It’d been a while since a team in the Football League side had gone under. But that’s what happened to Bury in August 2019. Indeed, it was the first time since Maidstone United went bust in 1992 that one of the 92 would not be taking any part in proceedings. The Football League acted after the Shakers failed to secure a new buyer. It meant we had the rare situation in 2019-20 of having only one relegation spot from League Two. Not that it stopped Boro’ trying to take it…
After first meeting the Shakers during the 2010-1 League Two season, the pair of us both went up into League One that same campaign; them automatically and us via the playoffs. If its fun facts you’re after, our 2-0 defeat at Gigg Lane in March 2013 was Gary Smith‘s last match in charge as Boro’ boss.
As we write, the current situation is that Bury Football Club have new owners. A new club, AFC Bury, is in existence too; created by fans in the wake of the Shakers’ expulsion from the EFL. What happens next? We don’t know. It does look as if there’s a cross-group effort to restore professional football in the town, however. Will that be in time for the 2022-23 campaign? That remains to be seen. In any case, good luck to ’em…
Three terms in the third tier are at an end for the Shakers; a club now into its 133rd year. It all started for them in the Lancashire League; a founder member of the competition and two-time champions before they received a Football League place. It was a good time for ’em. After winning the Second Division title at the first attempt, being in the First Division is nothing compared to two FA Cup wins in four years at the turn of the century.
The 20th century, obviously.
The good times didn’t last, however. Relegated in 1912, Bury had one last hurrah in the top flight in the 1920s (and even finished 4th on one occasion). After the Second World War Two, though, the yo-yoing was no longer between levels one and two, but levels two and three. Then, in the early 70s, level four too. And it’s pretty much the case ever since that the Shakers have spent their time towards the lower end of the Football League.
How to get to Bury – Travel Information – Distance: 199 miles
By Road
We’ll give you longest route in distance, but usually the fastest in time. Head north on the A1 until you reach the M62. Take the M62 west towards Leeds and Manchester. You’ll be on here for more than 37 miles; Junction 18 being your exit.
Here, take the exit for the Bury-bound M66. After only two-and-a-half miles, however, you need to leave the motorway at Junction 2 (A58). Take the second exit on the roundabout; the first being for a hotel. Continue on for around half a mile, before making a left turn onto the B6219.
Go straight over the next two roundabouts and continue as the road goes round a sharp-ish bend to the right. Then, at the next roundabout, it’s the second exit (left) onto Market Street. Take the second exit (right) at the next roundabout and you’re on Gigg Lane. The ground is up here on the left.
The Shakers suggest that all fans use the Phoenix House car park, which is a short drive from Gigg Lane. It costs £5 per car and takes just two minutes to walk. The car park will close an hour after the final whistle, however. Local streets are covered by resident-only schemes and these are patrolled on matchdays.
By Rail
Station: BURY
Services to: MANCHESTER (for LONDON EUSTON)
Bury’s Metrolink station is served by tram services from both main railway stations in Manchester for ease of connection, and is located less than a mile from Gigg Lane. Taxi and bus services are available, but for those walking, turn left out of the station.
Turn left at Chicago Rock Cafe into Haymarket Street and continue straight along into Knowsley Street. Turn left into Manchester Road (A56) and continue down for around half a mile and Gigg Lane will be on the left.
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