Dean

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.

Good morning, everyone, Over the past few months, I’ve been working on a project very close to my heart — an online database designed to preserve and celebrate the complete history of Bury FC. The goal is simple but important: to create a comprehensive, freely accessible resource for all fans and the club itself, ensuring that our proud history is properly documented and available for generations to come. At present, the database already includes: All league matches, players, and league positions from the club’s formation through to 2019. However, there are still some significant gaps that need to be filled, particularly regarding player data such as appearances, goals, and disciplinary records (e.g., yellow/red cards). While much of the website’s core functionality is in place, it remains very much a work in progress. This is where I’m hoping the Bury FC community can lend a hand. 🔧 I’m looking for volunteers to support in two key areas: 1️⃣ Testing the current functionality Your feedback would be hugely appreciated — are there any bugs, glitches, or areas where the site could be improved? Suggestions for usability, design, or additional features are all very welcome. 2️⃣ Data curation and contribution Once we’re confident that the platform works as intended, I’d love to work with anyone willing to help populate the missing player records and ensure the database is as complete and accurate as possible. Please note: Currently, placeholder data is being used, so you may see match dates defaulting to 1970 and some players listed as 125 years old. These are simply markers until proper data can be curated. Ultimately, my hope is for this project to become the official historical archive for Bury FC — a free, collaborative resource that everyone can explore and contribute to. If you’re interested in getting involved, I’d really welcome your support and feedback. 👉 The website is live and can be accessed here: https://stats.uptheshakers.co.uk If you're interested in testing and contributing, please email enquiries@uptheshakers.co.uk 📸 Below are a few screenshots to give you a preview of what’s there so far. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and hopefully working with many of you to make this something special. Up The Shakers! Homepage Player search Each player is clickable and will take you to their personal profile, which will show appearances etc. Match Results Showing all matches up to 2019, clicking a team will display the head-to-head statistics and match history. Season History Showing all league positions, and tables, clicking the league will show the table and stats from that season. Manager History Showing all statistics, teams managed, where they originated, and where they relocated. Administrator Dashboard Allowing users to curate data easily and manage the site. Up The Shakers!

⚪️🔵 We are saddened to hear the passing of former Shaker Joe Thompson. Joe made four appearances for the club during the 2014/15 season. Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this sad time. RIP Joe - Once A Shaker Always A Shaker #BuryFC

Jon Wigg 802 Gareth Castick 671 John Raf 509 Stembridge 451 Dylan. 378

FSSB: Election UpdateThis is to inform members that voting has now closed for the three vacancies on the FSSB Board The results will be announced at the Special General Meeting (SGM) on Monday 3rd March 2025 at 7:00pm Joining instructions for the SGM will be issued to members at approximately 5:00pm (two hours prior to commencement of the meeting).

Statement From The FSSB Election Committee On Wednesday 5th February 2025, the Election Committee received a complaint relating to a social media post that Bradley Seymour had made regarding a former Bury FC player. The post was made at some stage last year and had been taken down by Mr Seymour within a few hours of being posted. Mr Seymour, we understand, issued an apology at the time for any offence that he had caused. Mr Seymour has been open and honest with the Election Committee and has cooperated fully with the process that we followed. This morning the Committee received notice that Mr Seymour had decided to withdraw from the FSSB Election. Following discussions with Mi-Voice, the Election Committee has decided that any votes already cast for Mr Seymour should now be discounted and considered “lost”, but that the election process should continue as planned with voting closing for members on Wednesday 26th February 2025 at 5pm. The results will be announced at the SGM on 3rd March 2025 at 7pm.

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.

The Football Supporters Society of Bury has informed members that the nomination period for the election has closed, and all nominations have been vetted. The list of nominees will be circulated, and the voting period is now open until 17.00 hours on 26th February 2025. The election results will be announced at the SGM on 3rd March 2025 at 19.00 hours. Only memberships activated prior to 17.00 hours on 2nd February 2025 are eligible to vote. For any voting process issues, members should contact support@mi-voice.com.

Do you think you know everything about The Shakers? Put your knowledge to the test with our ultimate Bury Football Club quiz! From the glory days at Gigg Lane to FA Cup triumphs and record-breaking moments, this quiz will challenge die-hard fans and casual supporters alike. Packed with questions about legendary players, historic matches, and little-known facts, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the history and spirit of Bury FC. Are you ready to prove you’re the ultimate Shakers superfan? Let’s find out! Massive thanks to @Sad Anorak for this weeks quiz!

Gigg Lane: Bury FC condemns 'acts of discrimination' | Bury Times

FSSB Special General Meeting: Monday 3rd March 2025 via Zoom at 19.00 hours A Special General Meeting (SGM) of (FSSB) will take place on Monday 3rd March 2025 via Zoom (or similar online conferencing software). We will ask you to elect or approve up to three Football Supporters’ Society of Bury members to sit on the FSSB Board Board Election There are three vacancies on the FSSB Board to be filled. Election Timeline Nominations will open on the 6th January 2025, remain open for 14 days and close on the 20th January 2025 at 17.00 hours Voting for candidates will commence on the 5th February 2025 from 09.00 hours and remain open for 21 days. Voting will close on the 26th February 2025 at 17.00 hours. The result of the ballot will be announced at the SGM on the 3rd March 2025 at 19.00 hours. Memberships Memberships will remain open to sign-ups, but to enable the election to be initiated only memberships activated prior to 17.00 hours on 2rd February 2025 will be included in this vote. This means that new members joining FSSB after this point, will be unable to vote at this election. Nominations for the Society Board The FSSB Board election policy can be found here and is also attached. Any member wishing to stand as a candidate for the FSSB Board should submit a written nomination by 17.00 hours on 20th January 2025 to the email address provided in the form and receipt will be confirmed. The nomination form can be accessed here and is also attached. Any person who submitted a nomination for election ahead of the original cut-off date of 5th November 2024 will be asked to confirm whether they intend to continue with their nomination. If they wish to continue, they will not need to re-apply but may wish to update their statement. Nominations will close on the 20th January 2025 at 17.00 hours. We will publish the names and statements of those nominated for board positions once the deadline has passed and the candidates accepted as meeting the criteria. Any person wishing to be a candidate for election to the FSSB Board must be a fully paid-up FSSB member and must have been a member for at least 6 months prior to the SGM and must be nominated by at least two fully paid-up members. Any person wishing to be a candidate for election to the FSSB Board must also read, understand and agree with the FSSB Board election policy. They must confirm eligibility to stand for the FSSB Board under the criteria laid out in the notice of election. In addition, they must agree to the rules of the organisation and uphold its values and principles . If elected, they also agree to be bound by the FSSB Membership and Conduct Policy available here Campaigning under the auspices of FSSB will be restricted to the statements submitted by the candidates, and candidates should ensure they do not breach the campaigning rules. We are grateful to Andrew Madaras for his assistance as independent scrutineer for the election process. The election process will be managed independently by Mi-Voice. Nomination-form-for-Board-Election--13-.docx Election-Policy-1.pdf Notice-of-Special-General-Meeting-3-March-2025.pdf

We can confirm the resignation of CEO & Club Secretary, Neil Sears. Further comment will be released in due course.