Bury get the PERFECT homecoming after 1,547 days
Bury enjoy the PERFECT homecoming after 1,547 days away from Gigg Lane as they record a thumping 5-1 victory over Glossop North End in front of a record 5,451 crowd
- Bury’s loyal fans waited 1,547 days to see their beloved club back at Gigg Lane
- The side gave the supporters the perfect homecoming with a 5-1 victory
- Striker Benito Lowe bagged a brace inside the opening 11 minutes
Bury’s loyal fans waited 1,547 days to see their beloved club back at Gigg Lane.
Many thought that historic day would never happen having seen the famous club — formed in 1885 and one of the oldest in the world — expelled from the Football League in August 2019 after a financial crisis and mismanagement led to a heart-breaking winding up order.
It’s fair to say Shakers fans have been put through the wringer over the following four years as two factions — Bury AFC and Bury FC — saw the community split on how the club should be run.
But Saturday, in front of a record North West Counties Football League Premier Division crowd of 5,451, the newly-named ‘Mighty Shakers’ were officially reborn. And what a homecoming it proved as the team delighted their army of die-hard supporters with a fine 5-1 victory over Glossop North End on their return to the stadium.
Striker Benito Lowe bagged a brace inside the opening 11 minutes and forward Andrew Briggs slotted home just before the half hour mark.
Bury’s loyal fans waited 1,547 days to see their beloved club back at Gigg Lane.
Many thought that historic day would never happen, but fans showed up to support the team
The supporters were rewarded for their faith with a fine 5-1 victory over Glossop North End
Defender Jordi Nsaka’s left-foot screamer sealed the deal in the second half before Jack Lenehan layered the icing on the cake with a sweet late finish. But the result was always secondary on such a special occasion with the two Burys having agreed a merger which they hope will see the club cement its footing back on the football map.
The resounding victory only added to the party atmosphere as Bury fans were able to savour their first home game since May 2019. Beers were drunk, a sea of blue and white flags and scarves were waved and fans were in fine voice on a sun-drenched afternoon.
One fan, Rob Bailey, ditched his wife in Turkey and flew back from a family holiday to watch the match.
A teary-eyed Michael Crillishin, 70, has been a Bury fan since 1961. He doubted whether he would ever watch a match at his beloved Gigg Lane again.
‘Never in a million Sundays did I ever envisage that the club would be shut down — the whole community has suffered since the club was kicked out of the league,’ he said. ‘But thankfully everyone has come together and we’re all singing on the same hymn sheet. It’s fantastic to be back.’
One fan ditched his wife in Turkey and flew back from a family holiday to watch the match
Fellow fan Mike Pickup said: ‘I’ve been coming for 72 years. I thought I’d never see the club back again, especially at my age. It’s great to see the resurrection.’
Life-long fan Neil Clark now works for the club’s volunteer media department. Earlier this week he was painting the press box, while other dedicated fans gave up their time to help get the previously derelict ground fit for purpose.
‘Whether that’s been cleaning seats, jet-washing or painting parts of the stands, so much work has gone into getting Bury back,’ said Clark.
FA Cup winners twice and a club who wrote themselves into the fabric of British football, seeing Bury come back evokes so many emotions for their fans.
And for those who span across as many as three generations, it’s easy to see why the club is so special to them.
Bury’s Football Board chairman Marcel De Matas offered in his programme notes that ‘this is the beginning of an exciting journey’.
‘What a great day — I couldn’t have asked for any more from the players and fans,’ said manager Andy Welsh.
‘This was a huge day for the football club. Bury are back… onwards and upwards.’
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