Three years after the heartbreak of Bury FC being kicked out of the Football League, the beautiful game has once again returned to Gigg Lane. On a gloriously sunny April afternoon, hundreds of fans filed in through the turnstiles to watch two teams play football in the stadium for the first time since 2019.
It was the promotion chasing Bury FC Foundation Women's Team who were given the honour and they will play each of their last three games of the season at Gigg Lane. It is hoped that men’s football can also return to the venue in the not too distant future.
Outside the ground, ahead of the fixture against Fleetwood Town Wrens, there were a number of comfortingly familiar sights that were once taken for granted but have been sorely missed; fans waved flags, wore scarves around their necks and queued up at the burger van, before making their way inside.
READ MORE: Bury FC boost as council set to pledge £450k to help bring football back to Gigg Lane
The East Stand, behind one of the goals, was the only stand open on the day and close to 500 fans were greeted with a celebratory atmosphere. One of those in attendance was Ian Warburton and he was visibly delighted as he gazed around the stadium and took it all in.
He told the Manchester Evening News : “It’s a very emotional day. We’ve come back into the ground and all the fans have done absolutely superb getting this to where it is.
“There’s hurdles in the way, which are being put there by people who shouldn’t, but this shows that 500 people for a ladies’ game, first day back at Gigg we love it. It’s Bury.”
Talking about the prospect of getting men’s football back at the stadium, Ian admitted that he would be there to watch whatever level it may be.
“Men’s football will be back here,” he added.
“It doesn’t matter what level it is. If we did Sunday League here but we’d still have 1,000 on because we’re Bury fans.”
As kick off grew ever closer, it was wonderful to see the range of ages in the crowd. From prams to pensioners, there was a real feel-good family atmosphere.
There were inflatable clappers, party horns and even confetti cannons, which were blasted when the women eventually emerged from the tunnel. Kool and the Gang’s Celebration fittingly blasted over the PA system and there were thunderous cheers when the game kicked off just after 2pm.
Chants of ‘we love you Bury’ were even more stirring than they may once have been and there were fans in attendance who were visibly emotional at seeing a Bury football team playing at their home once again, with some clearly holding back tears.
Although the match itself could have taken a back seat to the event, the women constantly had supporters out of their seats and ran out 3-0 winners, with goals from Lucy Golding, Sophie Coates and Kimberley Tyson. With two more games against Barrowford Celtic and Clitheroe Wolves, on May 8 and 15 respectively, fans who may have missed out on today’s return to Gigg Lane can still sample some of the magic before the season is out.
