Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
When Bury FC went into administration last year, the shockwaves were felt beyond the local supporter base in this northern town. Bury was one of the original members of the football league, and has played its football at the 12,500 capacity Gigg Lane stadium since 1885. All that came to an end when the club’s financial collapse meant that it was expelled from the league – and now, the stadium has been placed on the open market.
In the early 1900s, Bury was one of the top teams in the country, competing in the first division and winning the FA Cup twice. Indeed, the team’s 6-0 victory in the 1903 FA Cup final remains a record winning margin almost 120 years later. By the 1920s, Bury had dropped out of the top tier, and the team has spent recent decades yoyoing between divisions three and four, which have since become known as leagues one and two.
Nevertheless, The Shakers have always had strong local support, and their history makes them popular among those who like to scour aussieonlinepokies list of betting sites to back an outside shot for FA Cup glory. Now, however, the only wagers are on whether football will ever be played at Gigg Lane again.
Stephen Wiseglass of administrators Inquesta Corporate Recovery confirmed that "unconditional offers" are being sought for the Gigg Lane property, which comprises a plot of just over six acres. The sale will include the adjacent ticket office and club shop.
The word "unconditional" will raise alarm bells among fans that the site might be sold for redevelopment. However, there are local groups working to preserve this historic stadium so that future generations can continue to watch football here. These include Forever Bury, a fan group that is endeavouring to raise £2.5 million, which they believe is what will be needed to purchase the ground and pay off the club’s creditors. Their objective is to rescue Bury FC and have it reinstated to the football league.
There is also the possibility of a phoenix club rising from the ashes. James Daly is the Conservative MP for Bury North and he is backing a campaign to bring Gigg Lane under community control. He has some high-profile support in the shape of Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, and Mr Wiseglass acknowledged that "there may me an offer from a community interest group" but added that there are also "other interested parties."
Right now, we can only watch, wait and hope. Administrators are typically hard-nosed and interested only in realizing the best price for the parties they represent. The phrase "a unique opportunity" is usually just another estate agent cliché. On this occasion, however, it could not be more accurate. If you have a few million to spare and have always wanted your very own stadium, the sale is being handled by Fleurets property agents, so give them a call.
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