Every new football season brings with it fresh hope for fans across the country. But perhaps nowhere will a set of supporters be more excited about a return to action than Bury’s.
“The first game is going to be very, very special indeed,” Shakers fan Tom Pickup tells FFT ahead of the new campaign. “I can’t wait to be back on the terraces with everybody, cheering the side on again.”
The reason for Bury fans’ eagerness? The 2023-24 season marks the club’s return to the football pyramid, four years after they were expelled by the EFL over financial mismanagement. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, the two-time FA Cup winners are also going home to Gigg Lane, which has laid dormant since 2019’s gut-wrenching punishment.
“Being back at Gigg Lane is the cherry on top for all associated with the club,” Andy Welsh (below, white shirt), who will lead the team into their new era as manager, tells FFT. “To have all of the supporters back together, after such a fractious time, will be special.”
Fractious is an understatement. Since Bury were run into the ground under former chairman Steve Dale’s disastrous ownership, there have been two distinct factions. Those who set up phoenix club Bury AFC, representing the town in non-league over the past three seasons, and those who considered themselves loyal to a club which, since 2019, has existed only as a business entity, with no matches, players or staff.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MY PERFECT XI ANITA ASANTE
The former Lionesses defender selects a cosmopolitan side brimming with talent and guided by an all-time great
Complete TOSH
John Toshack's remarkable career took him from Wales, Liverpool and Real Madrid to Azerbaijan, Morocco and Iran. After a brush with death in 2022, he tells his story to FFT
30 WONDERKIDS WHO FADED
FFT remembers the young stars who slipped by the wayside, via backflips, seal dribbles and a suffering goose
Diego on for The son of God
Growing up as the initially unrecognised offspring of Diego Maradona wasn't easy, but after winning his dad's heart and enjoying success in beach soccer, the Neapolitan explains why he's now found peace
VIVA LA REVOLUTION
Horrified at the Glazer family's impending takeover two decades ago, a group of Manchester United fans went to church. FC United was their divine inspiration, a phoenix club born at the heart of the community
THE SLOT MACHINE
Via the shock exit of Jurgen Klopp, key figures tell the inside story of how a group of rising stars and future kings were brought to Liverpool - and how their new Dutch boss led them to the top of the Premier League
SCOTLAND'S OTHER DERBY
It may lack the Old Firm's toxicity, but Edinburgh's head-to-head is no less hostile. FFT went to witness it first hand
LIFE BEGINS AT 40
Now in his fifth decade, Cristiano Ronaldo has no intention of retiring - not with a World Cup in his sights and while still scoring for club and country. But should that decision be taken out of his hands, and could less be more?
SUCCESSION
Bob Paisley delivered glory when he followed Bill Shankly as Liverpool boss. At other clubs, though, following a legendary gaffer has had mixed results...
SING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING
FEATURE FOOTBALL SONGS SING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING From El Tel to John Barnes, footballers once delivered a string of memorable tunes and even the odd No.1 FFT salutes a lost tradition
