Morecambe Manager Derek Adams Expresses Optimism for Takeover Amid Planned Fan Protest

Morecambe manager Derek Adams, currently in his third tenure with the club, which occupies the last position in League Two, has voiced his hope for a resolution regarding the club’s ownership. This statement comes as a fan protest is scheduled for Saturday. The demonstration, organized by the Shrimps Trust fan group, is slated to occur concurrently with the League Two match against table-toppers Port Vale. The club was listed for sale by Jason Whittingham in September 2022, but new owners have not yet been secured. When questioned by BBC Radio Lancashire about his empathy for the supporters, Adams responded: “We do. It’s difficult because discussions are ongoing off the field.” He continued: “Not everything can come off the field out into the public domain and that’s what everyone finds difficult. When you’re working inside the football club that can be the same as well.” Adams further stated: “It’s been a long time. We get where everything is going, we’re hopeful that a conclusion can come soon because that can benefit us hopefully off the field, we don’t know. It can be a good thing or a bad thing, nobody knows.” The club has experienced a turbulent two-year period off the pitch since The Bond Group, where Whittingham holds a controlling share, initiated the sale process. Morecambe faced relegation from League One in 2023, later that season, and had engaged in discussions with entrepreneur Sarbjot Johal concerning a potential takeover, though these talks did not materialize into an agreement. Tyson Fury, the world heavyweight boxing champion who resides in the town, had also previously indicated a possible interest in acquiring the club. In the interim, Morecambe’s directors issued an open letter to the owners earlier this year, urging them to sell the club. Additionally, former captain Farrend Rawson also pressed for a sale following a three-point deduction last season. Adams, who is managing the team for the third time in five years, acknowledged that the prevailing situation had previously prompted his departure from the Shrimps. “When I was here the last time, it did affect me. It affected me off the field personally,” he elaborated. He added: “I didn’t let that come out but it did and that was part of the choice that I made to move away because I knew what was going on in the background.” Regarding his current approach, Adams remarked: “This time I’ve come back and asked not to be told anything until there’s a conclusion to the matter.” He concluded: “That is important because then I can focus on what I can deal with and that’s what I’ve tried to do this season.”