Mr Popodopolous Posted September 3, 2019 Share Posted September 3, 2019 (edited) Still maintain that if such a decision of expulsion is taken it should be or should have been ONLY following a full vote by the 72 at an EGM. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49569697 Edited September 3, 2019 by Mr Popodopolous 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exAtyeoMax Posted September 3, 2019 Share Posted September 3, 2019 31 minutes ago, phantom said: Coincidence? A fraud investigation has been launched involving Bury Football Club, police have confirmed. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it received a report of fraud on 18 June and inquiries were ongoing but no arrests had been made. The club were expelled from the English Football League (EFL) on 27 August after a late takeover bid from C&N Sporting Risk failed. Bury were the first club to drop out of the league since Maidstone in 1992. The Greater Manchester club were members of the EFL for 125 years. The allegation of fraud was made to GMP exactly one month before current owner Steve Dale reached a Company Voluntary Arrangement to repay the club's creditors 25% of the £9m they owed. However, the arrangement was dependant on the Shakers being able to play their fixtures this season. Is that why they expelled them then? The allegation of fraud. Hmm. Will be interesting how this pans out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 3, 2019 Share Posted September 3, 2019 (edited) Oh and to add to my post yesterday, about other ideas for the badly struggling clubs and collective responsibility of the game. The big clubs in smaller ones for pre season friendlies and regularly ie each pre season. Not a lot to lose a bit of Far East exposure for a giant but potentially huge for a club like Bury, Macclesfield etc. Eg Bury could host one or both of the Manchester clubs. Tranmere could host the Merseyside ones, on a more regular basis. Would be good. Edited September 3, 2019 by Mr Popodopolous 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted September 3, 2019 Admin Share Posted September 3, 2019 Also a meeting at Bury town hall tonight discussing plans for the future 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted September 3, 2019 Admin Share Posted September 3, 2019 16 minutes ago, Bullbag said: Good news, I would hope very few clubs, if any would object to having Bury back in league two again next season. Please let this happen. The English Football League is to discuss Bury's future with its member clubs following efforts to reinstate the Shakers in League Two next season. Bury were expelled from the EFL on 27 August after a failed takeover bid by C&N Sporting Risk. Bury North MP James Frith has called for the Shakers to re-enter in the fourth tier for the 2020-21 season. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police has said it is investigating an allegation of fraud involving the club. No arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing. In a statement, the EFL said the "only current established procedure" for entry to League Two is promotion through the National League. However, it added that "in acknowledgement of the extreme nature of the problems" at Bury, the EFL board had "agreed it is appropriate to discuss the matter with member clubs" and those talks will take place in the coming weeks. The statement concluded: "Prior to formal consideration by any league competition of an eventual application from Bury FC to return to league football, clear evidence would be required of the club's financial viability and its ability to fulfil its ongoing commitments." At present, application for re-entry into the English league system must be submitted to the Football Association, which would then determine which division the club will play in. Mr Frith is planning to put forward a proposal to the EFL, supported by Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, by 20 September. Bury's expulsion from League One means that three clubs, rather than four, will be relegated from the third tier this season and just one, instead of two, will go down from League Two. In response to the combined efforts of supporters' groups, local authorities and politicians, the EFL clarified there is "no precedent for a club to enter the EFL directly through an application for admission or readmission following withdrawal of membership". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcfc01 Posted September 3, 2019 Share Posted September 3, 2019 Bury should now press for reinstatement at League 1 level next season. The EFL have obviously ****** up and are now backtracking. Bury still have to get rid of Dale and get their finances in order but it gives them a lot of time to do that. Excellent news. Bury 1-0 EFL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 3, 2019 Share Posted September 3, 2019 (edited) Interesting to note, looking online. The fraud investigation reportedly NOT related to Steve Dale's time at the club, currently. The date is interesting. Pretty sure in one of his (many!) rambling rants he claimed something about an investigation a while ago. Quote It read: “On June 18 2019, police received a report of fraud involving Bury Football Club. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.” Edited September 3, 2019 by Mr Popodopolous 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exAtyeoMax Posted September 3, 2019 Share Posted September 3, 2019 1 hour ago, phantom said: The English Football League is to discuss Bury's future with its member clubs following efforts to reinstate the Shakers in League Two next season. Bury were expelled from the EFL on 27 August after a failed takeover bid by C&N Sporting Risk. Bury North MP James Frith has called for the Shakers to re-enter in the fourth tier for the 2020-21 season. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police has said it is investigating an allegation of fraud involving the club. No arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing. In a statement, the EFL said the "only current established procedure" for entry to League Two is promotion through the National League. However, it added that "in acknowledgement of the extreme nature of the problems" at Bury, the EFL board had "agreed it is appropriate to discuss the matter with member clubs" and those talks will take place in the coming weeks. The statement concluded: "Prior to formal consideration by any league competition of an eventual application from Bury FC to return to league football, clear evidence would be required of the club's financial viability and its ability to fulfil its ongoing commitments." At present, application for re-entry into the English league system must be submitted to the Football Association, which would then determine which division the club will play in. Mr Frith is planning to put forward a proposal to the EFL, supported by Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, by 20 September. Bury's expulsion from League One means that three clubs, rather than four, will be relegated from the third tier this season and just one, instead of two, will go down from League Two. In response to the combined efforts of supporters' groups, local authorities and politicians, the EFL clarified there is "no precedent for a club to enter the EFL directly through an application for admission or readmission following withdrawal of membership". COYRs. I'm sure BCFC will do/say the right thing… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 3, 2019 Share Posted September 3, 2019 (edited) 17 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said: COYRs. I'm sure BCFC will do/say the right thing… Did Ashton as part of the board not vote for expulsion? I fear he did, but unsure- if it passed unanimously though then sadly he did! However that was a specific event- I am sure if it comes to it we will do the right thing! Edited September 3, 2019 by Mr Popodopolous 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exAtyeoMax Posted September 3, 2019 Share Posted September 3, 2019 3 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said: Did Ashton as part of the board not vote for expulsion? I fear he did, but unsure- if it passed unanimously though then sadly he did! However that was a specific event- I am sure if it comes to it we will do the right thing! Apparently (I don't how people know) it was unanimous. As you say, they were voting for a certain set of circumstances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveybadger Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 9 hours ago, exAtyeoMax said: Apparently (I don't how people know) it was unanimous. As you say, they were voting for a certain set of circumstances. I thought the elf itself said it was unanimous - haven’t checked but was my understanding? Hope Mr Ashton does vote to Bury into League 2 next year (resolved ownership issues hopefully aside). It won’t sit well with me, for one, if he is representing our club and it doesn’t happen 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 2 hours ago, steveybadger said: I thought the elf itself said it was unanimous - haven’t checked but was my understanding? Hope Mr Ashton does vote to Bury into League 2 next year (resolved ownership issues hopefully aside). It won’t sit well with me, for one, if he is representing our club and it doesn’t happen Yeah, think they did say that. Didn't sit well with me that he quite likely voted for it, let's hope he votes correctly this time if the takeover etc credible- a vote of the 72 is a must though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcfc01 Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 2 hours ago, steveybadger said: I thought the elf itself said it was unanimous - haven’t checked but was my understanding? Hope Mr Ashton does vote to Bury into League 2 next year (resolved ownership issues hopefully aside). It won’t sit well with me, for one, if he is representing our club and it doesn’t happen I read somewhere that the EFL didn't arrange a meeting of the board, they phoned around giving the board members the info. Not a satisfactory way of deciding the future of a football club. I'm not surprised it was unanimous if that was the case. Ashton represents the Championship on the board not BCFC but it now appears that all clubs will be canvassed for their opinion - which is what should have happened in the first place. I think that Bury should insist on readmission to L1 with the points deduction as that is the division they were in when chucked out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exAtyeoMax Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 26 minutes ago, bcfc01 said: I read somewhere that the EFL didn't arrange a meeting of the board, they phoned around giving the board members the info. Not a satisfactory way of deciding the future of a football club. I'm not surprised it was unanimous if that was the case. Ashton represents the Championship on the board not BCFC but it now appears that all clubs will be canvassed for their opinion - which is what should have happened in the first place. I think that Bury should insist on readmission to L1 with the points deduction as that is the division they were in when chucked out. Shocking behaviour - if true! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 (edited) 42 minutes ago, bcfc01 said: I read somewhere that the EFL didn't arrange a meeting of the board, they phoned around giving the board members the info. Not a satisfactory way of deciding the future of a football club. I'm not surprised it was unanimous if that was the case. Ashton represents the Championship on the board not BCFC but it now appears that all clubs will be canvassed for their opinion - which is what should have happened in the first place. I think that Bury should insist on readmission to L1 with the points deduction as that is the division they were in when chucked out. That's even worse! I assumed it was a board meeting and then a decision- bad enough that in effect only several, was it 6 or 7 out of 72 clubs got a say but worse still. Don't even think the board is sufficient, seems very odd- 72 clubs should've been a given, at an EGM. Edited September 4, 2019 by Mr Popodopolous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBobSuperBob Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 48 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said: Shocking behaviour - if true! 35 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said: That's even worse! I assumed it was a board meeting and then a decision- bad enough that in effect only several, was it 6 or 7 out of 72 clubs got a say but worse still. Don't even think the board is sufficient, seems very odd- 72 clubs should've been a given, at an EGM. Allegedly votes were done by text and e-mails ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exAtyeoMax Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 6 minutes ago, BobBobSuperBob said: Allegedly votes were done by text and e-mails ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcfc01 Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 12 minutes ago, BobBobSuperBob said: Allegedly votes were done by text and e-mails ! And a club with 125 years membership were voted out like that. Regardless of the circumstances, that is obviously not the right way to do things. I think someone posted the EFLs own regs earlier in the thread which indicate they have to call an EGM to take votes on expulsion. No wonder they are now back tracking. Shambles. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 (edited) Seemingly a statement by Bury- or is it Dale- too. https://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/2019/september/request-to-our-former-fellow-clubs/ Plus, wasn't so aware, but a rescue board- includes a signed statement from Steve Dale that he intends to sell the club. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49776759 Edited September 24, 2019 by Mr Popodopolous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 All over for Bury I fear. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49841324 https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11774/11820096/bury-will-not-be-re-admitted-to-football-league-next-season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busterrimes Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 What a surprise. Self interest obviously rules. I would like to see how clubs voted just in case similar happens to them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted October 16, 2019 Share Posted October 16, 2019 (edited) Sad day for Bury FC,- and for football- barring some last minute miracle. Case 87. Little bit of background which slipped through the media unnoticed. https://www.foreverbury.org/post/forever-bury-statement-14-10-2019 EHHH Think I missed this post by Andy Holt. "There was no vote". No guarantee they would've got back in but what a final indignity if accurate!! RIP, Bury FC. Edited October 16, 2019 by Mr Popodopolous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bristolcity Posted October 16, 2019 Share Posted October 16, 2019 The statement reads the proposed buyer felt it was not viable to continue. In that case it will be better to let the club fold and perhaps reform again in the future? Although I am a bit surprised that a club in the Manchester area has actually folded, given the type of support it has for the game. If any club was to fold I would have considered a West Country club to do so where there is a greater support for Rugby Union. OK we have stared down the barrel ourselves, and the Club have evolved as a business, not just as a Football Club, but embraced other sports too, and of course Rugby, very shrewd is our Mr L. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted October 16, 2019 Admin Share Posted October 16, 2019 Bury Football Club has been given a 14-day reprieve after a winding-up petition brought by HM Revenue & Customs was adjourned in the High Court. The Shakers, twice winners of the FA Cup, were expelled from the English Football League in August as a result of their financial problems. Plans for a phoenix club have been ongoing and, should it be formed, it must apply to the Football Association for entry into the English non-league pyramid next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddevon Posted October 16, 2019 Share Posted October 16, 2019 Ebbesfleet and Southend Utd both on the same court list today. Gas further saved with only two to go down?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 Decent read. http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/digital-culture-media-and-sport-committee/administration-of-football-clubs/written/105929.html?sfns=mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 (edited) On and on he (assuming it's Dale) goes... https://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/2019/october2/statement-from-bury-fc/ Fair play to Kenwright too. Snippet from the Athletic- would have bought time if nothing else IMO. Edited October 28, 2019 by Mr Popodopolous 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 2 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said: On and on he (assuming it's Dale) goes... https://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/2019/october2/statement-from-bury-fc/ Fair play to Kenwright too. Snippet from the Athletic- would have bought time if nothing else IMO. It was a terrific gesture but I can understand why it was not allowed. He was doing it purely for altruistic reasons but if a precedent is set then it won`t be long before someone abuses it. IIRC the rules were tightened up after the crook Maxwell tried to own several clubs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/bury-football-club-what-happens-17154213.amp Hope they can get the Phoenix club up and running- and hold Gigg Lane- and the sooner the better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted November 6, 2019 Share Posted November 6, 2019 (edited) EFL won't apologise, blame Bury owners. https://www.metro.news/no-apology-as-efl-blames-owners-for-burys-demise/1786348/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/11/05/football-league-andfootball-association-must-share-blame-following/ Hopefully these new regs, whenever they are brought in and by whom, will not only protect clubs from themselves, from piss poor owners as Dale but protect the integrity of the competition by doing things like blocking promotion for FFP dodgers. Hopefully some good will come from bad basically! Also, hopefully Bury Phoenix club at Gigg Lane will rise the Leagues again. Edited November 6, 2019 by Mr Popodopolous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 Interesting thread by Andy Holt. One aspect apparently is that he didn't bother to do due diligence on the debt- clearly he had/has murky motives of his own but he may well have ****** it too- Dale that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted December 18, 2019 Admin Share Posted December 18, 2019 and still it goes on . . . A winding-up petition issued against Bury over an unpaid tax bill has been dismissed by the High Court. The Shakers were expelled from the English Football League in August after failing to provide financial guarantees and the collapse of a takeover bid. The club was previously given two weeks to allow the processing of tax returns to HM Revenue & Customs. However, a lawyer for HMRC told the Insolvency and Companies Court that a debt had been paid. No detail about the amount that Bury, who were promoted to League One last season, owed was given in court. The club were previously given a 35-day extension in October, with their lawyers arguing that they needed time to establish whether they had paid too much tax. The Shakers, who were founded in 1885, appeared to be on the brink of liquidation after a prospective buyer ended their interest in October. However, they previously argued they continued to automatically pay tax on wages that have not, in fact, been paid to staff. Meanwhile, the North West Counties League confirmed it has received an application from a newly-formed club called Bury AFC for membership commencing at the start of the 2020-21 season. A group of fans behind the formation of a phoenix club announced on Tuesday that they have applied to join the NWCL, which is the ninth and 10th tier of the English football pyramid. The phoenix club is unaffiliated with the original Bury FC. A NWCL statement said: "The league will be working with the club, the Football Association and other interested parties in progressing the application. "At this stage, we are reviewing the application and supporting documents. "The league's board of directors will meet to discuss the application and whether, as this is an application from a newly-formed club, to support the application ahead of the FA deadline of 1 February, 2020." Taken from here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50837015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne allisons tongues Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 My son does work for a club at that lever and they are hoping there isn’t as many problems as there were with FC United when the joined, Clubs we’re getting gates of 2k plus and were averaging 60 to 100 normally. They either had to switch grounds to play or footed a big Police Bill to play home games. Guessing expected attendances maybe a question asked for clubs were losing money from paying for Police etc. Same league different club Isle of Man are joining the 2020/21 season and will be paying clubs travel costs etc. each game which was a requisite to joining. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTone Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 On 28/10/2019 at 13:01, Lanterne Rouge said: It was a terrific gesture but I can understand why it was not allowed. He was doing it purely for altruistic reasons but if a precedent is set then it won`t be long before someone abuses it. IIRC the rules were tightened up after the crook Maxwell tried to own several clubs. Not a fan of Mark Lawrenson but he did come up with something the other week that made absolute sense. Owners should lodge some sort a security bond when they buy clubs to help assist against any sort of financial cock up. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 5 minutes ago, BigTone said: Not a fan of Mark Lawrenson but he did come up with something the other week that made absolute sense. Owners should lodge some sort a security bond when they buy clubs to help assist against any sort of financial cock up. Yes, MacAnthony at Boro suggested something similar, albeit clubs able to help other clubs, by putting money in a fund that could then be dished out, albeit on agreement that the current owners would give up ownership if the right bid from outside came in. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Hitler Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 12 minutes ago, BigTone said: Not a fan of Mark Lawrenson but he did come up with something the other week that made absolute sense. Owners should lodge some sort a security bond when they buy clubs to help assist against any sort of financial cock up. 4 minutes ago, Davefevs said: Yes, MacAnthony at Boro suggested something similar, albeit clubs able to help other clubs, by putting money in a fund that could then be dished out, albeit on agreement that the current owners would give up ownership if the right bid from outside came in. Or have a rule that clubs have ten years in which to clear all charges secured - either by fixed or floating charge - against their grounds and put them into a seperate company or they are expelled from the league. With a rule that all clubs must have such a ground, which has to be freehold, and any club which sells its ground without having first built a new ground to which to move is immediately expelled from the league. It's that big tempting land asset that brings in the shysters and gamblers because of the millions they can borrow against it. Take that option away and they are buying a football club rather than a bit of saleable real estate with a football club currently running about on it every other Saturday. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTone Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 56 minutes ago, Eddie Hitler said: Or have a rule that clubs have ten years in which to clear all charges secured - either by fixed or floating charge - against their grounds and put them into a seperate company or they are expelled from the league. With a rule that all clubs must have such a ground, which has to be freehold, and any club which sells its ground without having first built a new ground to which to move is immediately expelled from the league. It's that big tempting land asset that brings in the shysters and gamblers because of the millions they can borrow against it. Take that option away and they are buying a football club rather than a bit of saleable real estate with a football club currently running about on it every other Saturday. I think of shysters, I think of Blackpool and I think of Oyston. Such a historical club brought to its knees by a SYNT. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Hitler Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 1 hour ago, BigTone said: I think of shysters, I think of Blackpool and I think of Oyston. Such a historical club brought to its knees by a SYNT. Yep. He does just scream "crook" so this was no surprise: Oyston was convicted of rape and indecent assault of a 16-year-old girl in 1996. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 1 hour ago, Eddie Hitler said: Yep. He does just scream "crook" so this was no surprise: Oyston was convicted of rape and indecent assault of a 16-year-old girl in 1996. Reminds me of something a Port Vale fan I know told me- couldn't quite believe it yet... Unbelievably, it was true! Oyston was assigned/volunteered to mentor ex Port Vale chairman Smurthwaite- the latter nearly ran Port Vale into the ground, fans demos and all. I bet it was another element of the legacy of that nice Mr. Harvey!! Indeed, Smurthwaite was quite the poor owner. After half a season though, he declared that "running a football club was easy". Words that can very easily come back and bite, and they most definitely did! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted February 6, 2020 Share Posted February 6, 2020 Another winding up order dismissed for Bury... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Journalist Posted February 6, 2020 Share Posted February 6, 2020 16 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said: Another winding up order dismissed for Bury... A winding-up petition, not a winding-up order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeh Posted February 6, 2020 Share Posted February 6, 2020 33 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said: Another winding up order dismissed for Bury... the problem at bury is dale, how he was ever in the position to take over the club is beyond me, I'm hoping the new head of the EFL Rick Parry (Liverpool fame) gets its house in order over these idiots taking over clubs (except for wael he's really nice man apparently) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted February 14, 2020 Admin Share Posted February 14, 2020 Bury Football Club have defaulted on a plan to help settle their outstanding debts, an insolvency firm appointed by owner Steve Dale has confirmed. Creditors approved a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) proposal in July which would have seen the club's football creditors paid in full. Unsecured creditors, including HMRC, were due to be paid 25% of money owed. "We will be looking at taking necessary action," Steven Wiseglass of Inquesta Corporate Recovery & Insolvency said. "No further comment can be made at this stage." The club were deducted 12 points for the insolvency event but were eventually expelled from the English Football League in August after a proposed takeover collapsed. Bury, who had won automatic promotion from League Two just three months previously, were the first team to drop out of the EFL since Maidstone's liquidation in 1992. Since their expulsion by the EFL the club, who were founded in 1885, have had two winding-up petitions over unpaid tax dismissed by the High Court. The Shakers appeared to be on the brink of liquidation after a further prospective buyer ended their interest in October, but during a previous petition the club argued they had continued to automatically pay tax on wages that were not received by staff. Businessman Robert Benwell addressed supporters in December about his plans to "bring football back to Bury", with one of the options being to start the club again if it goes into liquidation, but it is unclear what will happen to the club next and in what form. TAKEN FROM: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51503129 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted February 14, 2020 Admin Share Posted February 14, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Perhaps Sheikh Mansour could take time out from his brave battle against the terrible injustice suffered by poor little Manchester City to arrange for Etihad to sponsor Bury? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natchfever Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 10 hours ago, chinapig said: Perhaps Sheikh Mansour could take time out from his brave battle against the terrible injustice suffered by poor little Manchester City to arrange for Etihad to sponsor Bury? Never understood why the millionaire Neville brothers didn't get involved bearing in mind that's their real club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port Said Red Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 6 minutes ago, Natchfever said: Never understood why the millionaire Neville brothers didn't get involved bearing in mind that's their real club. Salford as a non league club at the time were probably more solvent, as the non league rules are very strict. That would give them a better starting point, rather having to use a chunk of their investments to pay off any debt. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted February 15, 2020 Admin Share Posted February 15, 2020 9 minutes ago, Natchfever said: Never understood why the millionaire Neville brothers didn't get involved bearing in mind that's their real club. I understand your point but sadly it's against FA regulations for someone to invest in more than one club Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted February 15, 2020 Admin Share Posted February 15, 2020 3 minutes ago, Port Said Red said: Salford as a non league club at the time were probably more solvent, as the non league rules are very strict. That would give them a better starting point, rather having to use a chunk of their investments to pay off any debt. The craziest part of all this was that they'd just won promotion. It makes you wonder if they literally bought promotion by over spending 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sephjnr Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 8 minutes ago, phantom said: The craziest part of all this was that they'd just won promotion. It makes you wonder if they literally bought promotion by over spending It also makes me wonder if Steve Dale bought the club literally just to make money from selling Gigg Lane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Geoff Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 10 hours ago, chinapig said: Perhaps Sheikh Mansour could take time out from his brave battle against the terrible injustice suffered by poor little Manchester City to arrange for Etihad to sponsor Bury? Why would anyone in their right mind put more money into Steve Dale's bank account. 2 minutes ago, sephjnr said: It also makes me wonder if Steve Dale bought the club literally just to make money from selling Gigg Lane. He did. And it has worked, he doesnt give two hoots whether or not Bury survive. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 1 hour ago, Sir Geoff said: He did. And it has worked, he doesnt give two hoots whether or not Bury survive. It`s a good job there aren`t any local clubs owned by people like that...…………...…………......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted February 15, 2020 Admin Share Posted February 15, 2020 2 hours ago, sephjnr said: It also makes me wonder if Steve Dale bought the club literally just to make money from selling Gigg Lane. I wonder if he's ever been carried down Gloucester Road hailed as the new messiah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natchfever Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 2 hours ago, Port Said Red said: Salford as a non league club at the time were probably more solvent, as the non league rules are very strict. That would give them a better starting point, rather having to use a chunk of their investments to pay off any debt. Understood but logic rarely plays a part in club ownership. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port Said Red Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 38 minutes ago, Natchfever said: Understood but logic rarely plays a part in club ownership. True. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted April 27, 2020 Share Posted April 27, 2020 (edited) Amazingly, and I was surprised to read, Bury still isn't bankrupt, officially anyway. Steve Dale has popped up again- he's still in charge of the club it'd seem...? I apologise strongly for the source but sadly it is an interesting story or two. Quote DALE OUT FUND Bury owner Steve Dale hopes to get rid of £3.7m stadium debt to secure club’s future EXCLUSIVE Justin Allen 25 Apr 2020, 21:00 Updated: 25 Apr 2020, 22:31 BURY owner Steve Dale is seeking to get rid of a £3.7million debt secured on their Gigg Lane stadium to help secure the club’s future. A number of secured loans were taken out by previous owner Stewart Day with Capital Bridging Finance, which has since gone into administration. Steve Dale wants to write-off Bury's Gigg Lane debt and save the club Dale exclusively revealed to SunSport yesterday that the Shakers were waiting to be placed by the FA into the National League next season following their expulsion from the EFL in August. The Shakers owner said: “We own the stadium, fact. There’s supposed to be a £3.7m debt on it but Bury FC only got £140,000 of that. –– ADVERTISEMENT –– “We’ve never seen the rest of that cash. It was used as a security for something else that had nothing to do with the club. Bury never got its due money. “In law, you must have received something to have owed it. Bury FC got **** all. “I’m speaking to the mortgage company’s administrators and told them, ‘Let’s do a deal. You’re saying we owe X amount but you prove when that money went into our bank account and I’ll honour it.’ "We’ve not been sent that proof.” An investigation led by Damian Collins, the chair of the parliamentary sports select committee, discovered in October that a staggering £1m was paid as an “introductory fee” for the loan to an unknown person. Collins said: “The inquiry made clear that people profited a lot over Bury’s demise. Someone took £1m away.” And, meanwhile, Dale has told SunSport he has appointed a QC to lead a legal fight that will cost him around £250,000 against the EFL for damages following the Shakers’ expulsion. Bury – who were promoted to League One last season – were booted out after the EFL said the club did not show proof of funds for the 2019-20 season. UNBELIEVABLE TREATMENT The Shakers owner said: “We should never have been thrown out. The way they treated us, compared to Bolton, is unbelievable. "I felt the whole time the EFL were against us while they bent over backwards to help Bolton, a former Premier League team. “When I was trying to rescue the club from the debts run up by Stewart Day, I never realised that not only was I fighting against the creditors but also the EFL. “I’ve got a QC working on it right now. The case against the EFL will show the real truth what happened to Bury FC.” The EFL has always maintained they provided Bury with ample chance to meet their finance requirements and the League, as a compromise, only asked for one season’s proof of funding rather than the up to two they usually require. SunSport can reveal the National League will only accept Bury into their fold if Dale steps down – as football officers that were part of a club expelled from the EFL are prohibited in their set-up. Dale has already stated he is prepared to do that and said: “I’ll be happy to leave it for someone else to run it. “I want to make one thing clear - I’ve never taken a penny from Bury FC. “I was duped into taking over the club. I’m not a football person and only got introduced to Bury in terms of wanting to invest in a second chance academy for young offenders. “But then people at the club told me Bury would go bust if I didn’t step in and all I’ve wanted to do from day one is save the club. “The more I discovered, the more staggered I was by what had gone on under the previous regime. We had two players earning £7,000-a-week. Bury were booted out of the Football League in August “Jermaine Beckford – who sat at home doing nothing for a year because he was injured – was picking up astronomical sums. "And the place was over-staffed with people. The wage bill was £3.5m. I was thinking, ‘Christ, we’re Bury, not Chelsea.’ “If you stack shelves at Tesco and I go round your house and you have a 120inch plasma on the wall and a Mercedes in the drive – I’d say there is something wrong here. “I just thought, ‘What the **** is going on in this place.’ I was looking for it but there was no revenue. It was madness.” I still wonder, would Shaun Harvey have let them start the season? I believe it to be possible, yes. Edited April 28, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 (edited) The story that went before- seems they are looking to get into the National League next season- clearly without him at the helm...Yes these are both The Sun. From Justin Allen Twitter- first article in a more user friendly format- and an article suggesting there is also a phoenix club in the works, playing at a different ground. Edited April 28, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winsleyred Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 If this season is stopped will their league place be given back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin101 Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 Wouldn't have thought so and I haven't seen that discussed anywhere. I thought they had ceased to exist as a club anyway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingswood Robin Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 I think they still exist, just about. They we're expelled. If the season finishes early, they'll still be expelled. I hope they find a way back though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taz Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 Brother in law who lives in Colchester, said today that he's heard rumours that Colchester "were in trouble and could fold/finish for good". Just something that he's heard so not sure if there's anything to it, but could be the start of something much bigger happening at that level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted April 28, 2020 Admin Share Posted April 28, 2020 1 hour ago, Taz said: Brother in law who lives in Colchester, said today that he's heard rumours that Colchester "were in trouble and could fold/finish for good". Just something that he's heard so not sure if there's anything to it, but could be the start of something much bigger happening at that level. They have given a number of players notice that their short term contracts wont be extended - I guess from a clubs point of view having a player on a monthly contract that wont play is just burning money 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTone Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 (edited) 18 minutes ago, phantom said: They have given a number of players notice that their short term contracts wont be extended - I guess from a clubs point of view having a player on a monthly contract that wont play is just burning money Spot on and the same will apply to many clubs. Have this feeling that the composition of the divisions next year will be a lot different to the way they are now. Edited April 28, 2020 by BigTone 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 6 hours ago, Robin101 said: Wouldn't have thought so and I haven't seen that discussed anywhere. I thought they had ceased to exist as a club anyway? According to those articles, as a former League club who have been expelled they have the right to come in higher up the non League pyramid. So Conference or Conference North. Bury AFC however as a prospective new club, will need to take their chances low down. North West Counties League I think. @winsleyred Wouldn't have thought so, as Robin said. The logical outcome here IMO would be Barrow. Top of Conference, League has 71 clubs anyway. Seems relatively fair, not least as they were voted out in the 1970s I believe. Debt on Gigg Lane is a clear and obvious issue, but the company who hold/held that debt have gone into administration so, who knows... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted April 28, 2020 Admin Share Posted April 28, 2020 7 hours ago, Robin101 said: Wouldn't have thought so and I haven't seen that discussed anywhere. I thought they had ceased to exist as a club anyway? 3 hours ago, Kingswood Robin said: I think they still exist, just about. They we're expelled. If the season finishes early, they'll still be expelled. I hope they find a way back though. 22 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said: According to those articles, as a former League club who have been expelled they have the right to come in higher up the non League pyramid. So Conference or Conference North. Bury AFC however as a prospective new club, will need to take their chances low down. North West Counties League I think. @winsleyred Wouldn't have thought so, as Robin said. The logical outcome here IMO would be Barrow. Top of Conference, League has 71 clubs anyway. Seems relatively fair, not least as they were voted out in the 1970s I believe. Debt on Gigg Lane is a clear and obvious issue, but the company who hold/held that debt have gone into administration so, who knows... Just found this article that kind of answers the points raised by @Robin 101 @Kingswood Robin@Mr Popodopolous Bury AFC, set up by fans after the Shakers were expelled from the EFL, is one of 11 clubs to have applied for a spot in the North West Counties League. Bury FC were removed from the English Football League in August after several months of financial problems. The NWCFL said that clubs must meet certain criteria by 31 March to be considered for a 10th-tier place. It is understood that Bury AFC have found a ground to play at next season which meets these requirements. The NWCFL lists them as one of two new clubs applying to play in the league next season, the other being FC Isle of Man, with the other nine teams coming from lower down the non-league pyramid. "This confirms our belief that we are the only team currently with an application in to play football in Bury next season," Bury AFC said on Twitter. The league confirmed in December that an application had been made by the new club, which is unaffiliated to Bury FC. At the time, prospective investor Robert Benwell said it would cost £600,000 to start a new club in the lower divisions of English football. Last week Bury FC, which still exists as a company, defaulted on a plan to help settle its debts with creditors. The Shakers were due to play in League One this season but their opening fixtures were postponed and their expulsion from the English Football League came after a last-ditch takeover bid collapsed. TAKEN FROM: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51584394 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted April 28, 2020 Admin Share Posted April 28, 2020 5 minutes ago, phantom said: Just found this article that kind of answers the points raised by @Robin 101 @Kingswood Robin@Mr Popodopolous The NWCFL lists them as one of two new clubs applying to play in the league next season, the other being FC Isle of Man, with the other nine teams coming from lower down the non-league pyramid. TAKEN FROM: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51584394 Ironically this report was published by the BBC today: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52316690 This was supposed to be a big year for football on the Isle of Man. Having applied to join the North West Counties League, where Fleetwood Town were champions 15 years ago on their climb to League One, FC Isle of Man were hoping to compete in English football's non-league system in 2020-21. The community club, based on the island in the Irish Sea famous for hosting the annual TT international motorcycling event, was founded in 2019 with big ambitions. Paul Jones, sporting director of FC Isle of Man, said the plan was to be in League Two "within 10 to 15 years". Home games would be played at the Bowl, a 3,000-capacity multi-use venue in Douglas, the island's capital, where Arsenal's former Celtic defender Kieran Tierney was born. But on 20 March came the news the Isle of Man had recorded its first cases of coronavirus. The Manx government closed its borders to non-residents to help prevent the spread of the pandemic and, as of 27 April, 308 people on the island had tested positive for the virus and there had been 20 deaths. So what now for the new Manx club in lockdown, yet to play a game and desperate to make its mark on football in England? 'Bigger issues than football right now' Before lockdown, FC Isle of Man were on track to enter the 10th tier of English football in August after the North West Counties League recommended the Football Association accept their application providing appropriate criteria is met. One condition is that they pay the travel costs and overnight accommodation of all visiting teams and match officials - like Channel Islands clubs Guernsey (eighth tier) and Jersey Bulls (10th tier) have to do. Home games in Douglas would kick off on Saturday evenings to minimise impact on the two-tier Isle of Man League, which consists of 26 clubs. FC Isle of Man chairman Gary Weightman predicted lots of interest in the new club from football fans on the island. "Although there are a lot of clubs in Douglas, others on the island - such as Rushen United, Peel and Ramsey - are a big part of their communities," he said. "When we hosted Jersey in the FA Inter-League Cup final a few years ago we had 3,000 at the Bowl. We hope to get 1,100-1,500 people watching us initially." With all football in England below the three divisions that make up the National League ending immediately on 26 March and all results expunged, and with no promotion or relegation taking place, FC Isle of Man have been left not knowing what the immediate future holds. "It doesn’t seem likely that the non-league season will start in August," added Jones. "Our island is locked down. There are bigger issues that need to be solved before the football team can travel on and off the island every week." 'It makes it personal when someone you know dies' Life on the Isle of Man, like so many other places around the world, has completely changed over the past few weeks. "We're pretty much at a standstill," added Weightman, a surveyor. "There are 83,000 of us scattered around the island and the other day two people died with coronavirus. That's a big thing on an island of this size. If you don't know the person then you will probably know the face. "One of the people who died was a police officer who I knew when I was involved in the police football team. It does make it personal. He always said 'hello' when we passed one another on the street." According to the Isle of Man Today website, visitor numbers increased by 0.8% in 2018 to 308,263, while more than 46,000 travelled to the island while the 2019 TT races were taking place. Jones, who was born on the island, said the community feel safer now the borders are closed to non-residents. "We're a very proud and close community that tends to look out for our own but that has been amplified in recent weeks," he added. "We think we might get through this a bit quicker than some other places." Chris Bass is the first manager of FC Isle of Man, which is owned by Sporting Club Isle of Man and has the support of the Manx government and local businesses. He landed the job after two decades managing St George's, the nine-time Isle of Man Premier League champions. "I have a small landscaping and construction company," said Bass. "Yes, I'm suffering financially. I can't work and I haven't had any income for three weeks." Streaming home games When restrictions are lifted and life returns to some sort of normality, Jones is confident FC Isle of Man will be the place to showcase the best of the island's footballing talent. In recent years, the island has produced countless individuals who have competed at the top level of sport. Mark Cavendish is a veteran of 30 stage wins at the Tour de France, while Peter Kennaugh, another cyclist, was the first Manxman in 100 years to win Olympic gold as part of the Great Britain men's pursuit team in 2012. Shooter Tim Kneale is a Commonwealth silver medallist, while in Pyeongchang in 2018 Zoe Gillings-Brier became the first British snowboarder to compete at four Winter Olympics, reaching the quarter-finals. Jones wants FC Isle of Man to contribute to the island's sporting success. The team will initially be made up of players living on the island and recruitment will officially start in the summer. By then a membership scheme aimed at raising funds for the club will have been launched. The annual £20 subscription will include the opportunity to access a live stream of all FC Isle of Man home games. Jones hopes it will appeal to people from the island who are now living around the world and those who have a "soft spot" for the Isle of Man. "If we can get 10,000 then that’s the budget close to being sorted," he said. Bass believes there is talent on the island capable of playing in the professional game. In the past, promising Manx footballers have left to play in America. "I'm hoping the launch of FC Isle of Man will stop players believing the United States is the be-all and end-all," added Bass. How realistic is the new club's target of playing in the EFL in 15 years' time? "People will look at it and go 'it's not going to happen, that's ridiculous'," added Jones. "But why not? It might take 20 years, it might never happen. "But if we can get to a point where FC Isle of Man showcases our island, pulls in more visitors, attracts more people to live here and more businesses to relocate, it will preserve our island for many generations." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne allisons tongues Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 44 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said: According to those articles, as a former League club who have been expelled they have the right to come in higher up the non League pyramid. So Conference or Conference North. Bury AFC however as a prospective new club, will need to take their chances low down. North West Counties League I think. @winsleyred Wouldn't have thought so, as Robin said. The logical outcome here IMO would be Barrow. Top of Conference, League has 71 clubs anyway. Seems relatively fair, not least as they were voted out in the 1970s I believe. Debt on Gigg Lane is a clear and obvious issue, but the company who hold/held that debt have gone into administration so, who knows... NWCFL they have been accepted. I watch Cheadle Town quite often in that league for my son works there Saturdays as part of his uni course. It is the same level Fleetwood, Fylde, Salford and FC United all started at. Isle of Man have been accepted as well. It’s split North and South so will wait and see what half they go in. Trouble is if no clubs are promoted and relegated and restructuring has been halted by the FA it’s where and how they fit in for they are 1 of 11 clubs who have applied to join and were accepted ground dependant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Popodopolous Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 (edited) 6 hours ago, Taz said: Brother in law who lives in Colchester, said today that he's heard rumours that Colchester "were in trouble and could fold/finish for good". Just something that he's heard so not sure if there's anything to it, but could be the start of something much bigger happening at that level. Could well be. This report, unsure if it's already been posted on here but interesting stuff certainly. https://www.efl.com/siteassets/image/201920/governance-reviews/bury-review..pdf---adobe-acrobat-pro.pdf Was about the demise into Bury but also reviews regarding governance etc- interesting stuff, was published in late February. Read a bit of it myself so far but I wonder what the future of football, not just in the bottom 2 divisions but the EFL generally will look like. Edited April 28, 2020 by Mr Popodopolous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pillred Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 4 hours ago, BigTone said: Spot on and the same will apply to many clubs. Have this feeling that the composition of the divisions next year will be a lot different to the way they are now. I think the old Div 3 north and south would be a good compromise depending on how many clubs are viable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted April 28, 2020 Share Posted April 28, 2020 5 minutes ago, pillred said: I think the old Div 3 north and south would be a good compromise depending on how many clubs are viable. I say this every time this is suggested but, given the road network in this country, wouldn`t an east/west split be better? I suspect the likes of Exeter or Cheltenham can get to Rochdale or Accrington a lot easier than they can to Colchester or Cambridge. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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