Everton legend Neville Southall has outlined his sadness after Bury FC were expelled by the English Football League following a collapsed takeover bid.
The League One club had been given until 5pm on Tuesday to complete a deal with C&N Sporting Risk but it fell through, meaning Bury are the first club to drop out of the EFL in more than 25 years.
Bury were the first team former Blues goalkeeper Southall played for and he arrived at Goodison Park in July 1981 from the Shakers but said it was a "very sad day for football" after their expulsion.
He posted to Twitter: "It’s a very sad day for football.
"The club that took a chance on me has been left to sink."
It’s a very sad day for football
— Neville Southall (@NevilleSouthall) August 28, 2019
The club that took a chance on me has been left to sink
The rich get richer
While the poor die off
Bury FC will survive because the fans have got what the FA don’t
Compassion,commitment,desire and heart
EFL executive chair Debbie Jevans CBE last night said it was one of the "darkest days in the League's recent history" after their decision to remove Bury.
She added: "The EFL has worked determinedly and tirelessly to avoid this outcome and it is with a heavy heart that this situation has been forced upon us.
“The EFL has to place the integrity of our competitions at the heart of every decision we make, and we simply cannot allow this unacceptable situation to continue or countenance the prospect of postponing further fixtures.
“No one wanted to be in this position but following repeated missed deadlines, the suspension of five League fixtures, in addition to not receiving the evidence we required in regard to financial commitments and a possible takeover not materialising; the EFL Board has been forced to take the most difficult of decisions."
