Following on from the announcement earlier in the week around the stadium ban coming into force from next Tuesday, the club is continuing to work on the plans around this and hopes to communicate an update on this ahead of this weekend.
Prior to that, the following update is provided on other matters of relevance this week, including:
• Results of a charge following the home game against Skelmersdale United.
• Impacts of charges on the club
• Current match-day procedures at Gigg Lane.
• General Manager to answer your questions.
Please find the full update below.
FA Charge Hearing – Skelmersdale United (27th January)
On Tuesday evening the club attended a second FA hearing within 48 hours, to answer charges relating to rule E.21 during our fixture against Skelmersdale United at Gigg Lane on Saturday 27th January.
The club responded promptly to this charge when informed, which resulted in the de-escalation of the process. We pleaded not guilty to the charge that we ‘failed to ensure our spectators and / or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion’ following an incident that occurred towards the end of the game.
These charges were found to be unproven by the FA and as a result the charges were discharged against the club. We are pleased with this result, and thank the team who responded to the charge for their work in this case.
Impacts of charges on the club
Whilst it is not expected that the club will routinely circulate the results of charges raised against the club (as above), partially as they are a matter to be dealt with privately with any relevant parties or authorities involved, we do recognise that the recent changes resulting in stadium closures will be alarming to supporters.
We welcome the result of the most recent charge and wish to confirm to supporters that the club’s disciplinary group work diligently in both assisting any cases presented and defending the club in these instances. Historical offences have meant that club still sits under a 12-month suspended stadium ban, which runs until mid-September 2024. We are therefore still under scrutiny and will act appropriately to protect against further incidents.
Steps have been taken to eradicate these issues at Gigg Lane, by both removing and banning individuals from the ground, as well as initially removing alcohol sales on match-day and making alterations to seating arrangements.
We will continue to work with the regulatory bodies in ensuring that our supporters conduct themselves appropriately when attending fixtures and we urge all supporters to work with us to this goal. As has been shown this week, these measures are not taken lightly and the penalties are significant and have increased over time.
A full stadium closure makes a large dent in budget expectations, which only serve to affect the club’s ability to progress. There is also the time spent by both staff, alongside dedicated volunteer effort, in preparing for each case. This time would be better spent on improving all the things that supporters want to see from their club.
We urge supporters to take on board the impacts and consequences of fan disorder inside the ground to work with the club and their fellow supporters to build upon what is mostly a vibrant, welcoming and ultimately enjoyable experience in following the Shakers.
Match Day at Gigg Lane
Supporters will be aware that alcohol sales inside kiosks were re-introduced last week. This has been of a direct result of working with events and kiosk staff in implementing a workable solution. This process will continue to be re-evaluated by the board and General Manager going forward.
There are many other significant developments being worked upon across the club ranging from short to long term in timescale, but definitely show the progressive nature that the club is looking to take, with supporters and the wider community at the heart of these developments.
The most immediate plans centre on some big ticket items, like works to fully open the Main Stand, fan experience initiatives and works towards the proposed 3G pitch installation. We will of course bring you updates on these as they happen.
Neil Sears answers your questions
To bring supporters insight into some of these plans and despite only officially being in position for a couple of weeks, we will be putting newly-appointed General Manager, Neil Sears, in front of the camera soon to explain his role and how he is settling into life in BL9. We plan for this to be a regular update and a way of reporting on club matters at least every couple of months.
Neil has overall responsibility for running day-to-day operations at Gigg Lane, but as part of the dual-role as club secretary, he also liaises with manager Dave McNabb on team matters.
Whilst we plan to cover the main points in the first part of the video, there will be a chance for supporters to ask questions on the important issues that matter to them across the areas that Neil covers.
If you have a question for Neil, please submit them via email to media@buryfc.co.uk by Sunday 10th March.
