Morecambe Football Club faces fresh turmoil after a winding-up petition was lodged against the struggling National League outfit by construction firm KPM Groundworks Ltd.
The petition, filed on 16 March, relates to an outstanding debt accumulated before the Panjab Warriors consortium acquired the club last August.
The Shrimps confirmed they only became aware of the legal action on Tuesday afternoon, marking their first notification of the proceedings.
Club officials have since entered discussions with both the creditor and its legal team, seeking to secure the petition's withdrawal at the earliest opportunity.
Morecambe's latest crisis threatens their very existence
| GETTYMorecambe pledged to keep supporters informed as developments unfold.
This latest crisis compounds what has been a deeply troubled campaign for the 105-year-old institution.
The Shrimps finished rock bottom of League Two last term amid severe financial strife, bringing an 18-year spell in the Football League to a painful conclusion.
Their National League campaign began in chaotic fashion, with the opening three fixtures postponed after the league suspended the club over unpaid bills under previous owners, the Bond Group.
Panjab Warriors completed their takeover on 17 August, the very day Morecambe received clearance to commence their season.
In January, rookie manager Ashvir Singh Johal departed by mutual consent following just five victories in 28 league outings, with former player Jim Bentley returning to steady the ship.
Morecambe were saved last summer but find themselves in a similar position
| GB NewsBentley has overseen three wins from seven matches since taking charge, yet the club remains perilously placed in the standings.
The Shrimps currently occupy 23rd position in the fifth tier, sitting six points adrift of safety with merely six fixtures remaining this season.
Their predicament worsened on Wednesday evening when Hartlepool United departed the Mazuma Mobile Stadium with a 3-2 victory.
That home defeat leaves Morecambe staring at a second consecutive relegation, having already endured the ignominy of dropping out of the Football League last May.
Saturday brings another crucial encounter when 18th-placed Aldershot Town visit Lancashire.
The club, who were established 105 years ago, are on the brink of dissolving
| GETTYThe Shrimps Trust supporters' group has confirmed it is actively gathering information regarding the petition ahead of scheduled talks with club officials on Monday 30 March.
In a statement posted on X, the Trust acknowledged the club's response and confirmed direct conversations with figures at Morecambe.
The fans' organisation revealed it has also established contact with the Independent Football Regulator and the local Member of Parliament as it seeks clarity on the situation.
This marks the second winding-up petition faced by Morecambe in recent months, following HMRC action last August that was withdrawn shortly before the Panjab Warriors takeover completed.