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The list of candidates!

Dean

By Dean

Voting is now open for the Board elections. You can vote for up to three candidates to fill three positions on the Board.

Voting closes at 5pm (GMT) on 26th February 2025.

 
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Proposed by: Adam Ingram
Seconded by: Jon Wiggans

Please provide an overview of your abilities and why you believe you should be elected.

I have been a Bury fan for over 30 years. I have spent the last 5 years on the football board, initially with Bury AFC and now as Bury FC. Outside of Football I work for the National Probation Service within a Senior Management role.

As Vice Chair of the club, some of my primary responsibilities were previously linked to the delivery of Matchday Operations. These included:

  • Creation of the matchday roles and responsibilities- ensuring we have both paid staff and volunteers in key roles on a matchday.
  • Co-ordination of volunteers, to ensure that we were able to deliver a safe and enjoyable matchday experience.
  • Understanding the Safety requirements of the ground, liaison with the security provider Taurus and creation of Health and Safety processes and procedures.

Since the start of November, I have been Chair of the football board. During this period, I have worked closely with the CBS in reviewing the structure of the club moving forwards, including:

  • Creation of the Football Committee. This focuses on the on-field aspects of the club, bringing together members of the board with the management team. The purpose of the committee is to track expenditure against the annual playing budget, develop a recruitment strategy and identify requirements to support and strengthen the playing structure, including the pathways from the development teams to first team football.
  • Regular tracking of the overall budget on a quarterly basis, holding regular meetings with the finance director to review the current financial position.
  • Chairing the Operations Committee. Ensuring that the meetings are action focused, and that key deliverables and priorities are incorporated onto the agenda. Bring together key operational areas and improve processes and efficiencies.
  • Liaison with the Media team, understanding the importance of communicating information as quickly as possible, but also using social media as a way of keeping fans interested, engaging and excited, feeling that they are very much part of it all.

The above, combined with my experience in my career, highlight that I bring the following transferable skills:

  • Project Management skills demonstrated through my career managing large scale regional projects, overseeing the planning, design, monitoring and execution of multi-agency offender management initiatives.  
  • Leadership- Both within my career and my role as chair of the football board, I can make effective decisions and have demonstrated my ability to lead from the front.
  • Communication- Ability to communicate both with stakeholders, supporters and regulatory bodies, and represent the club in a professional manner, both in meetings and on a matchday.
  • Working in Partnership- I work in a multi-agency environment, where partnerships and shared objectives are critical. As part of the Football club, I have built contacts and relationships both with the FA, Football Supporters Association, NWCFL and other football clubs.
  • Working at Pace- I work in what is often a high-pressure environment. I can make defensible decisions taking into consideration information from a variety of sources and potential risks and pitfalls. I have also managed to balance this against carrying out the current volunteer role with Bury FC.

I believe our next steps as a club are crucial to continue to grow and develop. My vision for the club moving forward is to:

  • Develop community initiatives to consolidate our footprint in the community- The club has an integral role in the local community. As a football club we have the ability to make a positive difference to those in our local area. I am passionate about the creation of community projects and through my work for the Probation Service have experience and understanding of funding streams available to create projects that meet the diverse needs of our community.
  • Continue to expand and grow commercial partnerships. An increase in commercial investment is directly correlated with upward movement through the football pyramid. Investment- To continue to grow and progress through the football pyramid in a sustainable way, we will need to strengthen commercial investment opportunities.   Working with the incoming commercial manager to set financial targets against projected budget requirements.
  • Grow the fanbase. By engaging with fans of all ages and backgrounds. As such I have started to work with our Head of Operations on the development of a fan panel, which will bring together a cross section of supporters to improve to ensure we have as many voices contributing to our vision.
  • Work with the media team to continue to deliver high quality output, which is informative, exciting and engaging, but also supports generating financial revenue.
  • Continue to develop the vision and strategy on the field. Work closely with the management team to profile financial requirements based on consecutive promotions, whilst ensuring we invest in young talent that will both travel with the club through the leagues, but also hold a resale value.
  • Young people are the future of our club, and we need to work closely with schools and local football clubs and continue some of the excellent work at the start of the season. I also believe we should engage with local community and religious groups, so that our fan base represents the diversity of our community. As part of this I have been liaising with the FSA and Kick it Out to deliver a “Fans for diversity” event at Gigg lane towards the end of the season.

As a fan owned club that we continue to be open and transparent with our members around decision making. Our mantra is “By the fans, For the fans”, and we are custodians of the club.

I believe the above demonstrate my suitability to a position on the CBS board. I have a strong belief that we are in a fantastic position to thrive and grow as a club, and that through hard work, determination and togetherness we will have a club that future generations will be proud of.

Declaration of interests

Directorship of any companies in the past 5 years:

None

Employment (past 5 years):

Deputy Head of Public Protection, National Probation Service, Yorkshire and the Humber

Shareholdings over which I have investment control, in the following individual companies:

None

Gifts or hospitality offered, in the last 5 years months, by any external bodies or companies in relation to the Club and whether this was declined or accepted:

None

Any other conflicts not covered by the above (including those of a social or personal nature, that might give rise to conflict with the duties of a director of the Club):

None

 

 
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Proposer: Andrea Allcock
Seconder: Nicola Jayne Parker-Carr

Please provide an overview of your abilities and why you believe you should be elected.

“Football is full of old men out of touch, let’s change it”. Someone once told me this and it got me thinking, does our club make every fan feel included? Do all, whatever their gender, age, beliefs feel the club listens to their point of view? Do all with specific requirements feel they know who they can speak to? Does everyone feel their needs are catered for?

This isn’t targeted to anyone at our great club, and I trust all who are paid and unpaid work to their limits for what they can do and how they believe it should be done. However, as the club settles from it’s rebirth thanks to many people on the football side and those who performed magnificently to buy our home, and keep it ready for when football returns, it’s time for an injection of the next generation; for representing everybody, from all groups and demographics, looking after the town, club, and fans; after all, we are the club.

I’m Brad Seymour. I’m 30 years old despite what my grey hairs and hairline are trying to tell me. Day by day, I lead the Collections department for Network Rail. In short, my team bring in hundreds of millions of pounds a month, alongside other teams we move sensibly and account for everything transparently; unlike some who have held a position at this club in the past.

Before this however, I studied at the University Campus of Football Business, honing my skills at Burnley FC for 3 years. I learnt a lot, most importantly the ethos that fans should not be seen as customers. Whilst at university, I was voted overwhelmingly into the role of Equality and Inclusion Officer on the Student Union, founding the Women in Football society, to the benefit of all female students showing they have a place in this sport; the society is now still flourishing in 2 other campuses around the country and Florida. Further to this, I put in place arguments, followed by results, in delivering accessibility to bars, food and travel for students with mobility difficulty and/or use wheelchairs, ensuring our budgets and plans made a point of looking after everybody we represent. This involved significant engagement with female and disabled students to make sure these innovations reflected their needs and aspirations. I have since volunteered to ensure those with various disabilities do not experience issues at the stadium, as well as being a Her Game Too advocate.

But enough about me personally, what will I do as your go-to board member and what will I focus on? Well…

  • Co-create Bury’s disability football hub at Gigg Lane in early 2025, given the town’s facilities and access for this are way below par compared to nearby towns, this is as per the FA and backed up by my own experiences when much younger; it’s completely unacceptable it is still the case. This is being done with a team of volunteers I’ll be a part of, coaches enhancing a disability recreational football program and dedicated admins, which I will support. Work is already underway so this can be delivered as soon as possible.
  • Continued community focus – there’s little to remove from this but I firmly believe we need to continue and push on. The potential of the club and stadium’s influence in the community is phenomenal, let’s keep it up and see where we can go to the next level.
  • Increased transparency - if it’s in the form of minutes at meetings, which can be shared like financial updates are, or overall further understanding of what we’re doing at board level to serve fans. Whilst the code of conduct states confidentiality, I’m hoping for a middle ground including summarised minutes where possible which reluctantly may include redacted sections when needing to maintain confidentiality, but we need these as transparent as possible. They will be sent out to members so members can hold us accountable, and we have further transparency.
  • To be visible and communicative with fans on issues concerning the board, taking an approachable, honest approach.
  • Efforts for gaining results fans actually want, rather than what just makes business/commercial sense - we need to find a balance. An example of this may be match day catering, with fans being given the opportunity to detail in writing what they’d like to see to gain in-depth insight of wants and needs.
  • The requirement of member consultation on decisions where there may be good reasoning, but it will impact fans, such as paying for the car park when using the pitch during weeknights or other decisions such as pre-paid tickets only on certain stands where we have seen decisions be reversed once fair points have been raised. A fan advisory board or fan forum I and others meet with would be a consideration for me. It is also important that fans understand the issues and obstacles the club face and would support the club in reflecting these back to fans.
  • Overall strategy is planned, communicated and implemented (after a period of consultation).
  • To really be by the fans, for the fans.
  • Work with the CEO in making correct decisions for Bury Football Club and us all.
  • Assist in the running of the club, with sound business sense and people focus, drawing on my studies, work, and beliefs of how clubs should serve both the town and fans, to a very high standard.
  • Ensure policies welcome and value older generations, but also favour 18-35 year olds and the next generation (4-17), as they need representation and a voice.
  • Build relationships with and/or look at other relevant clubs to see what we can learn with an open mind.
  • Supporting continued female input in running of the club and initiatives for women in football.
  • Volunteers seen as essential and treated as such in gratitude and more. This includes match-day, non-match day and extends to those in White Blue Army who prepare in their own time and hours before home games to enhance match experience.

Declaration of interests

Directorship of any companies in the past 5 years:

No directorships for myself (Bradley Seymour)

Father (Mark Seymour) is director/owner of Landmark Roofline

Employment (past 5 years):

Employed: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd (Network Rail Ltd) – Area Support Analyst (Deputy Manager and sole lead of Finance Collections) July 2022 – Present.

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd (Network Rail Ltd) – Billings Administrator – Lead Track Access, Utilities, Non-Operating Companies. April 2018 – July 2022

Shareholdings over which I have investment control, in the following individual companies:

None

Gifts or hospitality offered, in the last 5 years months, by any external bodies or companies in relation to the Club and whether this was declined or accepted:

None

Any other conflicts not covered by the above (including those of a social or personal nature, that might give rise to conflict with the duties of a director of the Club):

None

 

 
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Proposer: Adam Ingram
Seconder: Ian Pearson

Please provide an overview of your abilities and why you believe you should be elected.

I’ve been a devoted Bury fan for nearly 40 years, with five generations of my family sharing this passion for the Shakers. Over the past five years, I’ve contributed to football operations, starting with Bury AFC and now with Bury FC since the return to Gigg Lane in 2023.

Outside football, I run my own business in the construction industry, managing building projects of all sizes. I coupled this area of expertise with the delivery of the new “Starkies” bar area at Gigg Lane towards the end of 2023. Working alongside a host of volunteer helpers, this space was transformed into a modern, welcoming space for fans on match days.

Within my main work at the club, I lead the commercial department. This has a focus on building strong relationships with local businesses and sponsors. Since last season, our team has created a comprehensive database of both current and potential sponsors. The idea is to streamline partnerships and foster connections between sponsors, enhancing their growth while supporting the club’s sustainability. By prioritising collaboration and reputation, we’re making Bury FC a club worth backing.

In addition to my commercial role, I contribute to various operational areas:

  • Kits: Managing orders and supplies for players, coaches, and staff while staying within budget.
  • Payments: Supporting card systems across the club and providing financial reports for turnstiles, merchandise, and match-day sales.
  • Programmes and Merchandise: Coordinating orders, advertisements, and stock management.
  • Hospitality: Ensuring smooth operations for match-day catering, including dietary needs and sponsor arrangements.

Looking ahead, I envision Bury FC thriving if the following principles can be continued:

  • Transparency: Maintaining openness as a fan-owned club.
  • Relationships: Building partnerships with stakeholders and securing funding for sustainable growth.
  • Community: Creating initiatives to support diverse local needs, as well as providing improved accessibility to Gigg Lane.
  • Investment: Attracting commercial support to progress sustainably through the football pyramid.
  • Engagement: Connecting with fans of all ages and backgrounds to ensure our club reflects the diversity of Bury.

I’m deeply committed to Bury FC’s future, and I believe hard work, determination, and a togetherness in all that we do will ensure the club’s success for generations to come.

Declaration of interests

Directorship of any companies in the past 5 years:

Been self-employed for the past 20 years.

Employment (past 5 years):

Sub-contracted to Lowe Maintenance for the past 8 years.

Shareholdings over which I have investment control, in the following individual companies:

N/A

Gifts or hospitality offered, in the last 5 years months, by any external bodies or companies in relation to the Club and whether this was declined or accepted:

N/A

Any other conflicts not covered by the above (including those of a social or personal nature, that might give rise to conflict with the duties of a director of the Club):

N/A

 

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Proposer: Mike Goodier
Seconder: Alistair Rowe

Please provide an overview of your abilities and why you believe you should be elected.

If elected, my main aims would be to ensure:-

  • All voices are listened to, with proper fan-engagement at all levels, which will help further unify the fanbase and give the club the best possible chance of climbing up the leagues
  • That the club is committed to always operating on a sound financial footing
  • The board are accessible to fans and members on matchdays, meetings and other events
  • The relationship with the benefactors is improved so they can help the club with their experience of football and financial matters
  • All meetings are fully minuted and audited, and in-person wherever possible, to make fans and members feel valued and listened to  

I have managed my photography business in Ramsbottom for over 30 years. As a young kid in the 1970s, I would often get a lift to Gigg Lane with the ex-Bury FC legend Pat Howard and was lucky enough to enter the stadium through the players’ entrance to spend the afternoon watching my heroes play football. Fast forward 40 years and myself, my dad (who sadly died shortly after the last Tranmere game) and my son were still watching Bury as season ticket holders in the Main Stand.

I have experienced many highs and lows during my years supporting Bury Football Club. I have served the club proudly through those same moments with my media and business skills. We have done so much as a fanbase to rescue Bury FC, but I feel there is more we can do to unify the club that will respect all fans wishes.

Though it was hard work, and I made many personal sacrifices, being part of the Bury FCSS board that worked with the Shakers Community Society to ensure the amalgamation happened was something I was proud of - especially when faced with countless obstacles and opposition. I was not just involved with the exciting jobs like cleaning Gigg Lane and arranging mass events like the Legends game and Bonfire Night celebrations, but I also personally attended every meeting with the interim board to carry through our duties, working alongside the local council and national government.

Though I very narrowly missed out on being voted onto the board last year, I have remained busy by volunteering on matchdays, as well as helping organise fan unification events like ‘Share A Scarf Day’ and ‘Shake Overs’ for away days, through ‘Shakers Together’.

I am immensely proud to have played a part in Bury FC’s return but in all honesty, I am also frustrated and saddened to see portions of our fanbase feeling alienated and disenchanted with their love for THEIR club. I will make it my business to make Bury feel inclusive from top to bottom. I think to be an entrusted board member we need to make ourselves personally accessible to fans, members, and the army of volunteers whether that be on matchdays, through social media or at the end of a phone.

As a lifelong Bury supporter, you will still find me at Gigg Lane every week and am always happy to meet anybody and answer questions. Born and bred in Bury and still living locally allows me to work behind the scenes and be at Gigg Lane as much as possible.

As well as lending all my 30+ years’ business and media skills, my primary goal will be to help the club reconnect with all its fans as and helping improve the board’s relationship with the benefactors who not only saved Gigg Lane and the club’s IP, but are also lifelong Bury fans who can play a part in the club’s financial security and ambition as we climb the leagues.

In line with reconnecting the fans to the club, I will also aim to have all meeting minutes published and adopt the model of FC United of Manchester where fans have a chance to attend board meetings. Communication is something all fans have appealed for, and I do not believe it has yet been delivered as it could be.

I am committed to seeing our club go from strength to strength. I’m sure there may be obstacles and disagreements within the club and the fanbase, but I know we can succeed if we are all dedicated to the same goal – more MK Dons thrillers, Tranmere promotions and more recently Radcliffe victories. Over two years ago we bought the shell of a football ground; we now have a thriving stadium hosting elite men’s, women’s and other football, as well as a host of community events.

If you vote for me, I will do my utmost to make sure Bury FC and the fanbase’s full potential is realised. We are at the beginning of our rise up the leagues with so much to look forward to. Let’s continue to press forward and bring the great times back to Gigg Lane. To do this we need to continue to unite the membership and fanbase through this tough time by being tolerant, listening to and understanding differing opinions whilst all striving for the same unified goal.

We have seen in the last few months the fantastic appetite for football in the borough, families and friends reunited in the love for their team and a real community spirit throughout the whole club. Together we can work to fill the stands again and get Gigg Lane bouncing!!  UTMS!!!

Martin Stembridge

Declaration of interests

Directorship of any companies in the past 5 years:

None

Employment (past 5 years):

Self-employed at Martin Stembridge Photography

Shareholdings over which I have investment control, in the following individual companies:

None

Gifts or hospitality offered, in the last 5 years months, by any external bodies or companies in relation to the Club and whether this was declined or accepted:

None

Any other conflicts not covered by the above (including those of a social or personal nature, that might give rise to conflict with the duties of a director of the Club):

None

 

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Proposer: Daniel Chapman
Seconder: Matthew O'Keefe

Please provide an overview of your abilities and why you believe you should be elected.

My name is Dylan Weinstein, and I’m honoured to stand as a candidate for a position on the Society Board of Bury Football Club. At 29, I’ve been a proud supporter of Bury FC since 2005, finding my happy place at Gigg Lane and forming lifelong memories & friendships through our club. I’ve grown up in Bury, attending matches with friends, and witnessing unforgettable moments throughout. The camaraderie and passion of the White and Blue Army (WBA), which I’ve been part of since 2013, have shaped my love for the club. I believe that my voice can represent the younger generation of fans who care deeply about preserving Bury’s legacy while driving it forward.

Being part of the WBA since day one of its inception, it has strengthened my connection to our club but also made me keenly aware of the importance of fan representation. Over the years, I’ve seen how fan-led initiatives can make a difference in the world of football. From being huge advocates of safe standing & terracing, to matchday improvements in & around the ground. If voted, I would work to ensure that our fans voice continues to be heard at the highest level & that supporters are not just spectators, but active people in shaping the future of our club.

The years between the club’s removal from the EFL and our triumphant return to Gigg Lane were emotionally tough for many of us. Like others, I attended a few AFC games, but my heart always remained with Gigg Lane, waiting for the day we could step back into our true home. The atmosphere at our first game back, with over 5,000 fans roaring in support, felt like a homecoming, reminding us all of what truly matters—our collective passion for Bury FC and the community it fosters.

Professionally, I have over 10 years of experience working across various sectors. In 2023, I founded an admin-based business, aimed at helping businesses save valuable time. My background in inbound and outbound sales, marketing, client servicing, financial management, social media and staff leadership, equips me with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the FSSB & club. I’m accustomed to tackling issues and providing solutions that drive progress, whether that’s troubleshooting for clients or developing strategies to enhance business efficiency. 

In addition, I’ve faced personal challenges, including being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic condition that has reshaped my perspective on resilience and perseverance. Despite these difficulties, I’ve continued to push forward.

My vision for Bury FC is one rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and financial stability. I’m committed to listening to the concerns of all fans, particularly the younger supporters, and ensuring that everyone’s voices are heard. My goal is to contribute to building a bright future for the club, one that honours our history while paving the way for long-term success. I pride myself on my straightforward, forward-thinking approach, and I will perform my duties as a director with integrity and accountability.

I do not pretend to know everything when it comes to running a football club. This is going to be a huge learning experience for me, but one I am willing & happy to take on. We, as a town and football club, are blessed to have so many people in various fields and utilising everyone’s knowledge, contacts & advise will be key to pushing our club forward in the long term. 

My key aims, but not limited to, are:

To improve communications between members and board. Including, but not limited to, club statements made via social media & website;

To create a clear path for a better & more sustainable working relationship between board and benefactors;

To look at options of having a bigger & better presence in and around the borough of Bury.

To ensure board meeting minutes are made available to members. This does not mean all minutes, for example anything that may damage the club/business GDPR or any sensitive information etc. But general information where members would benefit knowing what is said, by whom, could be greatly appreciated for all to see. 

I humbly ask for your vote, and I look forward to working with you all to create a future we can be proud of for Bury FC.

Declaration of interests

Directorship of any companies in the past 5 years:

Founder – Do it DW

Employment (past 5 years):

Do it DW – Founder – Since June 2023

New Century Rollers (uk) Ltd – December 2015-June 2023 – Office Manager

Shareholdings over which I have investment control, in the following individual companies:

N/A

Gifts or hospitality offered, in the last 5 years months, by any external bodies or companies in relation to the Club and whether this was declined or accepted:

N/A

Any other conflicts not covered by the above (including those of a social or personal nature, that might give rise to conflict with the duties of a director of the Club):

N/A

 

 
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Proposer: Michael Cartmell
Seconder: Geoffrey St John Healey

Please provide an overview of your abilities and why you believe you should be elected.

From the mid-1960s I have had a long association with my home town club, both as a supporter and an active volunteer.

In the mid to late 1980s I supported the club by allowing several players to stay at my home. This enabled me to gain access to several ‘behind the scenes’ activities and personnel and led to friendships that still remain strong to this day.

This illustrates to me that Bury Football Club has always been a family club. The bond between supporters, players and staff has always been strong.

In 2003 I was asked by a member of ‘Forever Bury’ to get involved in creating a Fans Football Team. Supported by the club this was so successful that we quickly had 2 teams that followed Bury FC around the country and played against opposition supporters. I am proud of what I achieved during approximately 15 years, making lots of friendships and building relationships nationwide.

In 2019 like all our fans I was devastated at our expulsion. Personally I fell out of love with football. Despite several requests from friends and family I did not get involved with the creation of Bury AFC but wished them well. However I acknowledge all the hard work and dedication from the many Bury supporters that did get involved. I did however get interested with The Bury Football Club Company Limited once Gigg Lane was rescued with the help of the Benefactors, Est 1885 and the Government through the ‘Levelling Up Fund’. My involvement increased when I became an elected member of the Supporters Society. I also (with the help of my son Martyn) became involved as the Treasurer and gained very useful knowledge of the ‘day to day’ operations at Gigg Lane.

Since the merger I have worked very closely with the elected board members in particular in financial matters involving the stadium. It has also been my pleasure to spend many hours, often over 20 hours per week down at the ground where I have worked with our Stadium Managers, Community Officer and our previous CEO. I have also been involved with our Sponsors and hospitality guests on Match days, welcoming them into our hospitality suites.

Having retired after 45 years working mainly as a Production Planner in the Manufacturing Sector I wanted to return to further my education. I am a firm advocate that we should never stop learning new things. I gained a First Class Degree in History and Education and a Masters in History (Graduating January 2023). My experience gained in planning I believe would be an asset to our club. We have to grow the club going forward but in a financially secure way. To do this we need a clear vision. Strategic planning is vital. If elected it would be my mission to work with all our stakeholders to ensure a successful future.

Declaration of interests

Directorship of any companies in the past 5 years:

N/A

Employment (past 5 years):

Retired

Shareholdings over which I have investment control, in the following individual companies:

N/A

Gifts or hospitality offered, in the last 5 years months, by any external bodies or companies in relation to the Club and whether this was declined or accepted:

N/A

Any other conflicts not covered by the above (including those of a social or personal nature, that might give rise to conflict with the duties of a director of the Club):

N/A

 

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