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629 articles in this category
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Pre-Season 2023: Dates for the Diary
We are pleased to announce our pre-season fixture list, following the announcement of football returning to Gigg Lane this summer.
We start at the first opportunity on Saturday 1st July by re-visiting Dennyfield to take on Step 5 Thackley AFC. This comes as part of the agreement that saw Tom Greaves and Aidan Chippendale sign for Bury for the final few games of last season. There will be the added bonus of our women’s side taking on Thackley Ladies in an early kick-off (times TBC). There will be a day of fun in West Yorkshire to get the season off to a flyer.
We head to the Project Solar Stadium the following Tuesday (4th) and take on Step 3 Hyde United, 7.45pm KO, before the BIG ONE and the return home to Bury for the first time since May 2019.
We are pleased to announce that for the restart of men’s football down at Gigg Lane with a double header weekend, first we welcome Mark Hughes and his League Two outfit Bradford City on Saturday 8th July, 3pm KO. Following Saturdays mammoth fixture on the Sunday we welcome Ryan Lowe and his Championship side Preston North End. Tickets are already on sale for this massive return to Gigg Lane below.
We follow up with another home game on Tuesday 11th July when fan-owned 1874 Northwich head to Gigg Lane, kick-off at 7.45pm.
The following weekend, we then head to the Moss Rose to take on Northern Premier League Macclesfield FC (Saturday 15th July, 3pm KO) before heading back to Gigg to take on Step 6 Stockport Town on Tuesday 18th July, in a 7.45pm KO.
Our last game of pre sesaon is due to take place at Gigg Lane on Saturday 22nd July as we welcome Yorkshire side Golcar United to Gigg Lane.
Due to calendar restrictions, we have been unable to fulfill our planned fixture at Seel Park this coming pre-season, but are committed to heading back over to Mossley next year.
Full details on pre-season can be found below.
Pre-Season Programme (as 11th June)
Sat 1st July, Thackley AFC Ladies (KO TBC) & Thackley AFC (KO TBC)
Dennyfield, Thackley (Location HERE)
Tues 4th July, 7.45pm KO against Hyde United
The Project Solar Stadium (Location HERE)
Sat 8th July, 3pm KO against Bradford City
Gigg Lane, Bury (Tickets HERE, Location HERE)
Sun 9th July, 3pm KO against Preston North End
Gigg Lane, Bury (Tickets Here, Location HERE)
Tues 11th July, 7.45pm KO against 1874 Northwich
Gigg Lane, Bury (Tickets Here, Location HERE)
Sat 15th July, 3pm KO against Macclesfield FC
Moss Rose, Macclesfield (Location HERE)
Tues 18th July, 7.45pm KO against Stockport Town
Gigg Lane, Bury (Tickets Here, Location HERE)
Sat 22nd July, 3pm KO against Golcar United
Gigg Lane, Bury (Tickets here, Location HERE)
#PartOfIt | #ShakersTogether | #BacktoGiggLan
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2023/24 Fixture Chart
Our remaining 2023/24 league fixtures. Download, print and update our results along the way.
Download your printable version.
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Welcome to our new Bury FC Website!
The launch of a new website for a new start.
Since the results of the amalgamation vote were confirmed in May, with a resounding percentage of the support wanting to see football being played out of Gigg Lane in 2023/24 and following yesterday’s announcement that the name Bury Football Club can be used also, the media groups across the two separate entities have come together for a ‘New Start’ for football in the town of Bury.
A fundamental part of spreading this message will be centred on our media output, with this website being a base for all of this. Wherever you are following from, make sure you keep it here for all your club updates.
In readiness for the switch of name back to Bury Football Club, we are delighted to be back on the familiar buryfc.co.uk domain.
There will be further updates to all areas in the coming weeks, where we will add access to season tickets, match fixtures and tables, on-line shop, history, contacts pages and membership logins. Please be patient while these changes are put into action. We look forward to bringing these to you as the new season draws closer.
On social media, the teams have also worked hard to secure previous account details, which in some cases had either become dormant or unrecoverable post-2019. We have utilised these where possible and brought a consistent approach to the account names, with our men’s and women’s sides represented separately, where this works for covering each respective matchday output.
You can connect with us across all of our social media channels below.
Men’s First Team
Women’s First Team
Follow us here
Men’s First Team
Women’s First Team
Subscribe Here
Follow Us Here
Connect With Us Here
Whatever your background, come with us on this journey. We know you’re going to love it! If you want to be #PartOfIt in any way, contact the media department via our email address at media@buryfc.co.uk.
#PartOfIt | #ShakersTogether
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Bury Football Club confirm first summer signing
Bury FC are delighted to confirm the first summer signing, 25-year-old forward Benito Lowe, who has signed a contract ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Lowe joins the club with a wealth of experience in the local non-league pyramid, having played 34 games for Wythenshawe Town last season, scoring 22 goals. Football runs in the family, with his late dad Gary managing Curzon Ashton to the FA Cup first round & Hyde United to the National League North.
In his youth, Benito spent time at Sheffield United and was also attracting attention from fellow league clubs, Portsmouth & Fleetwood. Before his time at Wythenshawe Town, most of his non-league career had been spent at New Mills he made 76 appearances over four seasons, before joining Curzon Ashton in 2022. Lowe made six appearances for the Nash at the start of the 2022/23 season before joining Wythenshawe Town.
He’s also registered appearances for Abbey Hey, Ashton United & Skelmersdale.
Benito Lowe pictured with his mum at Gigg Lane following his signing.
Benito spoke of how Gigg Lane was a massive attraction to him joining the club. “It was a no-brainer for me really, and I solidified my decision when I turned up [at Gigg Lane] with my mum, and looked out onto the pitch. “Everyone knows, we shouldn’t be where we’re playing, and we’ve got ambitions this year to win the league and hopefully it’s a stepping stone for all of us.” “Everything about the place, I can’t wait to get going now.”
Manager, Andy Welsh commented on his first summer signing. “Benito has had a fantastic year at Wythenshawe, he’s someone that came on the radar when he was at New Mills in the previous season.
Andy Welsh (left) shaking hands with new signing Benito Lowe (right)
“It’s his overall game, he knows he’s coming here to learn more about his game. He could be a really good addition and someone that the fans should get excited about.” View the full article
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FULL 2023-24 Season Fixtures Released
With 10 days to go until the season begins, we can confirm our full fixture list for the 2023/24 season.
The first month’s fixtures were published at the start of July, which sees us host Glossop North End on the season’s opening day (29th July).
August sees us take on Colne (A), Wythenshawe Town (A), Chadderton (H), Padiham (A), Kendal Town (H), Cheadle Town (H) & Charnock Richard (A) on Bank Holiday Monday.
September begins with us hosting West Didsbury & Chorlton before a midweek trip to Wythenshawe. We then host Longridge Town before back-to-back away fixtures at Lower Breck & Squires Gate.
Our first fixture against near-neighbours Ramsbottom United is on December 9th at Gigg Lane.
Over the festive period, we host Prestwich Heys on Boxing Day before a trip to AFC Liverpool on December 30th. 2024 begins at home to Irlam on January 6th.
February 17th 2024 is the date everyone is looking for when we hop over the Irish Sea to take on FC Isle of Man.
We have just one fixture over the Easter Weekend, away at Prestwich Heys on Easter Monday (1st April 2024).
Our final three fixtures see us host AFC Liverpool on April 6th and Padiham 13th April, before a trip to Ramsbottom United on April 20th to complete the season.
Details around tickets will be announced in due course. Head to our Fixtures page HERE for full details!
Not got your season ticket yet? Head to our tickets page to secure yours!
#ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt
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"Selfless" Benefactors Insist on No Influence – Just a Tiny Bit of Election Meddling!
Our sole motivation from day 1 has been to return to a united Bury FC to Gigg Lane for ALL supporters and the community. We have objected in the past when certain members of BFCSS sought to dismiss those who followed Bury AFC, The Pendulum has now swung entirely the other way as SCS seeks to cleanse the management of any BFCSS representatives and marginalise the Benefactors as much as possible.
This is morally and commercially wrong. By the FANS for the FANS means all fans, not just those that happen to agree with a small group of the leadership.
It is so disappointing to feel forced to issue this statement as there is so much to be celebrating – the number and hard work by the volunteers (matchday and every other day/night of the week), a great atmosphere at matches, especially at Gigg, some memorable moments like the first match and Benito Lowe’s lastminute winner against West Didsbury & Charlton. Also it’s great to see the many new, young fans coming to matches and loving the experience just as much as those who’ve been watching for years and returned to their beloved Gigg. If we’re all together this can become even greater, if we’re divided the honeymoon period will sadly end.
Please ensure that in the forthcoming vote for elections to the new CBS3 board you consider carefully who you elect, or we are seriously worried that the control will rest in a small group that in our experience is not focused on an inclusive, sustainable, community football club.
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Pre-Season: Thackley AFC (A) – Sat 1st July 2023, 3pm KO
Here! We! Go!
No sooner has it felt like one season ends, another one starts with ‘Pre-season 2023’ officially beginning this week with a double-header day of football over at Thackley AFC this Saturday.
Boss Andy Welsh and women’s interim manager Jason Jarrett (pictured) take their respective sides across the M62 for the first time in the new era of Bury Football Club.
Starting at 12noon, Jarrett’s charges get us underway as they lead into the North West Women’s Regional League (NWWRL) Premier Division in 2023/24. Thackley Ladies currently compete in the West Riding Women’s Regional League, finishing 7th last season. Many of the championship-winning side from last season have returned and are raring to go this summer.
To follow at 3.30pm, the men’s side take to the Dennyfield pitch.
Andy Welsh has put together a strong squad of players over the summer, bringing in a string of attackers who will no doubt be the envy of the league. With Benito Lowe, Tom Kilifin, Darius Palma and Andy Briggs coming to the party, we start the season with a front-line that contributed almost 150 goals last season. Certainly exciting times lay in wait for Shakers supporters this season.
Benito Lowe Tom Kilifin Andy Welsh with Darius Palma Andy Briggs joins the Shakers from Steeton
The hard work starts now, with the bulk of the squad back in training this week, with running sessions and ball work in equal measure. As always stated, pre-season fixtures are there for the lads to gain fitness and sharpness but we know supporters will travel over in their numbers to take in the game. Thackley are encouraging supporters to buy tickets in advance so they can manage ground operations, so check out the information below on how to get hold of these, as well as details on travel and facilities to be expected on the day.
In Opposition
Thackley AFC are based in the small suburb of Thackley, a couple of miles north of Bradford, West Yorkshire.
The club plays in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division (Step 5), finishing in a respectable 14th last season.
Their home ground is the ‘Thank You Key Workers Stadium at Dennyfield’ and the primary colours of club are red and white, with the nickname of the ‘Dennyboys’ in recognition of
They are managed by duo Danny Forrest and, known to many reading this, Tom Greaves. This game has been arranged as part of the agreement that saw Greaves, and fellow attacker and former Bury FC player Aidan Chippendale join Bury for the last five games of last season.
Club History
Thackley FC was formed in 1930, spending much of their early years in local football before joining the West Riding County Amateur League in 1939. The club then moved into county-wide leagues, spending 25 years in the West Riding County Amateur League, winning that league on five occasions before a brief spell in the West Yorkshire League. Thackley then joined the Yorkshire League before becoming founder members of the Northern Counties East League’s Premier Division where they have been ever since with the club’s best season being in 1993–94 when they were runners-up, losing out on goal difference to Stocksbridge Park Steels.
The club has never been relegated from that division throughout the League’s 40-year history.
Thackley’s best efforts in national cup competitions have been in the FA Vase, their best season being in 1980–81 when they got to the fifth round. The club has never progressed beyond the second qualifying round of either the FA Cup or the FA Trophy.
Tickets
General Admission – £6 + booking fee Concessions – £4 + booking fee (Students (with a valid form of student ID), and senior citizens over 65) FREE admission to u16s, accompanied by an adult
Get your ticket from Thackley’s website by clicking here.
On the Day
Turnstiles: open from 11:30am, cash or card in the Bar, on the Gate and at the Tea Bar.
Kick Off: The Women’s friendly will kick-off at 12noon followed by the Men’s friendly to begin cking off at 3:30pm.
Disabled Access: There are ×3 disability parking spaces outside the Clubhouse and next to the entrance gate. There is disabled access to the ground and also the Clubhouse. If a disabled space requires reserving, please contact Thackley.
Food & Drink: On match day “Arthur’s Bar” Clubhouse will be open where you can purchase your alcoholic and soft drinks. Arthur’s Bar was renovated in 2020 and is the go-to place for events in the community. Serving hot food will be the “Tea Bar” inside the ground. There will also be a Pizza food truck for this fixture as a special guest, and a pop-up bar within the stadium.
Programme: A full programme has been prepared for this fixture. Thackley have ordered extra for this game, but if you miss out get in touch and Thackley will try to accommodate a re-print.
#NonLeagueDogs: Dogs are welcome in the ground and in Arthur’s Bar as long as they are kept on a lead at all times.
Before the match: Locally, there are a number of bars and pubs which sponsor Thackley who would love to see you. Do check out The Ainsbury Micro Pub, The Black Rat Micro Pub and the White Bear. Fancy Fish and Chips? Their sponsors Towngate Fisheries next to the White Bear would love to see some Bury supporters too.
Travel & Parking
Capacity: 3000, Cover: 600, Seats: 300
Address: Dennyfield, Ainsbury Avenue, Thackley, Bradford, BD10 0TL.
Contact Tel: (01274) 615571.
General Ground Directions: Via M606 (or M62 Junction 27 and A650) – A6177 (Bradford Ring Road eastbound) and A658 (Harrogate Road) to Greengates traffic lights by (Roebuck Inn). Take 657 towards Shipley and at Thackley corner (beyond S bend) turn right into Thackley Road. At crossroads beyond Methodist Church , veer into Ainsbury Avenue and Dennyfield is 200 yards ahead. Alternatively via M621 (Junction 1). A6110 (Leeds Ring Road westbound), A647 to New Pudsey Station – then A6120 to Rodleyand via A657 as above.
Parking: There is a large on-site car park which can hold around 100 cars. There is some street parking on Ainsbury Avenue and surrounding streets, but please be respectful to other members of the community and do not “double park” as this will stop access for emergency services vehicles.
Public Transport (Train): Shipley 2¼ miles, services to Bradford / Leeds.
Public Transport (Bus): First Bradford 613, 614, Keighley Bus Company 60 from Shipley (Market Square, 5 minutes walk from station) to Bradford (Leeds Road, Aire Street) six times per hour, journey time 10 minutes. Then left into Aire Street, right into Crag Hill Road, left into Thackley Road and immediately right into Ainsbury Avenue, ground on right (8 minutes).
#ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt | #PreSeason
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Update from The Secretary of the Football Supporters' Society of Bury
We have completed the amalgamation of the two societies, the name change to Bury Football Club and made Gigg Lane our home ground, which were the three items voted on by members in May.
We also advised as part of the pre-vote information pack that we would move the ownership of the football club, which is Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd trading as Bury Football Club, under the ownership of The Bury Football Club Company Limited, subject to further financial due diligence. We have been advised by Bury FC Benefactors Ltd that at this stage they will not be investing the further £300, 000 they had committed to in the business plan presented to members. This does not place the stadium or club in any significant jeopardy as we are still able to access both central and local government funding in addition to holding our own cash reserves.
There is no obligation on Bury FC Benefactors Ltd to invest this money, and we will continue to work with them as normal. Equally there is no requirement for the Football Supporters’ Society of Bury to make any changes to the ownership of the club, and so it will remain 100% owned by the Society, and separate from The Bury Football Club Company Limited, which the Society co-owns with Bury FC Benefactors Ltd. The Football Supporters’ Society of Bury also owns the majority of voting rights in The Bury Football Club Company Limited, so should not be prejudiced in any way by keeping the organisational structure in its current format.
Should any party, including Bury FC Benefactors Ltd, wish to invest into either Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd or The Bury Football Club Company Limited at a future date they may do so by an approach to the board of the Football Supporters’ Society of Bury, who can take this forward to member consultation and a member vote if they believe it is a credible offer in the best interests of the club and the society.
There are some significant legal and tax issues to consider as part of any transaction like this, in addition to the need for member approval, and so it is unlikely that any offer could be agreed and put forward for a vote quickly or without professional advice.
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Darius Palma added to Andy Welsh’s squad
Bury FC are delighted to confirm the signing of attacker Darius Palma, as he becomes the latest signing at Gigg Lane.
The 24-year-old joins the club from fellow NWCFL team Wythenshawe Town, who he made 45 appearances including 37 starts last season and scored 19 goals. He’s also had spells at Altrincham, Trafford & Curzon Ashton.
Upon signing for the club, Darius told buryfc.co.uk: “I’m made up to be joining a club like Bury, it’s a club that I feel will help me progress and learn new things to add to my game.
“What attracted me to the club was the ambition it has going forward and also the opportunity to play in a ground like Gigg Lane in front of such a huge following. “As for aims this season, obviously we want to get promoted and start climbing the leagues and get the club back playing as high as possible.”
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Rod's Clear Vision: 'Do Ya Think I'm Transparent?
Structure of the organisation – How we arrived at the current position
I have previously given an update on where we are with the structure of the organisation and the relationship with the benefactors, but with more questions and so much misinformation in circulation I have prepared this more detailed note which summarises how we have arrived at the current position.
As secretary of the Football Supporters’ Society of Bury (FSSB) I have no vote, my role is to record discussions and decisions made and where appropriate share these with members.
My role is primarily to protect the members’ interests and if, as Secretary, I believe the society is not acting in the best interests of its members then I must remedy the situation.
As a result, these notes are intended to be a factual record of events, rather than a statement of opinion. External advice has been sought and received all the way through this process, and I will refer to this where relevant.
In summary:
The current ownership structure was agreed by all seven of the board members present. There were no objections and one person was absent due to holiday. We have acted in accordance with the external advice we sought from both our lawyers and the FSA. The facts were supported by other impartial individuals involved in discussions, including the Investment Director at Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Opportunities to discuss or comment on our previous communications have been offered to the benefactors. There is no reason the structure cannot change once the promised funds are committed, it just needs member approval. The contents of this report have all been agreed as accurate by the board of FSSB. There was very little difference in the information presented to members from the first amalgamation vote in October 2022, which did not pass, and the second vote in May 2023 which was approved. The formalities of the motions themselves were identical and all of the actions required from these motions are complete. Specifically, Bury FC Supporters’ Society members (BFCSS) were asked to approve the amalgamation of the two societies. Shakers Community Society (SCS) members were asked to approve the amalgamation of the two societies, change the playing name to Bury Football Club, and move playing venue to Gigg Lane. The differences between the two votes simply reflect that SCS owned the football club, then playing as Bury AFC, which needed member approval to change playing name and home ground. BFCSS owned a controlling interest (in that they owned the majority of voting rights) in the company which owns the stadium, called The Bury Football Club Company Limited. The other co-owner of The Bury Football Club Company Limited is Bury FC Benefactors Limited, which is the vehicle which holds the shares on behalf of the benefactors who invested in half of the cost of the acquisition of Gigg Lane, the other half funded by central government money in the form of the Community Ownership Fund, which falls under the remit of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC). In regard to the benefactors’ contribution to acquire Gigg Lane they have no expectation or desire to earn a financial reward.
Two other key pieces of information were noted within the documentation issued to members prior to the vote, which are pertinent to the current situation.
One was that the organisation would be restructured so that the football club would fall under the ownership of The Bury Football Club Company Limited, which would give Bury FC Benefactors Limited an equal share in the football club, albeit without voting control.
The other was that a successful vote to amalgamate would result in additional capital committed to the project. This included £300k from the two societies, £450k from Bury Council, the remaining £300k from DLUHC and around £300k from Bury FC Benefactors Limited. There is some dispute as to the exact figure which should be used for the benefactor contribution but as no monies have been committed at all so far, I do not think this point is relevant at this point. DLUHC have confirmed that around £300k of the £1m agreed is still available to draw down from their fund. Prior to the second vote SCS board members wished to evidence to its members that this money was still available. It was evident from its own finances that the society could meet its obligations. Bury Council reconfirmed their own commitment, subject to the conditions previously outlined, and DLUHC confirmed the remaining funding was still available. Understandably, it was not possible to evidence the Bury FC Benefactors Limited money was available as it had not been committed and we were advised it would not be committed unless the second amalgamation vote was successful. This was not a surprise. No additional funding has been provided from Bury FC Benefactors Limited to The Bury Football Club Company Limited other than the initial funding required to purchase the stadium in early 2021. A request for a letter of intent from benefactors was requested but not provided and it was accepted this would have no binding legal status. There was a desire from both sides to find a solution to this, as the SCS board was uncomfortable recommending the merger to members based on this level of uncertainty. The Investment Director at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, who had chaired various meetings on the second amalgamation, was asked to discuss the availability of the benefactor funding with a director and representative of Bury FC Benefactors Limited, who confirmed that the funding was available and conditional only on the merger. This information was relayed to the SCS board to provide some additional comfort and evidence that this information had been provided to a third party, not just the SCS board. We received written confirmation from that Investment Director on the 11th2023 that this conversation took place and I have copied the relevant statement below:
“At the working group meeting on 10th February, the minutes show that in order to move forwards towards a vote one of the points you (SCS) needed was confirmation that the £300k of funding from the Benefactors was still available. The minutes note that the £300k was subject to a positive outcome of the vote.”
“Further to this meeting I had a conversation with Matt Barker to understand the position with respect to the additional benefactor monies as given the status of the vote at that time, Matt had not wanted to revert to Benefactors and ask for a letter of commitment. In my conversation Matt was clear that whilst he did not feel it was the right time to go back and ask for a letter of commitment from the Benefactors, that he was comfortable that this funding was available subject to a positive vote outcome and that I could reiterate this message to you ( SCS).
In addition, the Q&As, which were approved by that same director and representative of Bury FC Benefactors Limited, and issued to members of both societies ahead of the merger vote read:
“All of the previous funding is available again should a vote go through this time. This is an instant £1.3m rising to an estimated £2.3m over time. This includes a further £300,000 from the existing benefactors. There has been no further capital invested or donated to the project since the first vote. There will be some confirmatory diligence undertaken to confirm all funds are in place as expected before the merger completes.”
It was understood, therefore, that the additional benefactor money was readily available, and subject to no conditions other than a positive amalgamation vote, given that it was to come from existing benefactors who had already committed funds. The exact source of the funds, whether it be new or existing benefactors is not material, other than by stating the money could come from existing benefactors it gave the SCS board far more confidence it would be made available.
Bury Council were also concerned to establish that this funding was available. The terms of their own funding which are detailed in their cabinet paper of 13th June 2022 states:
“The business plan includes a commitment of £1m from private benefactors of which £730k has been invested to date. The balance of £270k will be invested if the merger discussions are successful and will be used as match funding, alongside the Bury Council funding, to release the balancing £300k of grant from the Community Ownership Fund.”
The business plan originally submitted included additional funding from Bury FC Benefactor Limited.
We were advised that there were no available Bury FC Benefactor Limited funds after voting had closed. There was no immediate financial pressure caused by this situation, however once it became apparent that the money would not be committed a discussion amongst the FSSB board members was held at a board meeting on firstly the 4th July 2023 ( where seven board members were present) and later on the 18th July 2023 ( where seven board members were present) ) about the next steps.
At the meeting on the 4th July 2023 the relevant minute confirms that:
‘It was agreed by all that it would be wrong to transfer Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd to The Bury
Football Club Company Ltd as the financial diligence has not been completed and Bury FC Benefactors Ltd have not provided an additional £300k into that company as set out in the original merger proposal.’
It was also agreed at the meeting on the 4th July 2023 that:
“advice from Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP would be sought (should these funds be made available in future) about whether a member vote would be required. Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd trading as Bury Football Club would remain a wholly owned subsidiary of the Football Supporters’ Society of Bury’
A course of action was agreed at board meeting on the 18th July 2023 attended by seven of the eight board members. All seven voted in favour of this and the relevant minute is copied below.
“MB has confirmed there is £240k outstanding from the Benefactors who want a meeting to discuss. We can arrange a meeting but even with this figure there seems to be a £60k downfall. Benefactors feel £760k has been paid in to date. JW said there was an understanding that there would be £1mil of funding from existing benefactors at the time of the vote amongst members. MB spoke to PY prior to vote results being announced to say that additional benefactor funding would not immediately be available. DT raised that current position of the benefactors suggest that they do not or are unwilling to immediately invest existing funds. MB has stated that the current position is ‘uninvestible’ KL says we’re currently in transition period. Deadline has been given until the end of the month for the benefactors to provide additional funds but keen that all avenues should still be explored with the benefactors to resolve the matter. PY agreed that the deadline was sensible and then we can draw a line under it and decide on a new way forward. PY happy to meet to discuss with benefactors as requested along with other Interim Board members. . Meeting to be facilitated in forthcoming weeks between Benefactors and IB members, Face to Face is going to be more difficult due to geographical and proximity issues involved of IB members and benefactors. KL suggested that a minute taker be present and a second set of eyes and ears. ACTION: Meeting to be arranged between Benefactors and IB members to discuss this current impasse. Remote meeting would be most suitable.”
The legal opinion, obtained from a mutual law expert at the firm who had advised us throughout the amalgamation process confirmed this course of action. In particular, it re-iterated that in the absence of any binding legal agreement on the matter the society could not force benefactors individually or collectively to pay the outstanding amount, nor could the benefactors force transfer of the football cub ownership. Given that this would effectively be transferring half of the ownership of the football club for no financial contribution it was clear this would not be in the interests of the society, which may wish to accept investment into the football club at a future date, subject to member vote.
We were advised to provide a deadline date of seven or fourteen days to Bury FC Benefactors
Limited for the investment to allow another opportunity for investment and gave a deadline of the 31st July 2023. It was confirmed that the outstanding monies would not be paid, and the matter closed. We had also advised further investment could be made, along with changes to the ownership structure but this would be subject to another consultation and member vote, as the terms of the previous agreement had expired. Again, this was in accordance with the legal advice we received and also the advice received from the Football Supporters Association (FSA) who had been involved throughout.
It was expected that the benefactors would not agree with this, as they still believe the football club ownership should be transferred without any additional financial contribution from Bury FC Benefactors Limited. The dispute between board members of FSSB occurred when it was suggested that this situation be disclosed to members. The board was equally split on this issue and we did not have a majority vote to disclose the information to members. The statement which was eventually released and can be seen here, and is repeated below, had been passed to the board of Bury FC Benefactors Limited for comment on the 1st August 2023 and we had received no comment on it other than that it had been received and they were not in agreement with its release. By the 6th August 2023 we had still received no comment on it, and I, acting as Secretary, took advice from the FSA on my obligations as I felt it was something FSSB members should be informed of given we had been asked about funding by some members, questions had been raised about the football club ownership and it was pertinent to the amalgamation vote which was a hugely significant event for members of both societies. It was issued to members by email on the 7th August 2023 at 6.00pm and is reproduced below.
Update from The Secretary of the Football Supporters' Society of Bury
We have completed the amalgamation of the two societies, the name change to Bury Football Club and made Gigg Lane our home ground, which were the three items voted on by members in May.
We also advised as part of the pre-vote information pack that we would move the ownership of the football club, which is Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd trading as Bury Football Club, under the ownership of The Bury Football Club Company Limited, subject to further financial due diligence. We have been advised by Bury FC Benefactors Ltd that at this stage they will not be investing the further £300, 000 they had committed to in the business plan presented to members. This does not place the stadium or club in any significant jeopardy as we are still able to access both central and local government funding in addition to holding our own cash reserves.
There is no obligation on Bury FC Benefactors Ltd to invest this money, and we will continue to work with them as normal. Equally there is no requirement for the Football Supporters’ Society of Bury to make any changes to the ownership of the club, and so it will remain 100% owned by the Society, and separate from The Bury Football Club Company Limited, which the Society co-owns with Bury FC Benefactors Ltd. The Football Supporters’ Society of Bury also owns the majority of voting rights in The Bury Football Club Company Limited, so should not be prejudiced in any way by keeping the organisational structure in its current format.
Should any party, including Bury FC Benefactors Ltd, wish to invest into either Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd or The Bury Football Club Company Limited at a future date they may do so by an approach to the board of the Football Supporters’ Society of Bury, who can take this forward to member consultation and a member vote if they believe it is a credible offer in the best interests of the club and the society.
There are some significant legal and tax issues to consider as part of any transaction like this, in addition to the need for member approval, and so it is unlikely that any offer could be agreed and put forward for a vote quickly or without professional advice.
Rod Peters
Secretary to the Interim Board
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Pre-Season: Hyde United (A) – Tue 4th July 2023
Andy Welsh’s side come into Tuesday night’s pre-season friendly at Hyde United, off the back of a 3-0 win against Thackley on Saturday afternoon.
He named two separate elevens in the first & second halves yesterday to build up the player’s match minutes before the league campaign starts on July 29th.
Lewis Gilboy opened the scoring before half-time, whilst Sajjad Elhassan bagged a second-half brace.
In Opposition
Northern Premier League side Hyde United are our second pre-season opponent ahead of the 2023/24 season. They finished just outside the playoffs in the Premier Division, missing out by just two points.
The team are managed by the former Bolton & Leigh RMI player Nick Spooner, he was appointed in February 2022 after the departure of Jim Gannon.
Ewen Fields has been the home of Hyde United for over 100 years and previously hosted Manchester City EDS fixtures.
The stadium holds up to 4,250 spectators – 530 seated – in 5 covered stands, all of which are covered and raised, offering excellent views of the pitch.
Club History
Hyde FC will always be remembered for the record 26-0 FA Cup defeat suffered at the hands of Preston North End in 1887. But the club, founded two years earlier, was anything but a collection of cotton-town bumpkins. It was a highly ambitious outfit which wanted to compete with the best sides in the North.
In the 1887-88 season, Hyde had a successful run and even played a match against Newton Heath (now Manchester United) dubbed the unofficial championship of Manchester.
During the early 20th century, Hyde experienced a productive period, winning four league titles. They merged with Hyde St George’s and moved to Ewen Fields in 1906, joining the Lancashire Combination. However, in 1917, the club folded temporarily due to war-related reasons but was re-established in 1919 as Hyde United.
The inter-war years were a successful period, with Hyde winning five Manchester League championships in the 1920s. This led to their election to the Cheshire County League in 1930, and they lifted the league cup by defeating Stockport County Reserves in 1934.
In 1945-46, Hyde won the Cheshire Senior Cup for the first time and reached round one of the FA Cup in 1954. In the following years, they clinched back-to-back Cheshire League titles.
During the late 1960s, Hyde became known as the Tigers when they joined the Northern Premier League. Despite initial expectations of struggle, they finished seventh and eleventh in their first two seasons. Financial constraints led them to return to the Cheshire League in 1970.
After a decade, Hyde resurfaced as a competitive force, winning the Cheshire League in 1981-82 and gaining promotion back to the Northern Premier League. They reached the first round of the FA Cup in 1983 and made it to the FA Trophy semi-finals in 1989.
In 1986, Hyde sold Ewen Fields and laid a synthetic Baspograss pitch. They achieved success, winning trophies, and returning to the first round of the FA Cup in 1994. However, as the 21st century arrived, Hyde began to struggle, experiencing back-to-back relegations.
In 2010, Hyde struck a deal for Manchester City’s elite development squad to use Ewen Fields, securing financial stability. The decision to revert to the name Hyde FC and change the team colors divided fans. Under Gary Lowe’s management, Hyde amazed everyone by winning the Conference North in 2011-12 and securing promotion.
Despite their initial success, Hyde couldn’t sustain their performance and suffered relegations, ultimately returning to the Northern Premier League. In 2015, they returned to the name Hyde United and planned to become a supporters’ trust.
The 2016/17 season started poorly, but significant signings in late December turned their fortunes around, and they finished 10th in the table. The 2017/18 season was one of the best in recent years, with Hyde gaining automatic promotion to the EvoStik Premier Division.
The 2019/20 season began with a new manager and showed promise before being null and voided due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the gap between seasons, the club refurbished the ground and made additions to the squad.
Last season, was a positive one for the club after finishing just outside the play-offs, after finishing 17th & 10th in the last two seasons, respectively.
Tickets
Adults – £7
Concessions (Over 65; 17 to 18) – £5
12 to 16 – £4
Under 12 – £2
It will be CASH ONLY on the turnstiles.
On the Day
Parking: The club have a car park, which will be used on a first come first served basis.
We’ve also been advised of the adjacent leisure centre car park, which can be used but closes at 10 pm.
If you require disabled parking, please email tony@hydeunited.co.uk
Food & Drink: Hyde has two tea bars – a social club & a can bar. Both of which you can use cash or card.
#NonLeagueDogs: Dogs are welcome as long as they on a lead.
Travel
By Car:
Leave the M60 at Junction 24 and take the M67 towards Sheffield. Leave the M67 at Junction 3 and at the traffic lights at the top of the slip road, turn right towards Hyde Town Centre. At the second set of traffic lights turn left onto Mottram Road. Pass Morrisons store on your left and at the first set of lights turn right onto Lumn Road. At the top of the road there is a T-junction where you turn left onto Walker Lane. The ground entrance is just past Hyde Leisure Pool.
A residents-only parking scheme operates in the vicinity of the ground, so street parking has to be away from the stadium.
By Bus: The nearest bus service to the ground is the 201, which runs from Manchester City Centre.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Newton for Hyde, which is around half a mile away from the ground. It is served by regular trains from Manchester Piccadilly. It should take around ten minutes to walk.
#ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt | #PreSeason
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Accessing Your Online Tickets
We are delighted that so many of our supporters have taken up the option to get a season ticket for our first games back at Gigg Lane, starting this Saturday with the visit of Glossop North End.
Physical season cards can be picked up from the Gigg Lane Ticket Office for supporters who purchased ahead of the 2nd July deadline. For ticket office opening times, select here.
General admission tickets for this weekend, and other games, are currently being confirmed and will be communicated to all shortly. We have provided details on how you access your tickets below.
Accessing your ticket digitally
We partner with TicketCo for online ticket distribution and encourage supporters to purchase these wherever possible, as this assists us in planning for a match day. Supporters will be able to buy tickets for all club events and programmes via this platform from the club website here.
Whether you have bought a season ticket as a physical card or not, you can always get access to the games by presenting your TicketCo QR code at the turnstile for an operator to scan – this can be digitally on a smart phone or via a print out of your QR code. The QR code on a physical season card is a replica of that presented within the TicketCo app or on your TicketCo PDF receipt which was sent via either email or SMS message at the point of order. This can only be used once on each match day.
You can also download the ticket to your phone’s Wallet or Passbook.
Full details on all this can be found on the TicketCo website here.
Download the App
TicketCo also provides the option to secure all your purchased Bury FC event tickets in one place, via the TicketCo Wallet app. Examples of how this looks on your phone can be found below. You can download this app here.
Whatever the circumstances, we have you covered. If you have any concerns, ensure you arrive early on Saturday and speak to one of our customer service volunteers who will be available to help!
Be #ShakersTogether, Be #PartOfIt, Be #BuryFC for 2023/24.
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Men’s U23 Team Entered for 2023/24
We are pleased to inform that an application to enter an U23s team has been accepted for this coming season, with an update on the process below.
As part of the club’s plans to rebuild all of its footballing infrastructure including pathways through from grassroots football to senior men’s and women’s football, we are progressing a men’s U23 team for this coming season.
The establishment of an U23 team is pivotal to our growth as a club over the next few seasons, and we have significant ambitions to progress our senior men’s and women’s teams up the National League System and Women’s pyramid respectively.
We have had an application accepted for the Lancashire Football League where several other Northern Premier League and North West Counties Football League clubs have U23 teams.
Fixtures are yet to be released but we are aware the season will run from 2nd September 2023 to 4th May 2024. Home games will typically be played weekday evenings on a 3G pitch at local venues, depending on availability.
The team will be a mixture of reserves, development players and possibly first team players returning from injury. The team will be fully under the responsibility of the football board and we are currently progressing the process for appointment of a manager for the U23 team.
There will be more developments to announce in the coming weeks and we are now opening the process towards appointing a manager of this team for next season. If you are interested, we would welcome CVs to be sent to chair@buryfc.co.uk before Monday 7th August, 5pm.
Be #ShakersTogether, Be #PartOfIt, Be #BuryFC for 2023/24.
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Extended – Jack Atkinson
Jack is Back!
The 22-year-old Welsh shot-stopper has been integral to Andy Welsh’s side over the past two seasons, clocking up 98 appearances.
Atkinson signed for the club in July 2021 and has been a fan favourite ever since. Making the big saves along the way and can’t forget banging the drum in the Isle of Man.
Last season he picked up the North West Counties Division One North Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Jack’s aims are clear to see ahead of the new campaign.
#PartOfIt | #ShakersTogether
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Applications Open For Bury Football Club General Manager
We are now receiving applications for the new position of General Manager of Bury Football Club.
We are looking for experienced candidates who can meet the job description which can be read here.
This will be an employed role with salary of up to £50,000 per annum plus pension, depending on experience.
Please submit your CV to admin@buryfc.co.uk by 5pm 7th July if you wish to be considered for interview.
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New Season, New Kits – You Decide
Since announcing that kit partner, Hope + Glory Sportswear were to return for the 2023/24 season, the team at H+G have been hard at work in conjunction with the Interim board and operating football board to give members a fresh set of kit options for the new season.
In future, we will continue to make a commitment to keep our kits for two seasons, but for the 2023/24 season we will have two fresh kits as the ‘White & Blue Army’ makes the return to Gigg Lane. The options being put to members can be found here.
Home Kit
Ever conscious about our illustrious history, the kit designs have drawn on inspiration from the past with versions which have been sported by teams representing the club across the years, as shown below.
circa 1924 1984/85 1994/95 1997/98 Images courtesy of Pete Cullen
This season’s selections provide replica versions of our simple all-white shirts, with or without blue trim to the collar, and with a subtle nod to the chevrons that featured in the 90s. Or how about a kit that was worn in our visit to Wembley in 1995?
The choice is yours from those styled below:
Your 2023/24 home kit choices
What will also be your choice, will be the shade of blue that features across the trim, shorts and socks. Will it be Royal or Navy Blue, for you?
As author of the The Official History of Bury FC Pete Cullen writes, we have flirted with both over the years:
“Despite playing in white shorts in the first two years of the club’s history, a shade of blue has been the predominant colour of this part of Bury’s kit since 1888.
“Navy was the colour of choice from 1888 all the way through to 1962. From then until 1986 the team wore royal blue, before the switch was made to a darker shade which lasted until 1994 when royal blue was reintroduced. Barring the 2009/10 125th anniversary season and the 2014/15 promotion season when white was the adopted colour, royal blue remained the colour of the team’s shorts until its last season in the Football League, when navy blue was chosen once again.“
Away Kit
When our home kit clashes with the opposition and we need to make a change, we have also taken inspiration from the past with how the team on the pitch represent us in the stands. A regular feature at the top of polls with any Bury supporter was the purple and green striped kit from 1994/95 season.
Hope + Glory have given us their take on the designs with three choices, again for members to select from.
Your 2023/24 away kit choices
Kit votes will be processed online with email ballots sent via our partner, Election Buddy. This vote will be submitted to members of Shakers Community and Bury FC Supporters Society over the coming days.
All existing members of both societies will be transferred over to the new amalgamated society (‘The Football Supporters’ Society of Bury’) in the coming weeks, so with memberships open again, if you are not a member yet, why not? Join NOW by clicking on the above links.
We hope you like the designs and enjoy the process of making your selection and having your voice, on your club! Be #PartOfIt, Be #ShakersTogether.
#PartOfIt | #ShakersTogether
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Match Info: Padiham FC (A), Tues 15th Aug, 7.45pm KO
This past Saturday The Shakers had their first taste of defeat in competitive action since returning to Gigg Lane in a 1-3 defeat to Chadderton.
An amazing crowd of 4115 were present and in fine voice as Andy Welsh’s charges went ahead after 25 minutes courtesy of a Darius Palma penalty.
Bury defended their lead well, with both sides having chances but neither capitalising until the 86th minute when Chadderton grabbed an equaliser in the form of a wonder strike from their skipper Jordan Schofield.
Goals from Kgwakgwa and Knight came deep into injury time as Bury pushed men forward to try and restore their lead sealing the win for the visitors.
Following the game speaking to match reporter Adam Clark, Andy Welsh said, “We can never be sore losers and well done to Chadderton for winning the game, as for us as a football club, i’ve said it time and time again that one game isn’t going to define us and it shouldn’t” (interview available below)
We now switch our focus to this Tuesday’s trip to the Ruby Civil Arena to face Padiham FC.
Tickets are already on sale for this game, and you can grab yours here.
Watch the highlights from the weekends game below and please make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel to help us grow on that platform
In Opposition – Padiham FC
It might be hard to imagine today but in the immediate years following the establishment of Padiham Football Club in November 1878 the `Caldersiders` as they were then known were considered one of Lancashire`s soccer pioneers and one of the better Club sides in England.
The Padiham Club were in at the birth of the Lancashire Football Associations Senior Cup competition in 1879, reached the third round proper of the F.A. Cup in season 1883 – 84 and beat Burnley F.C. 6-0, 7-0, 9-1 and 4-2 in their first four encounters. Gates of over 2,000 were not uncommon for the visits of teams like Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End, Burnley and other local rivals to Padiham F.C.`s ground which was originally situated on the banks of the River Calder at the end of Wyre Street in Padiham and initially leased from the Shuttleworth family of Gawthorpe Hall.
At present the site is occupied by the Potterton Myson Limited Main Gas factory and nothing remains of the Clubs original ground which witnessed many encounters with Clubs that later achieved Football League status. In fact it was the setting up of the Football League and the ensuing loss of fixtures with the leading Clubs, as well as the legalisation of professionalism within football that ended Padiham`s initial decade of success.
Being an ardent stalwart of the fight waged from Lancashire for the legalisation of professionalism in football, Padiham`s progressive outlook at the time ironically helped fashion the stranglehold football finance came to have on small town Clubs, in hindsight it condemned Padiham to an ongoing fight for survival. Unable to secure the services of players able to compete with the bigger surrounding towns and cities, gates dropped and as a result reduced income meant Padiham had to restrict its activities to playing in the Lancashire Combination Football League and at times the local minor leagues.
The outbreak of World War One curtailed Padiham Football Club`s involvement in active football altogether at the end of the 1915 – 1916 season, and the loss of their ground during the War meant that Padiham Football Club lay dormant until after the end of World War Two when they were reformed.
The rebirth of Padiham Football Club came about in 1949 with the opening of the `Arbories` Memorial Sports Ground in Padiham on August 20th 1949 when 1,777 spectators turned up to see the Club`s opening Lancashire Combination fixture of the 1949 – 50 football season.
In 1982, Padiham Football Club became founder members of the North West Counties Football League, however in 1990 they left the league and joined the West Lancashire Football League where they played their football for ten seasons.
Padiham returned to the North West Counties Football League for the 2000/2001 season, winning the Premier Division Title in 2012/13 to gain promotion to the Northern Premier League, where they spent two seasons before being relegated back to the North West Counties Football League for the 2015/16 season. Since 1999 the club has spent in the region of £600,000 upgrading their ground.
Tickets
Purchase your tickets in advance here (subject to booking fee)
Prices: ADULT £10.00, CONCESSION £5.00 (over 65, Student 16-18) Under 16s Free
Programme Price: £3.00
On the Day & In the Ground
Travel by Train: Hapton (1.9 miles)
Travel by public bus: Various bus options from Burnley Bus Station to Burnley Road, Padiham
Driving: M65 to junction 8, follow A6068 Clitheroe / Padiham. At traffic lights at the bottom of the hill turn right into Dean Range / Blackburn Road towards padiham. At next junction turn into Holland Street (opp church) then into Well Street to ground.
SatNav Postcode: BB12 8LE
WhatThreeWords: ///upward.long.reckons
Parking: Car Park at ground for Approx 40 cars. Parking on nearby streets if car park is full. If you are planning to travel by minibus then please let us know beforehand. There is no provision for coach parking
Please park considerately and think of local residents.
Inside The Ground: Entrance to all fans is via the main turnstile just a short walk up from the car park. The Ruby Civil Arena has a bar in which you can sample a pint of real ale along with various lagers, beers and bottled drinks.
The club has 3 large screens in the clubhouse showing Premier League games, and a small kitchen serving pie and peas, hot dogs, chips and various hot drinks. A candy corner for children to purchase pop, crisps and various sweets is available. They have indoor toilets, also including disabled facilities.
Outside there are male and female toilets, a 100 seater stand, two sheltered covered standing areas. The ground is also dog friendly!
#NonLeagueDogs: Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead and take into account that it will be very busy.
Match Coverage & Live Stream
If you are unable to make it to the action at Gigg Lane, we’ll have all the live coverage across our media platforms.
Live Stream: For this game, we will have no live stream. Keep up-to-date with all our video content via the club’s YouTube Channel. Click to subscribe and never miss highlights and match reaction across the season.
Audio Commentary: Roch Valley Radio will be providing commentary for this game. Join the team from the press box at Gigg Lane. Click here ahead of kick-off to listen live. Audio commentary will be provided for every game of the season, so you will never miss a piece of the action.
Social Media: Our team will also bring you in-depth text commentary via the club ‘MatchDay Live‘ Twitter feed, with team news and half time and full time updates available also on Facebook and feel like you are there with our match galleries and imagery available over on Instagram.
Whatever the weather, wherever you are across the globe, we have you covered.
Up the Shakers!
#ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt
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Open Training Session – Thurs 13th July, 6.30pm
Bury Football Club are delighted to confirm plans for an Open Training Session ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The session will take place on Thursday 13th July at Gigg Lane, doors will open from 6pm, with the session taking place from 6:30pm on the pitch, with the session due to last for approximately an hour.
Afterwards, there will be opportunities for photographs with your favourite players.
We will be giving away 100 junior season tickets* on the night, so get down early to grab the chance to get yours!
We will also be hosting a prize draw on the night, with your chance to win some top prizes including a new home and away shirt and a matchday mascot package.
Andy will be visiting schools across the borough to promote this initiative as he aims to get as many children down to Gigg Lane ahead of the season. Enquiries are to be directed to media@buryfc.co.uk.
*Juniors aged 11 and under will be required to be accompanied by an adult for any games at Gigg Lane.
#ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt
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Update from The Secretary of the Football Supporters' Society of Bury
The process to elect the new board of the Football Supporters’ Society of Bury was opened on the 8th August 2023.
Independent election scrutineers Mi-Voice were appointed to run this process.
We have been notified by Mi-Voice that on Monday 14th August, information about the FSSB's election relating to specific members was posted online to an anonymous Twitter account. Issues relating to these individuals had already been identified and were being dealt with as part of establishing the electoral roll for the election.
The post represents a breach in the process that needs to be investigated further. It also calls into question the integrity of the election and any result that would have been declared.
As a consequence, Mi-Voice have temporarily suspended the elections process, pending an internal investigation into how the leak occurred.
A further statement will be issued once more information becomes available.
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Tickets and Prices for 2023-24 Season
Now that the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) have confirmed that there will be a whopping 24 teams in the Premier Division next season we can confirm both single and season ticket prices, along with further information about disability tickets and potential availability of stands.
Season tickets are now available to purchase.
CLICK HERE TO BUY
Single Match Tickets
Adult £10
16-18 Year Olds £5
Under 16s £3
Under 5s Free
We have set the cost of a single adult ticket at £10. This is higher than many clubs in non-league Step 5 but we are not the first club in the NWCFL to charge this. Macclesfield and Isle of Man have previously charged £10 to cover the costs of their larger stadiums where additional stewarding is required.
We will need to employ more stewards to comply with the requirements of our safety certificate and to provide catering staff to supply food and beverages around the ground. Volunteer support is very much welcomed but will not be enough on its own. We appreciate price inflation is effecting everyone at the moment, including the club, but believe the prices to be fair in the circumstances.
We have introduced a new lower ticket price for 16-18 year olds, which is only available on the turnstile on production of some relevant valid photo ID e.g., driver’s license, a student card with an expiry date.
Season Tickets
For all 23 home league games, includes VAT, excludes booking fee:
Adult £196
Under 16s £50
Under 5s Free
The NWCFL rules only allow us to offer a maximum of a 15% discount on season tickets so the season ticket price is set at a point designed purely to comply with this rule. We are unable to reduce it further.
We are now starting work on parts of the stadium which can provide additional hospitality beyond the usual purchases of food and drinks from kiosks, but this will take time to complete. As a result we are focusing on sales of standard season tickets for now.
We are grateful for the generosity of over 50 individuals who have agreed to pay the ‘old’ rate of £720 for an 1885 suite hospitality season ticket inclusive of VAT. We know this is a high price to pay and it was agreed before the number of league fixtures was known. It allows us to pay for much of the stewarding required to open the main stand for the season. We have a number of 1885 suite season tickets which can still be purchased.
Season Ticket Cards Only Guaranteed if Bought by 1st July
All purchasers of single match or season tickets will be sent a receipt with a QR code by email and by text (as long as you provide your mobile number) after purchase. Please check your junk mail for your receipt as it can often go there.
You must save this QR code as it is required for entry to the game and will be scanned at the turnstile. If you receive it by text and use an iPhone you can save it to your Apple Wallet.
Single Match tickets are digital only, we will not provide a paper ticket. However you may print your QR code at home if you do not have a smart phone to present it on.
All season ticket orders received by 1st July will be printed onto a season ticket card which you can present at the turnstile instead of the digital ticket if you wish. Season tickets bought after the 1st July will be digital only.
Disability Tickets
We have used the best practice guidance set out by Level Playing Field for ticketing and seating management for disabled supporters, and had input from a small number of our own disabled fans and other clubs. This follows the concept of making a more considered ‘reasonable adjustment’ rather than just a concession on price.
In accordance with this guidance, anyone with a disability requiring the assistance of a carer will be asked to purchase a ticket at full price and then offered a free carer ticket for someone to escort them to the game.
Purchasers of free carer tickets will be contacted by email to provide evidence of disability which can be one of the following documents:
Receipt of the mid-rate care element or the high-rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Receipt of either the Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance. War Pensioners’ Mobility Allowance or War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability. Blind or partially sighted registration certificate (BD8 or CVI Certificate). Further advice can be found on the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) website. Confirmation in writing from Social Services that the individual is included on their Deaf Register, or a letter or report from an aural specialist confirming that hearing loss has been recorded at 70 – 95 dBHL or worse. Confirmation in writing from Social Services that the individual has a learning difficulty or disability. For children – a letter from the head teacher at a their school confirming eligibility will be acceptable. We reserve the right to cancel carer tickets where evidence is requested and not produced.
We will make 25 season tickets available for wheelchair users along with a carer. These will be in the South Stand. If we open up additional stands which have wheelchair spaces these will be available as single match tickets.
Seating and Stands
It is unlikely that all stands will be open due to the stringent safety requirements and consequent costs of opening stands where crowds do not require it.
As a result we are not offering reserved seating for this first season back at Gigg Lane. We know this will disappoint some but it is unlikely to prevent many people from sitting in their old seat with so much seating available.
We will prioritize the South and North (Main) stands for opening on a matchday which will offer spectators the best views and facilities. We will not make dramatic changes to the layout and functioning of Gigg Lane as a stadium in the short space of time we have until the start of the season so you should consider its development as a work in progress. It is important that we prioritize safety at this point and we will be constantly looking for feedback from supporters as to how we can improve their matchday experience throughout the season and beyond.
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Match Info: Chadderton (H), Sat 12th Aug, 3pm KO
Newly promoted Chadderton are the visitors to Gigg Lane this Saturday, as Andy Welsh’s side look to continue their 100% record in all competitions.
Sajjad Elhassan’s penalty was the winning goal in Tuesday’s victory away at Wythenshawe Town. The Shakers were two-nil down at half-time, before two goals from Andy Briggs in the opening ten minutes of the second half brought us level.
Lewis Gilboy was felled in the area for Saj’s penalty with around 15 minutes to go, and the calmest man in the ground was able to slot home past experienced goalkeeper Greg Hall. Check out the highlights below and while you are there, make sure you subscribe to never miss out on all the action as the season progresses!
In Opposition – Chadderton
The club was established in 1946 as Burnley Lane Estate Juniors and initially played in the Middleton Youth League. The following year the club moved to Mill Brow, started an adult team and were renamed Millbrow Football Club. After moving again the club was renamed North Chadderton Amateurs. At the time, the club played in the Oldham Amateur League, winning its Challenge Cup in 1954–55. They moved up to the Manchester Amateur League, winning the North division in 1955–56 and adopting their current name in 1957.
At the end of the 1958–59 season Chadderton were promoted to Division One. They were Division One champions in 1962–63, and also started playing in Division Two of the Manchester League. They were runners-up in Division Two in both 1962–63 and 1963–64, before winning the division in 1964–65. However, they were not promoted.[5] The division was renamed Division One in 1966 and Chadderton were champions again in 1966–67, after which they were promoted to the Premier Division.
In 1980 Chadderton moved up to the Lancashire Combination. When the league merged with the Cheshire County League in 1982 to form the North West Counties League, Chadderton were founder members of Division Two. A third-place finish in 1988–89 saw them promoted to Division One. However, they finished bottom of Division One the following season and were relegated back to Division Two. Despite only finishing eleventh in 1991–92, the club were promoted to Division One again. They played in Division One until being demoted at the end of the 1997–98 season due to failing ground grading requirements. Division Two was renamed Division One in 2008.
A sixth-place finish in 2014–15 season saw Chadderton qualify for the promotion play-offs. However, they lost 2–1 to AFC Darwen in the semi-finals. In 2018 the club were placed in Division One North when the league gained another division. In 2022–23 they were runners-up in Division One North, qualifying for the play-offs. In the semi-finals they beat Euxton Villa on penalties after a 1–1 draw, before going on to defeat FC St Helens on penalties in the final (after another 1–1 draw), earning promotion to the Premier Division.
Tickets & Admission
Tickets have been put on sale for the Main Stand and South Stand. The Main Stand is close to being SOLD OUT. With strong ticket sales so far, the Cemetery End will be made available for pay on the gate, with both cash and card accepted.
We strongly advise fans to purchase tickets in advance if you would like to sit in the South Stand, as this could sell out.
Season ticket holders should continue to use the South Stand, with all seating remaining UNRESERVED.
Buy Tickets HERE Prices*: £10 adult, £5 16-18, £3 Under 16s & Free for Under 5s.
1885 Suite: £40* per ticket
* plus booking fees
Click here to purchase online tickets. Read here on how to access your tickets digitally.
On the Day & In the Ground
Travel: Gigg Lane is accessible by car and is well served by public transport, please see our page on the TfGM website, which advises the best travel routes to the stadium. Directions can be sourced via Google Maps below.
SatNav Postcode: BL9 9HR
WhatThreeWords: ///issues.skins.span
Parking: Our new car-park policy for the upcoming season is now in force.
Due to the limited space within the car park at Gigg Lane, it is reserved for the following:
Team Playing Staff and Management Match and Competition Officials Club Staff and volunteers transporting matchday equipment Members of the 1885 Suite Sponsors Blue Badge Holders If you have a blue badge or mobility issues please email the club secretary at secretary@buryfc.co.uk at least TWO days before the game. Blue Badge holders shall be prioritised for a parking space.
Entrance to the car park is strictly controlled and includes the areas within and in front of the fenced area. Please contact the Club Secretary with any other related queries.
There is on-street parking in the residential areas surrounding Gigg Lane, with supporters reminded to be respectful and considerate of the local residents at all times, as well as being mindful of and adhering to the parking permit measures in place in close proximity to the ground.
Stadium Entry: Gates will open at 1.30pm.
Our matchday volunteers will be on hand, both outside the turnstiles and inside the ground, to guide supporters to where they need to be. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask those who are there to help the day.
Food / Drink: Our new catering partner, Quirky Catering, will be operating the kiosks this weekend and throughout the season, and are accessible for supporters under the stands. A selection of hot and cold snacks will be available. Alcohol will be sold, and can be consumed anywhere in the stand. Please respect the advice from stewards on managing this process on the day.
Matchday Programme: You can purchase a programme online now, to collect at the merchandise stall tomorrow afternoon or head to the sellers in and around the ground ahead of the game at the price of £3.
Pound for the Ground: Our ‘Pound for the Ground’ half-time raffle tickets will be on sale in and around the ground, £1 per entry. Sellers accept cash or card, with 40% of the total pot going to the winning ticket with results announced over the PA system and on the scoreboard.
Keep #GiggGleaming: With so much work gone into Gigg Lane to get us to this point, we want to keep it that way and a lot of work goes into turning the ground around between games each weekend. We have a team of volunteers lined up to clean the stands following the game.
With this in mind, we urge all supporters to make sure any rubbish is processed in the correct manner, using the available bins where necessary, or if possible please take any rubbish away with you.
Designated Smoking Areas: Supporters are not allowed to smoke / vape anywhere within the stands at Gigg Lane. Designated areas are set aside to do this, follow guidnace from stewards on this and only smoke / vape within these areas.
#NonLeagueDogs: For now, dogs are NOT permitted in the ground.
Match Coverage & Live Stream
If you are unable to make it to the action at Gigg Lane, we’ll have all the live coverage across our media platforms.
Live Stream: For this game, we will have no live stream. Keep up-to-date with all our video content via the club’s YouTube Channel. Click to subscribe and never miss highlights and match reaction across the season.
Audio Commentary: Roch Valley Radio will be providing commentary for this game. Join the team from the press box at Gigg Lane. Click here ahead of kick-off to listen live. Audio commentary will be provided for every game of the season, so you will never miss a piece of the action.
Social Media: Our team will also bring you in-depth text commentary via the club ‘MatchDay Live‘ Twitter feed, with team news and score-line updates available also on Facebook and feel like you are there with our match galleries and imagery available over on Instagram.
Whatever the weather, wherever you are across the globe, we have you covered.
Up the Shakers!
#ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt
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Pre-Season: Bradford City / Preston North End (H) – Sat 8th / Sun 9th July, 3pm KO
So, this is it. Gigg Lane. Back from it’s slumber and ready to stage men’s footballing contests again after a four-year hiatus. A lot can, and has, been said about the situation Bury fans found themselves in the summer of 2019, when the home of football in this great town was left dormant and silent.
Fingers were pointed, blame was apportioned and tears were shed. Lots of tears were shed.
Blood, sweat and even more of those tears have led us back home and just in time for the start of the 2023-24 season. And aren’t we just pleased as punch to be able to shout that from the top of the Lenny Johnrose Stand this weekend, as we welcome some familiar names to help us pick up where we left off.
First up, the Bantams of Bradford City hop down the M62 this Saturday to be the first side to take to the Gigg Lane turf as we continue our pre-season schedule which is already two-games old. Mark Hughes (pictured left) brings his League Two play-off semi-final side from last season, down to Gigg and such has been the anticipation within the fan base, all of the 2,275 available tickets (reduced capacity) have been snapped up well ahead of game day.
Then, within 24 hours, the lads return to the field to take on Ryan Lowe’s Preston North End who tip into town on Sunday and complete an EFL double-header which will really celebrate our return home after such a long-time away.
Lowe (15), seals promotion to League One at Chesterfield in 2011 ‘Lowey’ is no stranger to the Bury faithful, having played over 160 games in three spells for the Shakers, scoring 66 goals along the way and securing three promotions for the club. Twice as a player in 2011 and 2015, before seizing the helm as manager permanently in 2018 and guiding the club back into League One at the first attempt during the ill-fated 2018-19 season.
A 1-1 draw at home to Port Vale in May 2019 led to celebrations on the pitch, but desolation for the fans across the remainder of the summer and ultimately expulsion and an exodus of players, as the entire squad left for pastures new when promises for the new season could not be fulfiled.
Lowe has forged a successful managerial career since, at first Plymouth Argyle with another promotion in his first season, and now in the Championship at Deepdale where he has been at the helm since December 2021.
We wish to place on record our thanks to both clubs for including us as part of their pre-season schedule and being accommodating in staging such a special set of fixtures as our first games back at Gigg Lane.
Andy Welsh’s side have shown promising signs in the first two pre-season encounters, away at Thackley last Saturday winning 3-0 and taking the lead twice at Ewan Fields on Tuesday night before sharing the spoils against Northern Premier League side, Hyde United.
Bury fans are becoming accustomed to another ‘Lowe’ of their own, with former-Wythenshawe Town forward Benito Lowe breaking his Bury duck on Tuesday night when he slotted home coolly from close range midway through the first-half. This was after striking both post and bar during the early exchanges. You can catch highlights of this game below:
This was first of many for the 25-year-old no doubt, with Shakers fans no doubt hoping he can follow in the footsteps of the esteemed company in the away dugout this Sunday.
Take in the match information below for this weekend’s fixtures, whether you are lucky enough to be at ‘Glorious’ Gigg Lane for our historic return, or not.
In Opposition – Bradford City
Bradford City will visit Gigg Lane on Saturday, making it the first men’s game at Gigg Lane since the club was expelled from the EFL in August 2019.
It’s the first visit for the Bantams in just under six years, Saturday 14th October 2017 was their last, in a 3-1 defeat. Goals that day from Chris Maguire, Jermaine Beckford & Jay O’Shea cancelled out Charlie Wyke’s 9th minute opener.
This will be the opening pre-season fixture for Mark Hughes’ side before they jet out to Spain for their pre-season tour, a week later. They were just a game away from promotion to League One after losing out in the play-off semi-finals against Carlisle 3-2 on aggregate back in May.
In Opposition – Preston North End
It’s the complete opposite for Preston, they will be facing Andy Welsh’s side off the back of their pre-season tour to Spain. Former Bury player & manager Ryan Lowe will bring his North End side to Gigg on Sunday, for their second pre-season game on British soil after they beat Bamber Bridge 7-0 on July 1st.
His side finished 12th in the Championship last season, despite only being six points off the play-offs.
December 2012 was the last time PNE travelled to Gigg Lane for an EFL Trophy tie, in which they won 5-4 on penalties after it was level at 3-3 after 90 minutes. Steven Schumacher got the late equaliser for the Shakers that night to take the game to deciding spot-kicks.
Tickets
Saturday’s fixture with Bradford City is SOLD OUT, please do not attend Gigg Lane without a ticket.
Tickets are still available for Sunday’s fixture with Preston North End, and will be ALL-TICKET only with no cash turnstiles in operation.
Click here to purchase.
On the Day & In the Ground
Travel: Gigg Lane is accessible by car and is well served by public transport, please see our page on the TfGM website, which advises best travel routes to the stadium. Directions can be sourced via Google Maps below.
SatNav Postcode: BL9 9HR
WhatThreeWords: ///issues.skins.span
Parking: The car park at Gigg Lane are available for players and officials ONLY, with spaces also made available for blue badge holders. Car park operatives are under strict instructions to apply this policy, if your car is not on the list, you won’t be let on the car park. Contact secretary@buryfc.co.uk for further details.
There is on-street parking in the residential areas surrounding Gigg Lane, with supporters reminded to be respectful and considerate of the local residents at all times, as well as being mindful of and adhering to the parking permit measures in place in close proximity to the ground.
Stadium Entry: Gates will open at 1.30pm. Home fans will be seated in the South Stand (access round the back of the Manchester Road End), whilst away fans will be in the East Stand and will head to the left as you enter the club car park area.
Our matchday volunteers will be on hand, both outside the turnstiles and inside the ground, to guide supporters to where they need to be. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask those who are there to help the day.
Food / Drink: Kiosks are accessible for supporters under the stands following the gates opening at 1.30pm. A selection of hot and cold snacks will be available. Alcohol will be sold, but has to be consumed away from sight of the pitch in line with EFL regulations. Please respect the advice from stewards on managing this process on the day.
Matchday Programme:
The team who compile the award-winning programmes, have been at it again with a fresh look for 2023-24. This is the first release of ‘The Shakers‘ programme.
This first edition which covers both games over the weekend, and marks the occasion by including match reports from the final three games of the 2018-19 promotion-winning season, which never made publication.
Make sure you don’t miss out on this special edition, and grab a copy online for just £3 plus booking fee when you buy your ticket (available until 1pm, Friday 7th) or from the sellers in and around the ground ahead of the game.
Pound for the Ground: Our ‘Pound for the Ground’ half-time raffle tickets will be on sale in and around the ground, £1 per entry. Sellers accept cash or card, with 40% of the total pot going to the winning ticket with results announced over the tannoy and on the scoreboard.
Keep #GiggGleaming: With so much work gone into Gigg Lane to get us to this point, we want to keep it that way and a lot of work is going into turning the ground around between games this weekend. We have a team of volunteers lined up to clean the stands following Saturday’s game.
With this in mind, we urge all supporters to make sure any rubbish is processed in the correct manner, using the available bins where necessary, or if possible please take any rubbish away with you.
#NonLeagueDogs: For now, dogs are NOT permitted in the ground.
Match Coverage & Live Stream
If you are unable to make it to the action at Gigg Lane this weekend, we’ll have all the live coverage across our media platforms.
Live Stream: For such a momentous occasion with the return to Gigg Lane and considering the capacity restrictions in place for this weekend, the Bradford City game will be made available LIVE and FREE to all, via the website on ‘Bury FC TV’ and via the club YouTube Channel. Click to subscribe and never miss highlights and match reaction across the season.
Audio Commentary: Roch Valley Radio will be providing commentary on both Bury FC TV this weekend, as well as across their audio website platform. Click here ahead of kick-off to listen live. Audio commentary will be provided for every game of the season, so you will never miss a piece of the action.
Social Media: Our team will also bring you in-depth text commentary via the club ‘MatchDay Live‘ Twitter feed, with team news and score-line updates available also on Facebook and feel like you are there with our match galleries and imagery available over on Instagram.
Whatever the weather, wherever you are across the globe, we have you covered. Join the community and make Saturday afternoon’s great again!
We hope you enjoy what is set to be a very special weekend. Up the Shakers!
#ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt | #PreSeason
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Match Info: Whickham FC (A), Sat 11th Nov, 3pm KO – FA Vase
Following a bye through the earlier rounds due to progression last season we finally enter this seasons FA Vase at the Second Round Proper.
And what a way to enter with a 300 mile round trip up North to face Whickham FC.
Coach tickets for this Saturday’s game can be purchased here.
Our Northern League based opponents currently sit 15th in their table after winning 4, drawing 1 and losing 5 of their opening fixtures.
Dave McNabb, who is no stranger to FA Vase success after winning it at Wembley with Warrington Rylands back in 2021, won’t be taking the trip lightly as he knows how tough these trips to the North East can be.
In his post match interview following this weekends fantastic win on the road at Kendal, Dave said the following about the upcoming tie.
You can see the full interview on YouTube here.
Speaking of the weekends match against Kendal, an Andy Scarisbrick brace and yet another Harry Wright clean sheet, sealed the win as we controlled the game for the majority of the ninety as we start to look like a real force to be reckoned with.
Kendal heaped praise on our fans and club for our excellent behaviour in what turned out to be a great day all round.
Images courtesy of Phil Hill
In Opposition – Whickham FC
Whickham Football Club is a proud member of the Ebac Northern League, a status they have held since 1944.
The club achieved promotion to Division One for the first time in 2018. Their highest football league finish was 7th following a successful 2021/2022 season.
The team sports the famous black and white stripes and shares the First Mortgage Glebe ground with their good neighbors, Whickham Cricket Club.
Their club’s greatest achievement to date is lifting the FA Vase in 1981.
Tickets – Pay On The Gate
Adults – £8
Concessions – £6
Children – £3
Both cash & card accepted
Supporters Coach
Tickets are on sale for the supporters coach departing from Gigg Lane at 10.30 am here
Travel & Parking
Address: Glebe Sports Ground, Rectory Lane, Whickham, Tyne & Wear, NE16 4PF, UK
Public Transport: To Follow
Nearest train: To Follow
Driving: To Follow
Parking: The main cricket carpark has limited spaces (NE16 4AB)
Whickham shopping centre is a 3min walk from the ground (same postcode) Street parking is also available but please be mindful of local residents.
Ground Facilities: The Corner Flag cafe at the ground serves chips, hotdogs, burgers, pork subs, pies and sausage rolls as well as hot and cold drinks and sweet treats.
Alcohol will be served in the bar and can be taken pitchside in plastic cups.
Both cash and card are accepted for tickets and in the ground.
Non league dogs, flags and drums are all welcome.
Match Coverage & Live Stream
If you are unable to make the game, we’ll have all the live coverage across our media platforms.
Live Stream: For this game, we will have no live stream. Keep up-to-date with all our video content via the club’s YouTube Channel. Click to subscribe and never miss highlights and match reaction across the season.
Audio Commentary: Roch Valley Radio will be providing commentary for this game. Click here ahead of kick-off to listen live. Audio commentary will be provided for every game of the season, so you will never miss a piece of the action.
Social Media: Our team will also bring you in-depth text commentary via the club ‘MatchDay Live‘ Twitter feed, with team news and half time and full time updates available also on Facebook and feel like you are there with our match galleries and imagery available over on Instagram.
Whatever the weather, wherever you are across the globe, we have you covered.
Up the Shakers!
#ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt
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Initial 2023-24 Season Fixtures Released
We are pleased to announce our initial batch of North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Premier Division fixtures for the 2023-24 season.
Today’s release covers the first month of the season, with the full fixture list to follow once the Northern Premier League have announced their fixtures, to allow for ground-sharing teams to avoid clashes.
In the opening four weeks of the season, we face nine games with a possible tenth should we progress in the FA Cup.
Our season begins at home against recently relegated Glossop North end on Saturday 29th July, before a midweek fixture away at Colne.
The following weekend, Saturday 5th August will see us take part in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, the draw for which is expected on Friday (7th July).
After the FA Cup, we’ll be travelling to last year’s promotion rivals Wythenshawe Town at Ericstan Park, where Benito Lowe & Darius Palma will face their former club.
We are back at Gigg Lane on Saturday 12th August, as we host newly promoted Chadderton, and then on Tuesday 15th August we make the trip up the M66 to face Padiham.
The weekend of the 19th September is currently free for the Shakers as it’s the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. A win on the 5th would see us land a fixture on this date.
Our first-midweek fixture at Gigg Lane will be on Tuesday 22nd August as we host Tom Kilifin’s former side Kendal Town.
Due to a bye in the FA Vase, we see ourselves in league action against Cheadle Town on Saturday 26th August at Gigg Lane.
Our final fixture of August will be the Bank Holiday Monday trip to Charnock Richard on Monday 28th August.
Details around tickets will be announced in due course.
2023/24 Bury FC Fixture List
July
Saturday 29th – Glossop North End (H)
August
Tuesday 1st – Colne (A)
Saturday 5th – Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Tuesday 8th – Wythenshawe Town (A)
Saturday 12th – Chadderton (H)
Tuesday 15th – Padiham (A)
Saturday 19th – Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round
Tuesday 22nd – Kendal Town (H)
Saturday 26th – Cheadle Town (H)
Monday 28th – Charnock Richard (A)
Not got your season ticket yet? Head to our tickets page to secure yours!
#ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt
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Extended – Connor Comber
We are delighted to extend the contract of winger Connor Comber. The 23-year-old joined the club in August after leaving Atherton LR and signed a contract in December until the end of the 2022/23 season, which has been extended for a further year.
Comber knocked up 45 appearances last season, with the second most goal contributions amongst the squad, scoring 18 goals and supplying five assists.
He’s also been on-trial in the last 18 months at EFL side Queens Park Rangers, so he’s a player we are delighted to retain.
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