Leaderboard

The Curious Case of the Missing Trophies – and the Fans Who Still Hold Them for “Safety” For us as Bury FC supporters, 27 August 2019 is a date that will forever be etched into our memory. On that night, the English Football League (EFL) convened, voted, and expelled our club from its ranks, ending 134 years of continuous membership and stripping one of England’s oldest football institutions of its league status. It was early evening when representatives from our supporters’ group Forever Bury arrived at Gigg Lane. Some of us came to comfort devastated fans who had gathered at the stadium, others to liaise with the media and keep those at home updated on last‑ditch negotiations with prospective buyers. For many of us, the atmosphere was one of disbelief – supporters dazed and broken, struggling to comprehend what was happening to our beloved club. Amid the chaos, one Forever Bury representative recalls taking a call from colleagues working behind the scenes on a potential rescue deal when they were quietly approached by a supporter, away from the crowds. Their concern wasn’t about the takeover talks, but something more tangible: our club’s history. This fan admitted they had already worked with members of staff to remove some of our club’s most precious items – including the recently won League Two Runners‑Up trophy – and had hidden them “in their loft for safety.” Their fear was that, with the club in financial freefall, historic memorabilia might be sold off, lost, or even destroyed. This was not an isolated act. Weeks earlier, another supporter had driven his work van to the Carrington training ground and filled it with our club’s possessions – framed photographs, posters, training equipment and other artefacts. They later told Forever Bury that these items were being kept in a lockup at their business premises, again, in an effort to “protect” them from being sold off to pay debts. In the months and years that followed Bury’s expulsion, our fanbase itself fractured. Some of us walked away, unable to bear the pain. Others poured their energy into the phoenix club, Bury AFC. Many remained in limbo, still yearning for the identity, history, and pride tied up in Bury FC. For all of us, the sense of loss and betrayal will never fully heal. Meanwhile, the fate of much of our club’s memorabilia – trophies, shirts, photographs, and other artefacts collected since its formation in 1885 – remains uncertain. While some items have been recovered, others are still believed to be in the hands of individuals who insist they are safeguarding them. Our club’s Heritage Committee has made repeated attempts to catalogue and reclaim assets on behalf of the community. The aim is to preserve them collectively, not privately – to ensure Bury’s legacy belongs to all of us, not a few individuals who believe they alone can decide the future of our history. Why write this article?Because the time has come to return the missing history that binds our club together. These items – the cups, the medals, the photographs, the shirts – are not possessions to be hoarded in lofts or hidden away in businesses. They are community assets, symbols of a shared past that belong to every one of us who has ever stood on the terraces at Gigg Lane. It is not for one individual to decide what happens to our history. That responsibility belongs collectively to us, the fans, and to representatives such as the Heritage Committee, whose role is to safeguard, support, and preserve the legacy of Bury FC for future generations. So this is an appeal, not an accusation. We urge those who hold these priceless pieces of our story – particularly the 2019 League Two Runners‑Up trophy, the last piece of silverware lifted before expulsion – to return them to their rightful home: our club and our community. Until they are returned, the story of Bury FC remains incomplete. And just as the fight to restore our club has always been a collective one, so too must be the task of restoring our history. A Way ForwardWe want to make clear that this is not about blame, but about reconciliation. If you currently hold items of our club’s history, we are more than willing to act as mediators and help ensure they are safely returned to the club. You can remain anonymous – your identity will not be disclosed. All we ask is that you take the step to give these pieces of history back to where they belong. If you are willing to return items, please reach out to us using the clicking this link: Contact Us or emailing us via enquiries@uptheshakers.co.uk. Together, we can restore these symbols of our heritage to their rightful place – for our club, our fans, and our community.

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 FC is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the FA 2-Star Accreditation – a national standard of excellence that recognises our outstanding commitment to grassroots football, community engagement and long-term player development. This prestigious status marks a major milestone in the club’s journey and is a celebration of everything we strive to deliver across our adult, youth and community football programmes. It is recognition that Bury FC is not only building competitive teams, but also a meaningful, inclusive and sustainable football pathway for players from all walks of life. A Complete Football Pathway – From Baby Ballers to Adult FootballAt the heart of this achievement is our comprehensive player pathway – one that supports players at every stage of their football journey. From our newly introduced Baby Ballers for 2-4 year old toddlers and Wildcats sessions that welcome our youngest players into the game, through to our junior boys’ and girls’ teams, disability football and all the way up to adult men’s, women’s, veterans’ squads and walking football. Bury FC offers a structure that promotes growth, enjoyment and progression. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, experience or background, is given the opportunity to find their place in the game and our success in securing 2-Star Accreditation reflects our commitment to maintaining these opportunities at the highest standards. Girls’ Football: Growing the Game and Building ConfidenceA key part of our accreditation is our expanded girls’ football offer, designed to support participation and progression at every age group. In line with the FA’s strategy to grow the women’s game, we are proud to now offer: Wildcats Centre for girls aged 5–11: fun, beginner-friendly sessions to build skills and confidence Squad Girls for ages 12–15: creating a positive and engaging space to keep teenage girls involved in football Junior girls’ teams across multiple age groups competing in local leagues Women’s development and first teams offering competitive opportunities into adulthood – we currently field 3 x 11aside adult female teams. Women’s recreational, vets and walking football 9 recreational teams competing in the Manchester Flexi League, 5 new vets teams and women’s walking football The girls’ pathway at Bury FC is now more complete than ever and continues to grow, thanks to strong coaching, club support and increasing demand from families across the borough. We recently hosted a ‘Big Football Day’ at Gigg Lane – a women and girls’ takeover to coincide with the women’s Euros, in conjunction with Manchester FA. Inclusive Football: Comets Pan-Disability CentreIn another proud step toward football for all, Bury FC recently launched its Comets Pan-Disability Football Centre – a specialist initiative aimed at providing fun, accessible football sessions for children with additional needs and disabilities. These weekly sessions give children of all abilities the chance to be active, make friends, and experience the joy of football in a safe and welcoming environment, supported by coaches trained in inclusive practice. The launch of Comets is a key part of our pledge to ensure no child is left behind in their chance to play the game they love. Schools Partnership: Shaping the Next GenerationIn addition to our club programmes, Bury FC also runs a wide-reaching School Sports Partnership across the town. Working with local primary and secondary schools, our coaches deliver: School visits Holiday football camps Girls-only programmes Links to club teams for long-term participation This partnership enables us to reach children who may never have played football before and helps build lasting connections between schools, families, and grassroots sport. It is also a vital pathway into club football, ensuring that talent and enthusiasm are nurtured from an early age. Additionally, we have given out over 2000 free match day tickets to pupils across the borough and provide the opportunity for children to be mascots and flagbearers at both our men’s and women’s home matches at Gigg Lane. Reaching Further: Our Work with BAMEIn recognition of Bury’s diverse population, the club has also made strong commitments to engaging with The BAME Project through targeted outreach and inclusive programming. This includes: Hosting children’s beginner football and fitness sessions Organising fun tournaments for secondary pupils from local high schools Encouraging greater representation in coaching and club leadership roles Giving away tickets for families from different backgrounds to experience football matchday experiences at Gigg Lane We believe football should be a mirror of our town’s diversity and that starts with creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. Supporting Mental Health and WellbeingAs part of our wider community mission, Bury FC is committed to supporting mental health through football. Our trained Mental Health First Aiders are embedded throughout the club, offering support, signposting, and a listening ear. We also continue to work alongside national campaigns such as #YouAreEnough by the FSA and regional charities like Mind, hosting matches and events that raise awareness and funds, reduce stigma and promote wellbeing through the power of sport. A Word from Casey Lynchey, Head of Operations at Bury FC What’s Next?With this accreditation in place, the future for Bury FC is brighter than ever. Our plans include: Expanding junior teams and coaching capacity Creating a strong pathway to adult football Launching new outreach projects in the community Strengthening our disability football programme Growing girls’ and women’s football at every level Hosting more inclusive events that celebrate the power of football to unite people Get InvolvedWhether you’re a parent looking for a welcoming club, a school seeking a community visit, a player wanting to develop, or a supporter who believes in community sport – Bury FC welcomes you. View the full article

The FA has today released the club allocations for the 2025/26 season, confirming that we will compete in the Northern Premier League West Division following our promotion from the North West Counties Premier Division. This news marks another significant milestone in our journey as we continue climbing the football pyramid. After a strong and determined campaign last season, we are proud to be taking our place in a competitive division full of both familiar faces and new challenges. Joining us in the West Division are fellow promoted sides Lower Breck and Shifnal Town, as well as Darlaston Town and Sporting Khalsa, who enter the division through lateral movement. Wythenshawe Town have also been granted a reprieve and remain in the division following Farsley Celtic, failing to be awarded a Step 1-4 club licence and requesting to be considered for placement at Step 5 or 6. The Full Line-Up for NPL West 2025/26:Atherton Collieries Avro Bootle Bury FC Chasetown Clitheroe Congleton Town Darlaston Town Kidsgrove Athletic Lower Breck Mossley Nantwich Town Newcastle Town Runcorn Linnets Shifnal Town Sporting Khalsa Stafford Rangers Stalybridge Celtic Trafford Vauxhall Motors Witton Albion Wythenshawe Town As we enter this new chapter, your support will be more important than ever as we take on a new set of opponents and aim to make our mark in the Northern Premier League. Fixture release dates will follow in due course. We can’t wait to see you all back at Gigg Lane for what promises to be another exciting season. Up the Shakers! 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

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