Bury FC Fans Eagerly Await Return to Gigg Lane After 4-Year Hiatus
Football fans in Bury are buzzing with excitement as the town’s beloved Bury Football Club prepares to make its long-awaited return to Gigg Lane. It has been four years since the men’s team last played at the historic stadium, which holds a special place in the hearts of local supporters.
Volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure that the ground is ready for the club’s first matches since its expulsion from the English Football League due to financial troubles in 2019. Their hard work has paid off, with the team recently triumphing in a friendly against Thackey AFC, securing a resounding 3-0 victory.
Bury’s momentum continued as they faced Hyde United on Tuesday night, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 draw. These matches served as crucial warm-up games ahead of the upcoming 2023/24 season in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. The season is set to kick off on July 29, with Bury going head to head against Glossop North End.
These fixtures hold significant emotional value for fans who never thought they would witness this day. Ian Harrop, a dedicated volunteer and former director of the club, expressed his thoughts on the matter. He explained, It’s been an ongoing process, not just for the past eight weeks but probably for the past two years. We’ve had a very hardcore group of volunteers whose services they’ve given to the club has been frankly unbelievable.
Over the past 18 months, volunteers have meticulously cleaned every seat in the stadium’s almost 12,000 capacity, ensuring that supporters have a pristine experience upon their return. In addition to that, they have worked tirelessly to refurbish Starkies, an area overlooking the pitch, which will be utilized as a match-day bar.
The overall condition of Gigg Lane has left everyone involved in absolute awe. Ian Harrop exclaimed, I think people who have not come to the ground for four years will come in and be very pleased to see how the ground looks. The pitch is looking immaculate, the groundsmen have done a tremendous job. I know in my time of probably over 40 years involved with Bury Football Club I can honestly say the ground has never looked in better condition.
Saturday promises to be a special day for Bury FC, as they face off against League Two side Bradford City FC in a friendly encounter. This will be followed by another challenging match against Championship side Preston North End on Sunday. Fans are eagerly anticipating the performance of their beloved team and are excited to witness the return of competitive football to Gigg Lane.
As the new season approaches, Bury FC fans are filled with renewed hope and enthusiasm. The club’s merger with Bury AFC during a successful second referendum in May has breathed new life into the team, and the FA has given them the green light to carry the name Bury Football Club.
The journey to reclaim their place in football has been a testament to the unwavering dedication of the club’s volunteers. Their love for the game and the community has driven them to transform Gigg Lane into a world-class venue once again. The road hasn’t been easy, but their determination has paved the way for the return of the beautiful game to Bury.
As the countdown to the new season continues, Bury FC fans can finally breathe a collective sigh of relief knowing that their beloved team is back where they belong. The preparations made at Gigg Lane are a testament to the unwavering spirit of this historic club and its passionate supporters. The future looks bright, and it is a momentous occasion for both the players and fans alike.
