Bury News Feed

Saturday 5th August 2023, the day that the world’s oldest national football competition, The FA Cup, returned to Gigg Lane. With The Shakers as the away side! In a turn of events that saw the match being moved to Bury we welcomed Uttoxeter to town as the hosts. Being the away team didn’t seem to dampen the spirits with a phenomenal 2,903 turning up to cheer The Shakers on to a resounding 4-1 victory. Goals from Benito Lowe, Sean Higgins and a calmly slotted-home penalty from Connor Comber in added-time at the end of the game ensured the Shakers passage into the Preliminary Round and an away trip to Charnock Richard on the 19th August. You can watch the highlights form Saturday’s match below. The games come thick and fast, and focus returns back to the league this Tuesday night, as we head to Ericstan Park to face one of last season’s top teams, Wythenshawe Town. Bury will see a much changed side from the previous season following the departure of manager, James Kinsey to Stalybridge, the appointment of new manager, Rory Fallon and a raft of changes in the playing squad. Town have had a mixed start, with one win and one loss in the league so far, departing the FA Cup at the weekend following a 1-0 loss away at Congleton Town. We are set for a nice summer’s evening in South Manchester, so get all your pre-match information below. In Opposition – Wythenshawe Town Early Days: The club was founded in 1946 as the North Withington Amateur Football Club and was the idea of some young men who attended St. Crispin’s Church on Hart Road in Fallowfield. The club first played in the South Manchester & Wythenshawe League (1946 – 1958) and were subsequently transferred to the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur league (1958 – 1972). Manchester League & Timpson Road: It was in 1972 the club applied and were accepted into the Manchester League, when up until 1974 all games of football were played at Hough End Field, Princess Road, Withington. In June 1974, under the helm of Chairman Billy Moore, the club’s headquarters were moved from the Princess Hotel in Withington to the newly acquired ground at Timpson Road, Baguley, M23 9LL where three pre-fabricated houses were purchased and turned into a clubhouse with a bar, kitchen and changing facilities. After numerous discussions, it was decided to name the ground after the residing Chairman (Stan Hahn) and the Club Secretary (Eric Renard) out of respect, honouring them as founding members, hence the name Ericstan Park. And it was at this point, the club decided to design a new badge incorporating a cockerel and a fox; the cockerel related to founding member Stanley Hahn (the German for cockerel is Hähnchen) and the fox to founding member Eric Renard (the French for fox is Renard), to forever recognise the club’s founding members. Cheshire League & The Invincibles: In 2014 and under new Chairman Kenny Hope, the club transferred to the Cheshire League Division 2 and went on to become history-makers, making national headlines as they won every single league and Cup game, 39 games in total, earning the side the title, ‘The Invincibles.’ Back to back promotions on their debut in the Cheshire League, and with a working partnership in place with professional football club Fleetwood Town, the club set their sights firmly on bringing semi-professional football to the club for the first time in history. The North-West Counties Football League & Semi-Pro Football: That ambition came to realisation at the end of the 2017/18 season after two seasons in the Cheshire Premier League when the club secured promotion to Step 6 and the Hallmark Security North West Counties League South Division, heralding a new era at the club. There were further changes at the beginning of 2019 when Chris Eaton took over as Chairman with a promise to put the club on a sound business footing. Promotion was narrowly missed at the end of the season but with Manager James Kinsey and his coaching team in charge, the club looked forward to the new campaign with optimism. The optimism proved well-founded as the club showed its confidence in the players and management team was justified with some remarkable highlights and a run in the league that left them in third place and looking forward to a future in the next level. Their greatest run of success was in the FA Vase where a series of victories against Goole Town, Nostell Miners Welfare, Skelmersdale United, and Northwich Victoria saw them matched against competition favourites big-spending Consett Town. A draw at home saw Wythenshawe visit the North-East for the replay but the FA’s experimental rule-change for the competition saw the team short of six players while their opponents had a full squad to choose from. Even so it was a narrow one-nil defeat that saw their visions of Wembley come to an end. The highlight of the season was a remarkable two-one away victory over high flying National League North stars Curzon Ashton in the Frank Hannah Manchester Senior Cup and their last game before the season was ended by COVID-19 was in the semi-final of the Division One Cup against Sandbach United. The decision to declare the season null and void robbed the club of what looked to be a certain promotion. Seven out of Seven and then COVID: Season 2020-21 saw a remarkable start to the campaign with seven straight wins and 29 goals scored against just 3 in return. Once again, the season was ended by COVID, and it looked as if once again frustration was the order of the day. However, the club got the news it so richly deserved when the FA made the decision to base promotion on the records of the two curtailed seasons and Wythenshawe Town found themselves starting the new campaign in the Premier Division. There was progress off the field as well at the beginning of 2021, when Chairman Chris Eaton, with the unanimous backing of the members, turned the club into a limited company with a promise of great things to come. Success and Reward: The 2021-22 season proved to be an outstanding campaign with a run in the FA Vase and a close finish in the League. Victories against Litherland REMYCA, Bacup Borough, Seaham Red Star, Holker OB, Billingham Synthonia, red-hot favourites Consett AFC and Anstey Nomads saw them reach the dizzy heights of an FA Vase Quarter Final at Loughborough Students. However, it proved one hurdle too far and the visions of Wembley were dashed. After the first few weeks Town were never out of the top three places in the league and it went right up to the final day when they were pipped by just a single point. Wythenshawe Town’s achievements didn’t go unrecognised, and they received two great honours at the League Presentation Evening. Manager James Kinsey was rewarded for three years of hard work and dedication when he received the Manager of The Year Award for the Premier Division and the club’s attitude to discipline on the field saw them received the Fair Play Award. The Summer of 2023 saw Manager James Kinsey depart for Stalybridge Celtic and a new regime at Ericstan Park was announced with the appointment of Rory Fallon and his Management Team. Tickets Pay on the gate ONLY for this fixture. Prices: ADULT £6.00, CONCESSION £4.00 (Over 65s, Disabled) Under 16s £2 UNDER 12s £1 Programme Price: £2.00 On the Day & In the Ground Travel by Metrolink: Nearest stop – Moor Road (10 minutes’ walk, 0.5 miles) Travel by train: Nearest Stop – Baguley (9 minutes’ walk, 0.4 miles) Travel by public bus: For all buses, the best stop to get off at is on Altrincham Road near Tesco Baguley. The ground is around 3-5 minutes walk from there. From Cheadle, Gatley & Stockport and in the opposite direction, Timperley and Altrincham, take the 11 or 11a and get off anywhere near Tesco Baguley or Baguley Retail Park. If you’re travelling from anywhere in Wythenshawe, the 11 or 109 is the easiest bus to get. If you are travelling from Manchester City Centre take the 109. Driving: From the M56 Junction 3, follow the sign for Wythenshawe Hospital. After 1 mile, after passing the Shell garage, turn left at the traffic lights then right at the next set of traffic lights. The ground is at the end of this road. From the M60 (Counterclockwise), come off at Junction 5 and join the M56. Come off at the first exit which is Junction 3 and follow signs as above. From the M60 (Clockwise), head towards the M56 at Junction 4 and come off at the first exit, Junction 2 towards Wythenshawe. At the roundabout go straight ahead towards Altrincham, and at the second roundabout take the second exit, again towards Altrincham. This will bring you to M56 Junction 3, go straight ahead at the roundabout and follow the directions above. SatNav Postcode: M23 9LL WhatThreeWords: ///dome.rang.battle Parking: Avoid travelling down Timpson Road to access parking, the club car park is accessed from here and only reserves spaces for players, club and match day officials. Travelling supporters are encouraged to park at Tesco near the ground or around the ground where possible in residential areas. Please park considerately and think of local residents. Food / Drink: Bars and the Cafe will be open inside the ground from 6pm. Matchday Programme: Printed copies available on the turnstiles for £2. #NonLeagueDogs: Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead and take into account that it will be very busy. 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: For this game, we will have no live stream. 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 half time and full time 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

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

Andy Welsh, Adam Mcwilliam and Vice Chairman Gareth Castick spoke to Chris Hall of Granada News about the curtailment of the season. Credits to ITV Granada Reports for sharing this footage with us. Thank you for your continued support of the club. Bury AFC is a community, fan-owned football club competing in the North West Counties Football League Division One North. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. Be sure to connect with us across our various Social Platforms: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBuryAFC/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/OfficialBuryAFC Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/officialburyafc/ Discord - https://discord.gg/WBc43Fv4jH Website - https://buryafc.uk/ Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/BuryAFC iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shaken-up-show-by-bury-afc-episode-1/id1541536060?i=1000499811735 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7E8G30GwkzQSDE1JFo4YPC #BuryAFC | #OnOurWay | #SUS

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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Bury FC are delighted to confirm the addition of midfielder Jack Lenehan, who joins the club after leaving Atherton Collieries. As a youngster, Jack played in Rochdale AFC’s youth setup, before moving to Chorley where he played a notable part in their 2018 Lancashire Cup success. He then moved to Prescot Cables and followed then-manager Brian Richardson to FC United of Manchester in May 2019. Jack then joined Atherton Collieries in October 2020, where he played until the end of the 2022/23 season. Away from football, he’s also been a successful athlete previously for the well-regarded Southport Waterloo Track & Field. Upon joining, Lenehan said: “You only have to walk into the stadium to see the facilities. I spoke to Andy about the project and it’s something to be excited about and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. “I’m looking forward to getting straight into pre-season and getting as fit as possible, and then it’s all about getting onto the pitch and hitting the ground running when the season starts.” 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Bury FC are delighted to confirm Chris Rowney has joined the club ahead of the 2023/24 season. The midfielder has played under Andy Welsh for the last two seasons at Bury AFC and has made 76 apps, including 55 league starts and scored just once against Widnes in the FA Cup last season. Chris started out at Oldham Athletic, before playing in non-league starting at Seel Park, with Mossley AFC making 72 appearances across two spells, he spent time at Woodley Sports in between. In 2013, he joined Curzon Ashton where he would play for the next six years and was a part of their squads that were promoted to National League North. He then travelled across the town of Ashton, to play at Hurst Cross for Ashton United before his time at Bury. When asked about making the switch to Gigg Lane, Chris said: "It makes you feel proud to play for Bury FC. I think for any players around this level, this is a massive opportunity, that I’m willing to take and I’m excited to get going.” “It’s an unbelievable ground, the pitch looks in amazing shape.” He added that “pre-season will all-about getting minutes on board and the players gelling as a group” 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Incoming: Andy Kellett Bury FC are excited to announce former Wigan Athletic player Andy Kellett has joined the club. The 29-year-old has a wealth of experience to bring to Andy Welsh’s squad and can play in an array of positions including central-midfield as well as left-back/left-midfield. Kellett joins the Shakers following three years playing for Guiseley, after struggling with injury in the previous two seasons he made 14 appearances last season, scoring twice. Born in Bolton, he was playing grassroots football when his team got to a final which was played at the stadium of his hometown team. Bolton scouts were watching and signed him alongside his best mate. He progressed through the ranks at Bolton, playing in the U23s and the B team, whilst also going out on loan to Manchester United & Plymouth Argyle. In 2015, Andy made the move from Bolton to Wigan where he played for three years before joining Notts County, which is where he made his one appearance against Bury FC in December 2018 during a 0-0 at Meadow Lane. After leaving County he went onto play for AFC Flyde & Alfreton Town before his time at Guiseley. Upon joining the club Kellett said: “It’s always a nerve-wracking thing coming to a new football club. In my previous clubs, I’ve always known people going into them but I’m coming to this one not knowing anyone. I’m sure we’ll have a good pre-season together and get to know each other. “I’ve always known Bury as a team to be in the Football League, it’s a little bit different now but hopefully we can re-build it back to being that status again. “I’ve played with lads before who have said that if you can get down to Bury, get yourself down there because it’s a brilliant 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Incoming: Sean Higgins Bury FC are delighted to announce that former Wigan & Oldham youngster Sean Higgins has joined the club. The 20-year-old can play in a number of positions including full-back and central midfield. Sean started out at Wigan Athletic before moving to Oldham in July 2019. Following two years at Boundary Park, he joined Altrincham before moving to Matlock last summer and then onto Bury AFC in December 2022. Higgins made 36 appearances under Andy Welsh last season scoring four goals. He’s also had loan spells at Stalybridge Celtic & Trafford in the last few seasons. Speaking to buryfc.co.uk Sean said: “I think the project that they are building here is massive, you look at the stadium, you look at the fans they’ve got now, it was a no-brainer to join and I’m looking forward to a big season ahead. “Playing under the gaffer last year was a really good experience in terms of getting me back and I enjoyed every minute playing last year and fingers crossed I can do the same here this season and push us to win the title. “I’m being put into the team to do my job and help the team wherever possible. I’m fit, I’m dynamic and I bring a lot of energy, so hopefully when I’m called upon, I’ll do a job.” 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Bury FC are delighted to welcome Dan Lafferty to the club ahead of the 2023/24 season. The commanding centre-back joins Andy Welsh’s side after leaving Atherton Collieries at the end of the previous campaign, where he’s played for the last six seasons. He also had an initial spell at Colls in 2009. Lafferty signed for Radcliffe under Kevin Glendon in 2013, he went on to make 116 appearances and scoring 8 goals before leaving in 2016 and joining Colls. Speaking after his move, he said: “It was a difficult decision leaving Colls, I have been there for a long time, and I never really wanted to leave, I just felt now was the right time. “I spoke with Andy [Welsh] on the phone and he outlined his aims and the ambitions of the club and I just bought into it straight away. “My next move after Colls, I always wanted it to be a project, maybe try and win a league, a cup and this just suited.” 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Bury FC are delighted to confirm Andy Briggs has joined the club ahead of the 2023/24 season. The 25-year-old striker joins the club from NWCFL Division One North side Steeton where he scored 35 goals last season. Briggs has played in his home West Yorkshire town since the age of 16 and has spent the last nine seasons playing in Steeton green, he’s played through their journey from amateur football to them joining the National League System. Upon joining the club, he said: “I felt like it was time for a new challenge and when Andy [Welsh] called me and said he wanted me to come down here, it was almost a no-brainer.” “Just looking at the setup down here and where this club plans to be and wants to be, it’s going to be a real great experience” 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

We would like to give a massive welcome to Bury FC to our Manager, Andy Welsh. Find out more about The Gaffer in the first of what will be many Interviews to come from the famous Gigg Lane. 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC | #PartOfIt #ShakersTogether

Welcome to Bury FC, prolific forward, Benito Lowe. Reporter Adam Clark finds out more about what attracted Benito to the Shakers and his aims for the season. 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Welcome to Gigg Lane Connor Comber! The pacy winger lets us know how happy he is to be at Bury and about his aims for the season. 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Welcome to Gigg Lane Jack Atkinson! The Welsh Sticksman lets us know how happy he is to be at Bury and about his aims for the season. 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Welcome to Gigg Lane Lewis Gilboy! The pacy winger lets us know how happy he is to be at Bury and about his aims for the season. 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. We're by the fans, for the fans, and we couldn't do this without you. #BuryFC

Coverage of our away game at home... against Uttoxeter Town! 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

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

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

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