Football is returning to Gigg Lane after Bury AFC and Bury FC vote to merge clubs

Football is set to return to Bury’s Gigg Lane ground for the first time in four years after two separate fan-led groups voted to merge.

Bury FC were expelled from the English Football League — after 125 years — in 2019 amid rising debts, in the wake of a failed takeover bid.

Some fans then went on to form Bury AFC, who have represented the town in non-league football ever since and continue to play at Stainton Park, home of Radcliffe FC.

The original Bury FC continued as a fan-led business entity and completed a purchase from the administrator in 2022, but until now, they have not had a team to play.

Members of both Bury FC Supporters’ Society and Bury AFC have agreed to merge together and return to their historic Gigg Lane stadium from next season.

There was a previous attempt to merge the two groups in October 2022, but it fell short of the two thirds majority required.

But a second vote on Friday May 5th saw both groups approve the motion by more than 90%.

The vote also showed 97% in favour of making Gigg Lane the club’s home, with 92% in favour of returning to the name Bury Football Club.

The move means the club now qualifies for necessary local council and government funding, with a reported £1.3m available.

Of the sum, £450,000 will come from Bury Council and the rest from the government’s Levelling Up fund.

A statement from Bury Football Club Supporters’ Society said: “What we are building is for those who will look back and 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.”

Bury AFC, who were set up by the Shakers Community, tweeted: “We are delighted to announce that the vote to amalgamate The Shakers Community and Bury FC Supporters Society has passed by an overwhelmingly positive margin.”

Bury FC’s official Twitter account also tweeted: “This is the reason we never died. Not just saved by fans, but now owned by fans.”

Bury FC were booted 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 club will return to the football pyramid in the ninth tier, taking up AFC Bury’s place in the Premier Division of the North West Counties League, after the club finished fourth this season.

It will be a fantastic return for the fans and members of the historic club — who won the FA cup in 1900 and 1903.