Bury Football Club: Overview
Bury Football Club, often simply referred to as Bury FC, was a professional football club based in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Founded in 1885, the club had a long and storied history, but it tragically ceased operations in 2019 due to financial difficulties. Bury FC was known for its passionate fan base, rich history, and contribution to English football.
We wish the club well, and hopefully something good can come from the ashes. Perhaps one day the club will make a comeback and re-enter the EFL! The Football Fan Base certainly hopes so! Here is our overview of the club:
Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.
History and Achievements
- Foundation and Early Years (1885-1900): A group of enthusiasts from the Bury Wesleyan Methodist Church formed the club on April 24, 1885. The club quickly established itself and became a member of the Football League in 1894.
- FA Cup Success (1900 and 1903): Bury FC’s greatest achievements came in the early 20th century when they won the FA Cup twice. They first lifted the trophy in 1900, defeating Southampton 4-0 in the final. In 1903, they won again, this time with a record 6-0 victory over Derby County, a record margin that still stands for an FA Cup final.
- League Performance: Over the years, Bury fluctuated between divisions, spending time in the First Division (now the Premier League) and lower leagues. They were known as a solid and competitive side, but they never managed to secure a top-flight league title.
- Gigg Lane: The club’s home ground was Gigg Lane, a stadium they occupied since 1885. Gigg Lane was one of the oldest football grounds in the world, and it was a significant part of the local community. Indeed, Bury still plays at Gigg Lane.
- Nickname: The Shakers.
Rivalry
Even though Bury plays outside the EFL, they still have rivals. So, the following teams would offer a good atmosphere if they ever played each other again:
Bolton Wanderers (bitterest rivals)
Rochdale
Oldham Athletic
Burnley
Wigan Athletic
The fans also have a rivalry with Preston North End together with Stockport County and Blackburn Rovers.
Bury Football Club: Financial Troubles and Expulsion
- Decline (2000s-2010s): Bury FC faced increasing financial difficulties in the early 21st century. Despite occasional successes on the pitch, including promotions, the club’s financial woes deepened.
- Administration and Crisis: The situation worsened in the 2010s, with the club going into administration multiple times. By 2019, Bury FC was in severe financial trouble, struggling to pay players and staff and facing mounting debts.
- Expulsion from the Football League: On August 27, 2019, Bury FC was expelled from the English Football League (EFL) after failing to meet financial requirements and provide assurances about its future. This was a significant blow to the football community and left fans devastated.
Bury Football Club: Aftermath and Legacy
- Attempts to Revive the Club: After the club’s expulsion, fans and former players made efforts to revive Bury FC. A phoenix club, Bury AFC, was established in December 2019 by supporters who sought to preserve the spirit of the original club. Bury AFC started playing in the North West Counties League, the 10th tier of English football.
- Gigg Lane: The future of Gigg Lane remained uncertain for some time, but in 2021, a group of supporters successfully purchased the stadium, aiming to restore it and eventually bring football back to the ground.
- Cultural Impact: Bury FC’s history is marked by its significant impact on English football. Fans and football historians fondly remember the club’s FA Cup victories and long tenure in the Football League. The club’s struggles also highlighted the financial challenges faced by lower-league clubs in the modern era.
Current Situation
As of now, Bury FC remains inactive, but the spirit of the club lives on through Bury AFC and the dedicated fan base that continues to support football in the town of Bury. There are ongoing discussions and efforts among fans and local stakeholders to revive the original Bury FC, but this remains a complex and uncertain process.
Bury Football Club Promotion
The Football Fan Base appreciates that Bury FC has a fight on its hands but we wish them well. However, if you support Bury still, why not promote them here at the Fanbase?
You can create your own Bury FC posts on the football blog, of course. You can also send us some facts and figures and ask us to pack some more information into this Bury FC info page. Once we verify the information, we can then adjust this page.
Best Football Forum On The Internet
Bury FC deserves its place in history, but who knows, maybe one day the club will come good again. Until then, why not promote your team in the biggest Football Forum around!
Bury Fans Forum
Our massive message boards now include the Bury Fans Forum. So now you can enjoy the football banter with other like-minded supporters. No matter where your club is at this time, the Football Fan Base is always here for you.
Promote your football team the way you want to here at the Fanbase! After all, your team is the best, right?
** Page updated on September 3, 2024.
