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Bury FC returned to Gigg Lane on weekend for first game in four years
Huge crowds turned out to see the Shakers playing back at Gigg Lane
For the first time in four years, Bury Football Club have made a return to Gigg Lane for an emotional game.
The team was expelled from the English Football League in 2019 and had to leave their home ground amid rising debts, in the wake of a failed takeover bid.
A number of fans went on to form Bury AFC, a non-league football club, playing at Stainton Park, home of Radcliffe FC.
In May 2023, the two separate fan-led groups of Bury FC and Bury AFC voted to merge with the promise that they could play at their home ground again at Gigg Lane.
The move means the club now qualifies for necessary local council and government funding, with a reported £1.3m available.
In an emotional first day back on Saturday July 8th, huge crowds turned out for the Shaker’s pre-season friendly against Bradford City, followed by another friendly against Preston NE on Sunday July 9th.
As reported by ITV, some overwhelmed and overjoyed supporters said: “Too many good people wanted to resurrect this, know they’ve done it and I’m over the moon.
“I’m thrilled, it’s a great family day and I am just glad that football is back where it belongs. Four years ago today I didn’t think I would see this day and it means the world to me.”
Marcel De Matas, Bury FC Football Board Chairman has assured fans after a turbulent few years: “We lost our club four years ago and we have been working hard in the background, it is a fantastic achievement for everyone that we are here today back playing football at Gigg Lane.”
Bury FC were kicked out of the Football League in August 2019 as they faced substantial unpaid debts and a last-minute sale of the club fell through.
The weekend saw a fantastic return for the fans and members of the historic club — who won the FA cup in 1900 and 1903.