We formally unveiled our Legends Wall at Gigg Lane on Sunday, 17th May, with invited guests gathering for a special occasion dedicated to celebrating many of the club’s greatest players and their lasting contribution to the history of the Shakers.
The event was proudly sponsored by the Bury FC Community Supporters Trust, whose support helped bring the day together, including hospitality for guests such as the buffet and pizzas. It was also fitting to see a historic part of the club’s identity supported by an organisation so closely aligned with its future community direction. A panel graphic recognising the Trust’s involvement was also included as part of the presentation.
Former players, family members, representatives of legends no longer with us, sponsors and club officials attended the event, which marked the completion of a project designed to honour some of the most iconic figures to represent Bury FC across generations.
Opening the ceremony, Heritage Committee Chair John Cranshaw welcomed guests and thanked those who had supported the project from its earliest stages.
“I would like to say a big hello and thank you to you all for coming along to help celebrate and recognise the legends and history wall,” said Cranshaw.
Special recognition was given to the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury for attending the unveiling, alongside the former players and family members present on the day.
“Thank you to all the legends that are here, and also to those unable to attend,” Cranshaw said. “Thank you to those legends’ families and representatives coming from near and afar – we hope you feel that justice in honouring them has been done.”
The Legends Wall primarily focuses on players who made a significant impact during their time at Bury Football Club, creating a permanent tribute to individuals whose performances and achievements helped shape the club’s proud footballing identity.
Cranshaw explained that the idea first originated almost two years ago through volunteer Roger Owen, who wanted to create a visual celebration of Bury FC’s footballing heritage that supporters could engage with for generations to come.
“He was trying to come up with an idea to create something that would remind, teach and commemorate the history for the legends of Bury FC. Something that would stop young and older supporters alike by having something of interest for them all.”
Despite a number of challenges throughout the process, the project was eventually brought to life through the work of volunteers, sponsors and members of the Heritage Committee.
The Heritage Committee Chair also revealed that the project will continue to evolve beyond the installation itself, with educational opportunities already being explored.
“Moving forward, this will not be just for the supporters, Tom Leng of the Heritage Committee is in the process of bringing this to life into our local schools as part of teaching local history.”
During the ceremony, Cranshaw paid tribute to all those who supported the project, including sponsors whose financial backing helped make the Legends Wall possible, alongside the many volunteers and contributors involved in delivering it.
Following the unveiling, over 100 guests gathered in the club’s hospitality area to reflect on the memories and achievements celebrated throughout the afternoon, in what proved to be a fitting tribute to many of the players who helped build the legacy of Bury Football Club.