tone for the season.
In January, the club appointed Jim Bentley as manager, marking his return to the club in hopes of revitalizing the squad and reconnecting with the fanbase. Under Bentley's leadership, Morecambe managed to secure four wins and five draws from 16 matches. Notably, they achieved notable victories, including a 4-2 win against Rochdale and a 5-0 triumph over Sutton United. Yet, these successes were overshadowed by a string of defeats, including a damaging run of three losses just before Easter, which sealed their relegation.
Momi's statement highlighted the need for a thorough review of the club's operations both on and off the pitch. He assured fans that the ownership would not shy away from making the necessary changes to give Morecambe the best chance of success moving forward. "We are committed to continuing the required rebuild of this wonderful club with urgency, vigour, and renewed determination," Momi stated.
As the club looks ahead, planning for the next season has already begun. Discussions with Bentley about the future structure of the football department and the first team squad are reportedly underway. Momi emphasized that the objective is to learn from this season's experiences and to raise professional standards across the board. "We are not hiding from taking the difficult decisions required to return the good times to Morecambe," he said.
Morecambe’s relegation highlights the challenges faced by clubs transitioning through various levels of competition. The club's history is rich, but recent years have been marred by instability and poor performances. The ownership's commitment to maintaining a full-time professional status aims to provide a solid foundation for rebuilding efforts.
As the club embarks on this new chapter, it faces the dual challenge of improving on-field performances and regaining the trust and support of its loyal fanbase. Momi expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans throughout the season, stating, "You are the bedrock of this great football club, and we will reset, rebuild, rise, and return stronger. You deserve it." This sentiment resonates deeply as the club prepares for a fresh start in the sixth tier.
The road ahead will not be easy, but with a clear vision and commitment from the ownership, Morecambe FC aims to turn its fortunes around and restore pride to its supporters. The club’s leadership is focused on ensuring that the mistakes of the past do not hinder future success, and that the passion for the game remains at the forefront of their efforts.
In the coming weeks, fans can expect updates on the club's strategic plans as they work diligently to navigate this challenging transition. The hope is that with renewed focus and determination, Morecambe FC can rise from this setback and reclaim its place in higher tiers of English football.