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Morecambe statement: The crisis at 'owners in common' Worcester
By
Liam Heagney
League One football club Morecambe, the other sports business owned by the Worcester Warriors owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, have issued a statement distancing itself from the cash concerns that have swamped the Sixways-based rugby club this past week.
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Worcester had a winding up petition issued last week by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) over an unpaid tax bill estimated to be as large as £6million, leading to speculation that they could go into administration ahead of the September 10 start to the new Gallagher Premiership season away to London Irish.
The Warriors owners issued a statement on Monday to try and stem the flood of negativity currently surrounding Worcester – and their football club has now followed suit on Tuesday with a statement regarding fears that it would be caught up in the rugby cash crisis.
It read: “Following the update from Worcester Warriors dated August 22, the Morecambe Football Club board of directors, including the owners, would like to reassure supporters that this has no impact on Morecambe FC. Our finances are independent, as are our budgets.
“We do not owe Worcester Warriors any monies and the only shared position is that we have owners in common. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the club maintains a healthy position and will continue to do so moving forwards. We wish Worcester Warriors and all associated the very best.”
It was Monday when Goldring and Whittingham finally broke their silence on the confirming Worcester situation, issuing a statement that read: “There has been much speculation and rumour circulating in the media and among our supporters about the future of Worcester Warriors. Over the past week, a lot of work has been done away from the media spotlight to try to navigate the club through the challenges that we currently face.
“That work continues, discussions are ongoing and we are reviewing the options available to the club. We continue to work closely with HMRC, Premiership Rugby, the RFU and DCMS to find the best solution to the situation. We are very grateful for the support these organisations have shown to the club.
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“We are now working through a number of options with our advisors. These include solutions for keeping rugby at Sixways and we will communicate further as soon as a decision has been finalised.
“We are grateful to our staff, supporters, partners, sponsors and suppliers for their commitment, loyalty and support during what has been a difficult period for all involved in the club. We also greatly appreciate the messages of concern and support that we have received from across the rugby world and the wider sporting community.”
