"Our positions were untenable" - Shrimps' former co-chairmen speak out after shock resignations from club board
Former Morecambe co-chairmen Rod Taylor and Graham Howse have described their positions as untenable following their shock resignations from the club’s board of directors.
The pair left their roles as directors with immediate effect on Monday – suggesting off-the-field issues as the main reason behind their decision to end decades of proud service to the Shrimps.
Taylor and Howse were co-chairmen under the previous ownership, but returned to the board after Panjab Warriors bought the club in the summer.
Relegated last season – which ended an unbroken 18-year stint in the Football League – the club was then suspended by the National League at the start of this season.
Their first three games were postponed but the suspension was finally lifted when previous owners Bond Group and Panjab Warriors agreed a deal for the sale of the club after more than a year of protracted talks.
It was hoped that the change of ownership would herald a bright new future, but the team – under boss Ashvir Singh Johal – are currently third from bottom in the National League table and face a fight for survival.
In a joint statement, the pair said: “There appears to be a lot of rumour and counter-rumour circulating regarding my and Graham Howse's resignation from the Board of Directors of Morecambe Football Club yesterday. .
‘’It is with great sadness that after decades of proud service to the football club we can no longer continue in our current roles. We are not included in operational, financial, or strategic matters at the club which conflicts with our fiduciary responsibilities as directors of a limited company.
‘’The club is haemorrhaging key staff, the General Manager has resigned, as has the Finance Manager, Head Chef, Academy Manager and now our Senior Safeguarding Manager and HR Consultant, and these roles are yet to be filled.
‘’Following the departure of the Commercial Manager, interviews took place for a Business Development lead, yet weeks later, no appointment has been made to fill this crucial role.
‘’Having discussed the matter at length with our respective families and business partners, this cocktail unfortunately brings us to the conclusion that our responsibilities as directors are not compatible with the environment we find ourselves in.
‘’It goes without saying that we will always support the football team as it's in our DNA.
‘’We do not intend to comment further on this matter and wish the club all the very best for the future.’’
A lifelong Shrimps fan, Taylor was first appointed as a director of the club in 1994, while Howse served as club secretary for many years.
Both men were focal points durng the club’s financial and ownership crisis before Panjab Warriors took control in August.
They also presided over the most successful period in the club's history which included them gaining promotion to their highest ever position of League One in 2021.
Club chairman Kuljeet Singh Momi paid tribute to the pair on Monday.
"The board wishes to place on record its profound appreciation for the exemplary service both individuals have rendered over many years," said
"Their unwavering commitment, steadfast leadership, and substantial contributions have been integral to the club’s development, resilience, and continued progress through periods of both significant achievement and operational challenge.
"Mr Taylor and Mr Howse have consistently acted as distinguished ambassadors for Morecambe Football Club and the wider community, upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
"Their tenure as co-chairmen has left an enduring legacy that will remain embedded in the history and culture of the club.
"On behalf of the board, staff, players, supporters, and all stakeholders, we extend our sincere gratitude for their dedication and service.
"We wish them every success in their future endeavours."