Bury FC's bid to return to Gigg Lane and the football pyramid has moved a step closer as contracts have been exchanged for the sale and purchase after a group of supporters lodged a bid to acquire their iconic stadium, club, name and memorabilia.
The completion is expected to be at the end of January, five months after the major offer was made.
Last year, the Shakers were put up for sale by the club's administrators after they plunged into administration in 2020 following their expulsion from the Football League a year earlier.
But news that broke on Friday came a huge boost in the tireless battle to see Bury FC back on the football pyramid.
A phoenix club was created by a group of supporters whilst some remain unwilling to let go of their beloved club with a history spanning back to 1885.
Bury AFC released a statement that read: "We are delighted to hear that contracts have been exchanged for the sale and purchase of Gigg Lane and recognise the hard work which has been invested to get this far by those involved.
"The next stage of the process is legal completion of the transfer at which point the balance of the purchase price will become payable.
"We are in discussions with both parties, and the Council, to move through the fine detail on how this could work going forward.
"Once we are able to bring some detail to our members for a vote we will, but in the meantime there is no reason for concern about the club, players or staff as they are all at the heart of any future plans.
"There is no intention to discontinue this club or its progress to date, and remain committed to ensuring there is one club representing the town next season," before rounding off the statement with #ByTheFans |#ForTheFans."
Forever Bury, who was a benefactor behind the fan group 'Est 1885's' bid, also reacted to the development saying : "Happy New Year for all Shakers’ fans!
"The deal to acquire Gigg Lane and the Club’s history, name and memorabilia has moved a significant step closer.
"Contracts have been exchanged with completion expected at the end of January. We have been granted a licence to begin our clean-up of the ground immediately. We’ll be calling upon all volunteers shortly.
"We appreciate the significant progress Bury AFC have made over recent years and have formed a working party with their representatives together with the Football Supporters Association and the Council to discuss the way forward. This will return football to Gigg Lane and our aim is under the name Bury FC."
Recently-formed Bury AFC currently ply their trade in the North West Counties First Division- step nine of the football pyramid and lead the race for promotion, only on goal difference with Golcar United breathing down their necks, boasting an unbeaten record.
As it stands, they are six promotions off of the Football League and League Two - the league they were in before they were expunged.
