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With profound sadness, we have learnt of the passing of Anne Bent, a beloved member of the Bury FC community. Anne's unwavering passion for Bury FC and her countless hours of dedicated volunteer work at the club has left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Anne was the epitome of what it is to be a Shaker: selfless in her volunteering, measured in her views, and passionate about the club she loved. Anne's dedication to Bury FC went beyond just being a loyal fan. She volunteered her time and energy to the club, working tirelessly to support the team and its community. Whether she was organising events, cleaning up at games, or simply offering a warm smile and a helping hand, Anne's contributions were invaluable and greatly appreciated by all. Anne's selflessness and commitment earned her a special place in the hearts of fellow fans, volunteers, players, and staff. She was not just a volunteer but a pillar of the Bury FC family, known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. Anne Bent's legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched and in the stands of Gigg Lane, where her spirit will forever be a part of Bury FC. Rest in peace, dear Anne. You will be missed but never forgotten.

A big congratulations to the guys who have created and developed the matchday programme, as they've only gone & done it again! 2022/23 NWCFL Premier Division Programme of the Year, two on the bounce! 🏆🏆 Led by editor-in-chief, Chris Saville 👏 Pictured last night (l-r) Andy Andrew Corns, Marcel De Matas & Mike Howarth who picked up the award at the AGM on behalf of the club.

There was a short delay in the game restarting towards the end of the 90 minutes on Saturday due to three people attempting to enter the playing area. They were stopped from getting onto the pitch by stewards. Two of them did not co-operate and took some time to be restrained and removed. We have a number of eye witness statements, as well as video evidence, and are conducting our own investigation. We will act to protect the club and everyone working at the club from this behaviour. Where there are possible criminal offences, we will hand over evidence to the police to review. We have also made a number of policy decisions to further protect the club. These include: We will suspend the sale of alcohol in the stands during the game as a minimum and consider an outright ban. Starkies Bar will remain open before and after games, and the 1885 Suite will operate as usual for those ticket holders. We will release more information on this once a decision has been made. We will enforce stricter stewarding to prevent any potential encroachment of the pitch, including stopping anyone standing near the pitch during the game. We will ask players to be mindful where they celebrate goals and avoid areas where people are congregating. We know people have historically congregated in the corner of the South and West (Manchester Road End) Stands at the end of games for decades, as they have looked for a quick exit from the ground. Nowadays matches last for an additional five or ten minutes and it’s hard to know when the final whistle will be. Please stay in your seats until the final whistle where you can use any of three exits to leave the South Stand. These are behind the the Manchester Road End, in front of the Manchester Road End or through the Cemetery End. There is no need for anyone to stand before the final whistle other than to leave the stadium or go to the lavatory. We all recognise that an incredibly small percentage of Bury supporters are responsible for the problems we’ve faced in recent weeks, and it is bitterly disappointing that two or three people in a crowd of well over 3,000 can ruin the enjoyment of football for us all. However, we have to act now in the belief that we can then return to a more relaxed atmosphere in the future. We are concerned that the consumption of excessive alcohol is an enabler to anti-social behaviour. Today we should be talking about football, not crowd behaviour, but we will continue to punish and prevent anti-social behaviour where we find it. View the full article

Today our thoughts are with friends, family & the whole Bury footballing community as our dear friend Amanda Freeman is laid to rest. RIP Mandy 🤍💙

Dave McNabb has released the following message to supporters: Good evening Shakers, I know it’s been a turbulent time over the last couple of days with the events that have unfolded but I wanted to reach out to you all and ask that we all continue to focus on the football, keep driving the team on and try to remain positive. I’d like to place on record my thanks to Phil and Marcel who brought me into the club. The pair have worked tirelessly in the background and have been a driving force in getting us to where we are today. As we enter a transition period for the club there will be lots of opinions and thoughts about how we move forward, we must support the board behind the scenes to navigate us though this challenging time and trust the upcoming electoral process will deliver us the right people and structure to continue to propel the club forward. In the meantime, let’s all do our bit to ensure we achieve our goals and objectives on the pitch this year. Whether that is picking the team, coaching the team, playing staff, volunteers or fans, we all have our roles to play to ensure this season is a success. We have had a very positive start and we couldn’t have achieved what we have so far without you, the fans. The team now needs you more than ever, in your numbers and as loud and proud as ever. See you tomorrow, Dave View the full article

Bury Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of Leighton James at the age of 71. The winger was part of Martin Dobson’s famous “Forgotten Fifteen” who won promotion in the 1984/85 season using only 15 players all season, Leighton made 46 appearances and scored five goals. James won 54 caps for Wales, scoring 10 goals including a famous penalty to secure victory over England at Wembley in 1977. In his long and storied career he made almost 650 club appearances, turning out for clubs such as Burnley, Swansea, Derby, QPR, Sunderland and Newport County. He later held various coaching positions at a number of clubs, including Llanelli, before moving into media work as a columnist and pundit, where the directness and honesty he showed as a player continued to be in evidence. The thoughts of everyone at Bury are with Leighton’s friends and family at this sad time. Once a Shaker. Always a Shaker. View the full article

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

Bury Football Club Supporters Society would like to thank all fans who voted on the future of your club. A fan owned club is nothing without its loyal fans, you are all valued and have a part to play. Under Section 111 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 this resolution must be passed by not less than two thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting (whether in person or by proxy), and must be confirmed by a further Special Resolution at a second general meeting. Votes in favour are 952 (90.1%) and votes against the resolution are 105 (9.9%) During the SGM and the voting process the independent company Mi Voice have ensured compliance, counted, ratified all eligible votes and verified the result. The outcome of the vote is that the required threshold of 66.6% has been achieved, the resolution has therefore passed. What we are building today, is for those who will look back, be proud of the work we as volunteers have put into establishing this club as a shining example of a sustainable fan owned football club. We would ask every person to now look to themselves as to how best you can support Bury Football Club. The future of your club is in your hands, join us, become members and be a part of the future. Do not walk away, come back to be part of the future of Bury FC, we are the Shakers.

The 25th of April 2011 was a day that will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was the day our club secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Chesterfield, which saw us gain promotion to League One despite losing Alan Knill a month prior. The game got off to a nervy start for Bury, as Steven Schumacher picked up a yellow card just two minutes into the match. Probing of defences was undertaken by both teams until Tom Lee's goal in the 12th minute gave Bury the lead. We can all agree the game was an absolute rollercoaster ride, with both teams creating chances and the scoreline constantly changing. As a fan, I was on the edge of my seat throughout the match, cheering us on every time Bury pushed forward and holding my breath whenever Chesterfield attacked. Bury maintained their lead until the second half when Craig Davies' goal in the 50th minute equalised, but it wasn’t long until David Worrall's goal in the 55th minute put Bury ahead again. Chesterfield refused to give up, and Jack Lester's goal in the 63rd minute gave Chesterfield hope of a comeback. With just minutes remaining, Bury's talismanic striker Ryan Lowe stepped up to score the first of his two goals, making the score 3-2 and setting up a thrilling finale. And in the dying minutes of the game, Lowe scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute, sending the travelling fans into raptures and securing promotion to League One. Looking back, it was a truly unforgettable game and a fantastic achievement for Bury FC. Despite the field setbacks, the team showed tremendous resilience and character to mount a comeback and secure the victory we needed to earn promotion. As a fan, I will never forget that day as one of the greatest in the history of our club.

Highlights are brought to you by Autosave Ltd, Proud sponsors of Bury Football Club. Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #partofit

Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #PartOfIt

Each year, we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, sovereign, families and loved ones in order that we may live our lives in freedom and safety. It is important for us all to reflect on the lives lost, the families and friends affected and those who were injured whilst serving their country. As a mark of respect, ahead of our home game next Saturday against Pilkington, we will take a moment to remember all those brave men and women who have lost their lives in many conflicts and wars around the world and in service to our country at home. We owe them so much in countless ways. Especially poignant this year are memories of those who served in the D-Day landings of 1944 and the 25th anniversary of the end of the war in Bosnia and the Balkans where the British and NATO armed forces served with distinction in the Peace Keeping Force. Not only do we remember the armed services, the Army, Navy and RAF, but also the emergency services, Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services and all those who work within the NHS and social care and who serve to keep us safe. We also welcome special guests His Worship, the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Khalid Hussain, Lady Mayoress, Mrs Carol Bernstein and the Rector of Bury Parish Church, Reverend Julian Heaton. We are proud to launch the opening of our Veterans Bar for this fixture where service veterans will be able to gather together on match days and drop in sessions supported by The Two Tubs Public House and the landlady Donna Haslam. This will deepen our connection with veterans in the area which is so important to us as a club in a town with strong military connections. Saturday will be free of charge for all veterans, entry will be via the main reception on production of ID. We also remember those within the Bury FC family who have passed away. We particularly remember those who have passed away since our last memorial game. All those we have lost are missed by their fellow supporters, family and friends. Whilst their may be an empty seat, an unworn scarf or a missing click of the turnstile, each Shaker has made their own mark on the club, leaving their unique legacy and we remember them all with our own special memories. We are a town with a proud history of association with the Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and we continue the tradition of trooping the colour. We would ask supporters to be in their seats as early as possible for the remembrance service beginning ahead of kick-off. View the full article

Following four games on the road, we’ve got a busy run of home games coming with three (possibly four) home games in a ten-day period. After our away win at Blyth in the FA Cup yesterday, our game on Saturday 28th September vs FC St Helens will be postponed, in order to play in the Third Qualifying Round Fixture. We would like to provide updates on several areas ahead of this run of games. Ticketing For our FA Vase tie against Burscough next Saturday, we will be opening the South Stand ONLY. Season tickets aren’t valid for this fixture. We will be offering a 50% discount code for everyone who buys a ticket for our FA Vase tie for the following home game against Stockport Town on Tuesday 24th to support fans financially with ticket costs. Click here to purchase your FA Vase ticket. Matchday & Matchball Sponsorship We have availability for our Matchday & Matchball Sponsor packages for two of our upcoming four home games – vs Burscough & FC St Helens. Click here for full details on the packages. If you’re interested in this great opportunity, please email commercial@buryfc.co.uk Legend Guest Speaker We are able to confirm our next three legends that will speak in Eyelevel Sponsors Lounge & Starkies. Saturday 21st September – vs Burscough – Paddy Kenny Tuesday 24th September – vs Stockport Town – Mike Walsh Tuesday 1st October – vs Chadderton – Rob Matthews Please note – all speakers are subject to availability. Starkies Starkies will also be free of charge for the two games on 21st & 24th September. No ticket will be required. Existing Starkies pass holders for the league game on the 24th vs Stockport Town will receive a programme & pie. Car Park Following games at Gigg Lane, the car park is closed for 15 minutes after the final whistle to allow fans to leave safely. This is based on police advice after a ‘near miss’ incident last season. View the full article

Anne pictured litter-picking at Mossley in April-2023 Bury Football Club is saddened to learn last night of the passing of long-term fan, volunteer and former board member Anne Bent, at the age 64, following a long illness. Anne started following the Shakers in 1971, and amongst many activities will be mostly known to many as a frequent litter picker on matchdays. As well as following the club up and down the country from around 1971, she was a prominent ‘bucket shaker’ in the ‘Save Our Shakers’ campaign when the club ran into difficulties through the late-90s and early-2000s. From Gigg Lane to Old Trafford, she stood outside as punters entered the stadium pleading for that spare bit of change that may help save the club. Following the club’s expulsion from the EFL in 2019, Anne was a pivitol part of the re-emergence of football in the town as part of the initial group that led to the start of Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd. Assisting at fundraising events, helping anyone who would ask for it, always with a determination to try and put things right for both herself and fellow supporters. In Anne’s book, it was key to do things the right way and is was with that keeness she put herself up for election of the inaugural Shakers Community board in 2020. She was duly elected as the board’s sole female representative, until 2023 when she stepped down prior to the creation of the Football Supporters Society of Bury (FSSB). Leading from the front and galvanising those in despair in the early months following expulsion in 2019, Anne was regularly seen either at the turnstile or walking around the stadium with a rubbish bag and litter picker during the game and after. Always doing so with a smile and always with a quip about the game that had taken place that day – good or bad! Her selflessness and commitment earned a special place in the hearts of fellow fans, volunteers, players, and staff. She was not just a volunteer but a pillar of the Bury FC family, known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. The legacy of Anne will live on in the hearts of those she touched and in the stands of Gigg Lane, where her spirit will forever be a part of Bury FC. Our thoughts are with her husband Dave, daughter Louise & grandson Luke at this very sad time. Current FSSB Director, John Woodhead, who worked with Anne from 2019 had the following to say about Anne: “Anne was an extremely hardworking and supportive member of the inaugural Shakers Community Benefit Society board and became a very loyal friend. Her selflessness, commitment and dedication was apparent for all to see and she will be sorely missed. She leaves a legacy that will ensure she will always be remembered.” Rest in peace, Anne. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Anne (pictured in blue, arms aloft) celebrating a Benito Lowe goal away at Colne last season View the full article

The pitch at Gigg Lane has started to be removed ahead of the artificial 3G surface being laid this summer to be ready for the start of the 2024/25 season. Contractors McArdle Sport Tec began work last week by removing the top layers across the majority of the pitch before the deep dig occurs, and upgraded drainage is provided when the new base layers are installed. The works are due to be complete in early August, and whilst all of our pre-season games will need to be staged away from home, as well as the first couple of games of the season, we can't wait to have all of our teams based from Gigg for the first time.

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Following the recent incidents of anti-social behaviour, we have brought in some additional safety measures for our home games under the advice of the police. We acknowledge that almost all supporters are well-behaved and some will feel these are unnecessary measures. However, even standing near the touchline waiting for the game to finish makes stewarding harder and identifying genuine troublemakers difficult to identify in a crowd. We are faced with ever more serious sanctions for crowd problems so we have to act to protect the wider interests of the club and its supporters. We have noticed other clubs, both professional and non-league, face similar problems over the weekend and this is a concerning trend in football which needs to be addressed. The first three rows of the South Stand have been cordoned off and will not be available for use. This is to prevent people from rushing towards the side of the pitch when a goal is scored. All supporters will be required to remain in the stand unless leaving the ground or moving to or from a kiosk or the toilet. When moving please keep away from the pitch. As a result the South Stand capacity will be reduced by around 500 seats and we will open the Cemetery End on Tuesday night and on Saturday against Burscough. We will keep an eye on South Stand ticket sales and decide if it needs to be made all ticket on a game by game basis. The Cemetery End will remain pay-on-the-gate and we will encourage away supporters to this stand, acknowledging some may have already bought tickets. No alcohol will be served from kiosks. We have explored way of allowing alcohol sales with restrictions but the advice received from various third parties has consistently been that trying to manage alcohol sales in a restricted manner, such as stopping sales at a certain time or limiting consumption to inside the kiosk, is more likely to cause trouble than stopping alcohol sales altogether. Nobody working in a kiosk is responsible for this decision and they will have no alcohol available to sell. Anti-social behaviour is not acceptable. You can report it to a steward, and the club has acted on reports, including referral to the police for potential criminal investigations. The club has a clear policy on this with sanctions. We have excluded a small number of supporters from matches this season already, with bans ranging from months to an indefinite amount of time. We will not make statements about specific individuals where this might prejudice criminal proceedings, but please do not take this as a lack of action. We don’t think this should make the match any less enjoyable for the vast majority of supporters. It will be a safe and comfortable environment, and very similar to how things were prior to the 2019 league expulsion. You can now have a drink in Starkies before and after the game, as long as you do not take your drink into the stands. You can make as much noise as you like. We are there to watch football, let’s not risk losing that again. View the full article

Highlights are brought to you by Autosave Ltd, Proud sponsors of Bury Football Club. Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #partofit

Bury FC are delighted to confirm the signing of Arthur Lomax-Jones from Bootle for an undisclosed fee. The 19-year-old started at Tranmere’s youth setup before moving to Wigan in 2009 where he played through the ranks until Under 18s, where he then made the move back to Prenton Park. Lomax joined Bootle from Tranmere last summer and has made 38 appearances for the Bucks, a number at the start of the season under Dave McNabb. He was recalled from his loan at NPL West side, Widnes to be able to sign for the Shakers. Manager Dave McNabb commented on his latest addition: “Arthur is an exciting player who can play left back, in midfield or as a winger. “A pro last season at Tranmere he has a great pedigree and a ton of potential to keep pushing up the leagues.” Lomax-Jones added: “I’m made up to finally get this over the line. “Bury is a massive club and I like the direction the club is heading. I’m looking forward to linking back up with the manager and making my debut at Gigg Lane very soon.” Arthur will be eligible to face Ramsbottom United on Tuesday evening. Subject to league approval View the full article

Highlights are brought to you by Autosave Ltd, Proud sponsors of Bury Football Club. Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #partofit

Match vlog from Bury FC v Prestwich Heys on Boxing Day 2023 from Gigg Lane. This was a fabulous performance from Bury featuring a brace of goals from their captain Tom Moore culminating in a 2-0 win.

Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #PartOfIt

The board met for the first time at the end of October, and we have summarized the main decisions below. The board appointed Rod Peters and Phil Young as Secretary and Chair of the Society, respectively. There were no other nominations for these positions. The board appointed Jon Newby to the board of Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd which trades as Bury Football Club. Dave Triggs and Phil Young stepped down. The board appointed John Woodhead, Ian Pearson, Marcel de Matas and Darren Bernstein to the board of The Bury Football Club Company Ltd, which owns the Gigg Lane stadium. They will represent the Society’s interests on that board. John Woodhead will chair this board. Mike Goodier has stepped down. Bury FC Benefactors Ltd have appointed Matt Barker, Ian Harrop and David Manchester as their board representatives. The board agreed to the creation of three committees: A Finance and Audit Committee, responsible for providing an additional layer of oversight over the club and societies financial decisions and functions. A Heritage Committee, responsible for initiatives which recognise, promote and preserve the history of the football club. A Diversity and Inclusion Committee, to recognise that this plays a vital role in a growing, community club and more can and should be done. The board acknowledged the lack of diversity across its own membership. Terms of Reference for each committee will be drafted ahead of open invitations to join the committees being issued. The board will appoint a Secretary and Chair for each committee. It was agreed that a new legal agreement would be put in place which would result in the football club assuming responsibility for meeting all of the future operating costs of the stadium and take all future stadium revenue. The intent is to simplify the current arrangement, reduce costs, and will satisfy the requirements of funders such as Bury Council and The Football Foundation who wish to see long term security for the club at Gigg Lane before they invest in it, along with detailed operating and development plans. It should also allay any concerns from supporters about our commitment to the Gigg Lane stadium and its future financial viability. The specific details of this agreement are now under discussion. We will start work on a slight reworking of our budgets as we anticipate employing people through Bury Football Club (2019) Ltd to deliver services in the stadium and complete the operating and development plans. Most of these are not unexpected costs, they are just being re-allocated to a different company. A new financial reporting tool is under review to assist with consolidated reporting for members. We are profitable and we are reviewing how we move money between different organisations, some of which operate under different tax rules which has prevented us with problems. Overall, we are ahead of expectations in terms of profitability, but it should be remembered that our cash position has been boosted by season ticket sales which will be spent throughout the season. We are generating more revenue, primarily from greater ticket sales, but as we are starting to understand more about the stadium there are also additional costs to bear. Some of these are exceptional costs, some ongoing, and we will share these with members as soon as possible. We are now required to have The Bury Football Club Company Ltd financially audited, as it is a subsidiary under the Community Benefit Society Act 2014, and have changed the accounting reference date to allow us time for this to take place. We are now working on the launch of a new membership system and will make further announcements on this in due course. The price will remain as £5pm or £60 per annum. The formal minute for the election SGM can also be found here.

Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #partofit

Highlights are brought to you by Autosave Ltd, Proud sponsors of Bury Football Club. This is footage from our analytics camera only this week, so we apologise for the quality of picture! Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #partofit

Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #partofit

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.

Highlights are brought to you by Autosave Ltd, Proud sponsors of Bury Football Club. This is footage from our analytics camera only this week, so we apologise for the quality of picture! Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #partofit

We go again this weekend after picking up four points since last Saturday, with a win at home against West Didsbury & Chorlton and a point on the road at Wythenshawe in midweek, following a late penalty. Shakeel Jones-Griffiths grabbed his first Bury goal with a header from a corner on Tuesday night and a returning Benito Lowe sent Gigg Lane into raptures last weekend when a spirited West fightback set up a nail-biting finish and a last minute winner. Get your highlights for both games at our YouTube channel HERE. We head into the weekend sitting second in the league, behind early pace-setters, Kendal Town, by five points following the Mintcakes loss away at Colne on Tuesday night. Andy Welsh, gave us his thoughts last weekend following the win over West Didsbury and how electric games at Gigg Lane are for the lads on the pitch: We are the season’s top-scorers in the league so far with 25 goals, so if you are looking for entertainment then Gigg Lane is the place to be at this moment at Step 5. Our visitors, Longridge Town, head into the game in 22nd in the league but did secure their first league win of the campaign last weekend with a 6-0 drubbing of Skemelsdale United. They have lost all three away games this season however, a fact they will no doubt be looking to put right this weekend in the Gigg Lane sunshine. Get all your pre-match information on the opposition, tickets, programmes, access to Gigg Lane, and much more in our details below. In Opposition – Longridge Town Formed in 1996 when the two clubs of the town, United & St. Wilfrid’s came together with the aim of raising the standard of football in the town. The previous two clubs had existing from as far back as the 19th century, so the experience was by no means novice, and the club quickly moved out of the local religious leagues they had taken part in for nearly a century and through the Preston & District and then West Lancashire Leagues before being promoted to the NWCFL in 2018. They quickly moved into the Premier Division following a successful first season, finishing as Champions. They have remained at this step since that point. For more information on Longridge, head to their NWCFL page HERE. Tickets & Admission General sale tickets are available for the Main and South Stands, plus hospitality for the Main Stand. Purchase your ticket below: Buy Tickets HERE We recommend purchasing a ticket ahead of the game to allow us to plan appropriately in the ground. Prices*: £10 adult, £5 16-18, £3 Under 16s & Free for Under 5s. 1885 Suite: £40* per ticket * plus booking fees Pay on the Gate: Whilst encouraging supporters to buy online ahead of the game while we make a decision if turnstiles at the South Stand will be available to take cash & card payments. The Cemetery End will be CLOSED this weekend, with Pay on the Gate supporters able to gain access via into the South Stand. Away Supporters: There will be no hard segregation on the day, with Away supporters encouraged to buy tickets for the South Stand, and congregate towards the ‘SH’ end of this stand. Season Ticket Holders: We have recognised the requests from some season ticket holders who wish to be sat in the Main Stand, instead of the currently allocated South Stand. Whilst general sale tickets for the Main Stand are available again, this Saturday the first 150 season ticket holders who wish to watch from the Main Stand, can do so by admission of the turnstile. Please arrive early to secure your seat, with allocations made on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 car-park policy is now in force, as outlined below. 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 (season ticket only) 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. Match Sponsor: Our MatchDay Sponsors are Howarth Timber & Building Supplies. We welcome the team down to Gigg Lane this weekend and thank them for their support of Bury FC. 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 guidance 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: A pay-per-view Live Stream will be available, click on ‘Live Stream’ at the top of the homepage to access the game from the comfort of your own home, live from just after 2.45pm. Season ticket holders will receive this for FREE and an email will be sent an hour before kick-off on how to access the game! 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 View the full article

Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury FC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. #BuryFC | #PartOfIt

The Shakers stand proud at the top of the North West Counties Premier Division, continuing their unbeaten run. However, last season's promotion rivals Wythenshawe Town didn't make it easy for them. Bury emerged victorious with a 3-2 win but faced a daunting two-goal deficit at the break, courtesy of penalties by Luke Nock and Danny Byrnes. In a thrilling match that encapsulated the essence of football, Bury staged a comeback that their fans will cherish. Andy Briggs quickly pulled one back and added a second in the 56th minute. Sajjad Elhassan then capped off the turnaround with a cool penalty in the 77th minute following a foul on Lewis Gilboy. Twelve yellow cards were shown in this hotly contested battle, but remarkably, no players were sent off. Bury's winning streak remains intact, and the excitement for what's next in their campaign continues to build. Keeping An Eye on the Competition Bury's closest rivals, Kendal Town, are keeping the pressure on and could match Bury's 100% record with their next win. The Mintcakes dominated Padiham in a 3-0 victory, leaving their scoring until late in the game. The Cumbrians' defence has been impressive, as they have yet to concede a goal this season. Other Notable Matches Litherland REMYCA clinched a 4-1 win over Squires Gate, with Oliver Nugent and Elliot Taylor playing key roles. Colin McDonald's side now sits in third place. Colne finally secured a league win, defeating Glossop North End 2-1 in a replay of their FA Cup triumph. In a spirited display, Cheadle Town rallied from 2-0 down to snatch a point against Pilkington. Late heroics from Pat Davin and Kyle McGonigle salvaged a draw. Prestwich Heys and Charnock Richard played to a goalless stalemate in the other match of the week. Looking Forward As Bury continues to impress and lead the division, fans will be eager to see if their beloved Shakers can maintain their form in the coming fixtures. With the team showing resilience, flair, and a winning mentality, the season ahead promises to be exciting for everyone connected with Bury Football Club. Stay tuned for all the latest updates, match reports, and exclusive fan content.

Bury Football Club are delighted to confirm Xcede IT as the club’s IT service provider. The company specializes in IT Support, Cyber Security, Microsoft 365 & Cloud, Backup, Telephony and Connectivity. It was founded by a team with multiple years experience of working in IT, who were passionate about providing a personal and responsive service to their clients. The group had seen how companies already in this field were causing more problems than they were solving, and whose approach was based on sales rather than solutions, they saw that the key to a successful relationship was creating a proper partnership based on trust, delivering solutions and services that work for their clients. Xcede IT Director & Bury fan, Dave Coulson said “We have been helping Bury FC for a while now, and so formalising this partnership was the perfect next step. “Implementing Microsoft 365 for email was key to allowing Bury FC to be heard again as a club and the setup and configuration of high-speed internet and secure wi-fi connectivity has been crucial in moving the stadium forward. “As a long time Bury FC supporter, this is an ideal partnership and one that we are looking forward to developing further over the years.” We are delighted to partner with Xcede IT, access their website HERE and to contact them click on the image below! #ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt View the full article

Bury Football Club are delighted to announce an exciting annual football game that celebrates the rebirth of both Macclesfield FC and Bury FC! This eagerly anticipated event brings together two historic clubs, each with their own rich heritage and passionate fanbase. The Reborn Cup marks a significant moment in the revival of both clubs, symbolizing their resurgence after facing challenges in recent years. It represents a celebration of their enduring spirit and determination to reclaim their places in the footballing world. With the first edition set to kick off this Saturday (15th July), football enthusiasts eagerly await the clash between Macclesfield FC and Bury FC. The atmosphere will be electric as fans fill the stands, adorned in their team’s colours, ready to witness an epic showdown on the pitch. Football Board Chairman, Marcel De Matas said: “Both Macc and Bury have been through similar experiences, and have risen from the ashes to create vibrant, growing clubs. “We hope that the Reborn Cup will become an annual event, which allows us to celebrate clubs at the heart of our communities and show that there is an appetite for attractive, exciting football in towns like ours.” Macclesfield FC Owner, Robbie Savage added: “I’m delighted to announce that Macclesfield FC and Bury FC will take part in the Reborn Cup on an annual basis. “Given what both sets of fans and communities have been through, having this game will poignantly enable them to celebrate our much-loved Football Clubs.” The Reborn Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle, capturing the attention of fans and media alike. Beyond the game itself, the Reborn Cup serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity displayed by both Macclesfield FC and Bury FC in overcoming adversity. It stands as a testament to the unwavering support of their loyal fans, who have stood by their clubs through thick and thin. As the annual tradition unfolds, the Reborn Cup will undoubtedly become an emblematic event, forever etching its place in the football calendar. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the beautiful game and the unwavering loyalty of fans who fuel its passion. View the full article

Bury Football Club is run by volunteers and owned by its supporters. Even if you aren’t one of the many volunteers who are assisting with our matchday operations this weekend, you can play a part in its success. Here are just a few things that you can do which make more of a difference than you might realise. 1. Don’t turn up if you don’t have a ticket. Both games are ticket only. Bradford is already sold out. Nobody will be admitted without a ticket and we are under some extremely strict rules to enforce this for these fixtures. 2. Park considerately. The car park in front of the stadium is not available this weekend for supporter use, other than for people with blue disability badges. Volunteers will be helping manage the car park. Off street parking is available but be mindful or the streets closest to Gigg Lane which have parking restrictions on a matchday, and be considerate to residents when you park in residential areas. 3. Go to the right turnstile. Home supporters will be in the South Stand and away supporters in the East Stand (as below). Please look out for signs and volunteers who are there to help to ensure you go to the right place and help anyone struggling. 4. Have your ticket ready showing the QR code. You can present your QR code on your mobile phone or print it off at home, both will work as long as it is clear. You can only use it once on the day so if you share it with someone else who goes in first it won’t allow you in. 5. Behave responsibly. Despite being a friendly, this is a high profile game with a significant security presence. Help us succeed by following the rules around alcohol consumption, be patient with volunteers and stewards and don’t engage in anti-social behaviour described below. 6. Don’t litter. Every piece of litter needs to be cleaned up afterwards. If you leave litter behind that means extra work for a volunteer. Please use the bins provided or even better take your litter home with you so others don’t have to. 7. Help if you can. You will see people staying behind after each game to work on the stadium. Join in if you can. Even five minutes spent cleaning the area around where you sit makes a difference. There are still tickets for Sunday’s game against Preston North End, get yours HERE! Spectator Management Whilst these games are both friendlies, more stringent rules for spectator management will apply as our opponents are EFL teams. This means that alcohol cannot be served or consumed in view of the pitch and the police will be in attendance. We will have enhanced stewarding on the day which will hopefully support us in delivering a safe environment. We hope to be able to relax these requirements for the three remaining home friendlies against non-league opposition, and open up more of the ground for the start of the season proper. However we need your support and co-operation to do this. We are required to demonstrate that we are able to safely and competently run matches out of Gigg Lane to open up more of the ground increase our capacity. Please help us achieve this over the next few weeks. Anti-Social Behaviour is A Criminal Offence Supporters should be aware that anti-social behaviour affecting the game itself will be a criminal offence. This includes: Entering the field of play Possession of Pyrotechnics (Flares / Fireworks) in the ground The throwing of projectiles Racist, Homophobic or any other indecent chanting #ShakersTogether | #BuryFC | #PartofIt View the full article

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. Manager Andy Welsh said: “To all the schools, kids and parents, Bury FC are back and we would like to invite you to come and watch us train at Gigg Lane ahead of what promises to be an exciting season. “Some of you will not have ever visited our home ground, so we are opening it up for you to come and meet me and my players, as well as the chance to win some great prizes. “You are our future, our up and coming Junior Shakers. I look forward to welcoming you all as we continue to rebuild this community club.” 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 View the full article

The League's Annual General Meeting took place today at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool. Representatives of 56 of the 60 member clubs were in attendance as well as the eight new member clubs that have been allocated to the league for the new season. To open the meeting, League Chairman Paul Lawler welcomed all delegates at 11.00am prompt. After apologies were given, the minutes from the previous AGM were raised and adopted prior to moving on to the Chairman's Report. The report from the Chairman said it was another great season for football. He said that average gates were well up on previous years, with clubs giving value for money with quality to match. We should be well placed to attract football fans from higher up the pyramid. He then ran through successes of clubs. Vauxhall Motors won the Premier, with Avro also achieving promotion through the Step 4/5 Play-Off. He mentioned though how glad he was that the format has been scrapped with traditional play off's coming in. In the First Division North, Pilkington took the crown with Chadderton promoted in the Play Offs. In the First Division South it was Wythenshawe Amateurs who won it, with Cheadle Town promoted in the Play Offs. Our last remaining side in tie FA Cup was Bury AFC, and Paul was very proud that we had three Quarter Finalists in the FA Vase. Well done to Bury AFC, Congleton Town and West Didsbury & Chorlton for their success in the competition this season. Congratulations to Congleton Town and Bacup Borough on winning the respective league cups. Northwich Victoria won the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup, with Winsford Unitedas runners up. Credit to Congleton Town who became the first NWCFL side to win the Cheshire Senior Cup, and to Kendal Town who won the Westmorland Senior Cup. Also well done to Wythenshawe Town who were runners up in the Manchester Premier Cup. Sadly we do lose clubs. As well as Vauxhall and Avro, we say goodbye to Cleator Moor Celtic, Foley Meir and Rocester who were relegated from the First Division. It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to both and hopefully they can return to us for 2023/24. To replace these we have eight new clubs, four from the Northern Premier League, three from the County Feeder League and one from hiatus. He then wished the new clubs all the best on their new journey,. Then he came onto lateral movements. These come at a considerable cost, potentially putting their future in doubt. Winsford had to take voluntary relegation to secure the clubs future. With Uttoxeter getting a reprieve. This issue is one we have constantly raised with the FA. The lateral movement problem will not go away. Almost certainly, lateral movement end of 2023/24 from South Manchester sides or eastern sides. Current rules aren't fit for purpose and need changing. Paul said behaviour on the field continues to be a problem, verbal abuse and incidents . Also record number of dismissals from the technical area. He asked clubs to read and digest the Respect and Fair Play reports produced by Stewart Taylor. The standard of administration from some clubs is poor and creates significant work. Our league is about respect and friendship which some clubs seem to have forgotten. Administrative procedures were carried out which included adopting of standing orders, adopt the accounts for the financial year as well as reviewing the auditors report produced by Steve Conway. This technically concluded the league business for the 2022-23 season. Next was the exclusion of clubs, which in a long-standing tradition at the NWCFL, was a chance to say goodbye. Avro thanked people for advice that they have been given, its been a great journey and that he hoped not to see us in 12 months time. Cleator Moor Celtic said that they had made good friends over the last four years, they are now dropping to the West Lancs and that he hoped to see us soon. Congleton Town said that they had had the best season for quite a number of years, that they looked forward to making friends in the Midland League and that they would miss us all. Northwich Victoria echoed Congleton's thoughts, and said that it had been a tough few weeks. Its now a rebuild job and moving to the Midland League has put 149 years of football at stake. Finally Vauxhall Motors, who thanked the officers of the league for their help and to fellow member clubs for their hospitality and friendship. They then wished everyone all the best for the future, before all clubs left the room. The constitution of the league was then agreed, with 24 clubs in the Premier Division, 19 in the First Division North and 18 in the First Division South. This is subject to any FA appeals. As Paul pointed out, we have no choice these days but to accept it as it is decided nationally by the FA! The eight new clubs were then accepted into the league with representatives from Colne, Droylsden, Glossop North End, Market Drayton Town, Route One Rovers, Ramsbottom United, Shelley Community, Skelmersdale United. All took to the stage to say hello and to give a bit of information about their clubs to the room. The full make up of all three of our divisions at this present time is as follows: PREMIER DIVISION AFC Liverpool, Barnoldswick Town, Burscough, Bury (formerly Bury AFC), Chadderton, Charnock Richard, Cheadle Town, Colne, FC Isle of Man, Glossop North End, Irlam, Kendal Town, Longridge Town, Litherland Remyca, Lower Breck, Padiham, Pilkington, Prestwich Heys, Ramsbottom United, Skelmersdale United, Squires Gate, West Didsbury & Chorlton, Wythenshawe (formerly Wythenshawe Amateurs), Wythenshawe Town DIVISION ONE NORTH AFC Blackpool, Ashton Athletic, Ashton Town, Atherton LR, Bacup Borough, Daisy Hill, Darwen, Droylsden, Euxton Villa, FC St Helens, Garstang, Holker Old Boys, Ilkley Town, Nelson, Route One Rovers, Runcorn Town, South Liverpool, Shelley Community, Steeton DIVISON ONE SOUTH Abbey Hey, Abbey Hulton United, Alsager Town, Ashville, Barnton, Brocton, Cammell Laird 1907, Cheadle Heath Nomads, Eccleshall, Ellesmere Rangers, Maine Road, Market Drayton Town, New Mills, Sandbach United, Stafford Town, Stockport Georgians, Stockport Town, Winsford United The next item was the Life Members and the Election of Management Committee members. With the passing of Bob Eccles, the President position is vacant and we have had no nominations thus far. Four committee members were up for re-election who were Mick Ainsworth, Martin Fallon, Rob Goodwin-Davey and Chris Stirrup. All offered themselves for re-election to serve for a 3 year term will commence another period of office which will see them on the Management Committee until 2026. With no other nominations, all were duly elected. We did have a vacancy during the season. With Sue Hyde's departure the committee co-opted Charlie O'Brien. With no other nominations, a show of hands in the room formally elected Charlie to the League Management Committee. Administration for the new season was addressed with the FA Standardised rules reviewed and agreed. John Deal explained that we don't really have a lot of choice these days.One change for 2023/24 will be the introduction of a Match Arrangement Form similar to FA Competitions due to some disagreements in the past between clubs regarding admission prices. The fees tariffs was agreed. The one change from last season being a small increase in assistant referee's fees. The fines tariff was agreed, with no changes made. Next was confirmation of the League Insurance Scheme, and there have been no proposals for change there. This was followed by the re-appointment of auditors which was agreed. The Chairman then closed the Official Meeting at 11.45am.

The amalgamation vote has been overwhelmingly approved by both societies and we will return to Gigg Lane next season. You can view the results here. It never seems like it at the time, but the more painful route is often the more valuable. Over the last few months every idea and opportunity has been explored, all avenues walked down, all stones turned over. It’s led us back here, with no regrets and with no ifs or buts left to debate. We are left with the right decision as it was the only decision. The arguments are no longer exhausting, they are exhausted. Thank god for that. Modern life constantly asks us to make choices. Between one thing or another, this idea or that. Sometimes the answer is both. We don’t need to choose one and abandon the other. This was one of those moments. This vote preserves the old and the new, history, present and future, nothing and nobody is lost or left behind. It was never a choice between one thing or another. Voting yes means voting for both. It means everything. It means all of us. It will take all of us to make the future work, so it was the only way to set us off on the right track. A more direct route would have been easier but we would have learned less along the way. We now know more. We know how to play an active role in our football club. Our sense of agency has never been stronger. All this makes us better prepared. And the curving track still got us home. Thank you to everyone who voted and thank you to all the people who kept us going during some difficult times. We look forward to seeing you all at Gigg Lane for the start of the new season. From the Shakers Community Board View the full article on the Bury AFC website

The club are sad to report that Jimmy Moore has informed us that he is hanging up his boots with immediate effect. Jimmy arrived in Bury in 2020, amassing 85 appearances and six goals, as well as captaining the side on occassion. His passion and strength key assets to the Andy Welsh side that was promoted as champions from NWCFL Division One North in 2021-22. Returning to the side in recent weeks, Jimmy has been involved in our resurgence at the top of the league, capping off his career with a goal and a clean sheet in his last game, Saturday’s 7-0 win at Barnoldswick Town. Moore has cited recent changes, both personally and professionally, as reasons for turning his attention away from playing. We caught up Jimmy, who wanted to thank the club, and of course, the fans, for their great support: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my time at the club. Playing for Bury has been an honour, and I am extremely proud to have represented your club.” Manager Dave McNabb was also disappointed to be losing an experienced head from the squad, wishing Jimmy well for his future out of the game: “Jimmy’s going to be a big loss to the team, the changing room and the club as a whole. He’s been a leader on and off the pitch and I’d like to thank him for everything he’s done to help since I came into the club. “Jimmy’s decision did come as a surprise on Monday evening but we’ve got to respect his decision and use this as an opportunity to celebrate the great player he’s been for the club.” We want to wish Jimmy all the very best as his playing career comes to a close, he will be fondly remembered by many and welcome back at Gigg Lane at any time. Once a Shaker, Always a Shaker. Go well, Jimmy! View the full article

Bury Football Club is extremely saddened to share the passing of Emily Wilcock, aged 27. Emily joined to play within the recreational setup two and a half years ago and was an very proud and committed member of the setup, barely missing a training session, taking part in extra summer sessions and attending social events with the squad. A member of the ‘Greens’, one of a number of our teams competing in the local recreational leagues, who won League 2 of the Greater Manchester Women’s Flexi League in 2022-23 and was part of the club trip to Barcelona in 2022. She grabbed her first goal of the season in the last game of last season, and was selected as Manager’s Player of the Season in 2021-22. Everyone who knew Emily will know she was such a lovely person with a great personality and always had a big smile on her face. She will be solely missed for all these reasons. Emily’s passing will be marked at both our Women’s game this evening and at Gigg Lane on Saturday afternoon. As a club, we wish to pass on our thoughts and condolences to Emily’s family, boyfriend, friends and all of her club teammates as they come to terms with this extremely sad news. Rest in peace, Emily. Emily (bottom row, far right) pictured with the Green Team View the full article