Lisa Nandy: Crisis Clubs Like Sheffield Wednesday & Morecambe ‘Can Absolutely Be Saved’

Lisa Nandy Backs Struggling Clubs as Sheffield Wednesday & Morecambe Face Uncertain Futures

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has insisted that football clubs in crisis, such as Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe, “can absolutely be saved” from collapse – but warned urgent action is needed before the new independent football regulator becomes operational later this year.

Both clubs have endured a torrid summer, with delayed wage payments, registration embargoes and, in Morecambe’s case, suspension from the National League.

Independent Regulator Powers Could Be Key

The Football Governance Act passed in July will give the regulator authority to oversee the men’s game in England’s top five divisions, including powers to:

• Force sales in cases of failing ownership

• Conduct stronger owners’ and directors’ tests

• Give fans greater influence over club decisions

Nandy believes these measures could prevent future collapses like Bury’s expulsion from the EFL in 2019.

“These clubs belong to their fans. They are nothing without their fans and we are on their side and we will always fight for them,” Nandy told BBC Breakfast.

The Situation at Morecambe

• Put up for sale: September 2022 by owners Bond Group

• Two relegations in three seasons – now in the National League for the first time since 2007

• Suspended by the league last week for failing to comply with rules

• Nandy has written to owner Jason Whittingham urging him to sell

In a show of solidarity, Bury FC are offering free entry to Morecambe fans for their opening Northern Premier League West match on Saturday.

The Crisis at Sheffield Wednesday

• Losses of £178m since 2015 under owner Dejphon Chansiri

• Transfer embargo in place

• Manager Danny Rohl left by mutual consent in July

• North Stand closed over structural concerns

• Recent training match cancelled after players refused to play

The club is expected to fulfil its opening Championship fixture against Leicester City on Sunday.

PM Keir Starmer: Clubs Must Thrive, Not Just Survive

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is “very concerned” and confirmed government discussions are ongoing:

“These are pride of place issues… we have to do everything we can to make sure they’re not just surviving but thriving.”

Nandy’s Message to Fans

“I don’t want to sugar-coat this… Bury is proof of what can happen with poor ownership.

We are working at pace to set up the regulator – and this is personal for me.”