One hundred and thirty four years of football has come to an end after the English Football League announced that the club have been thrown out of the football League.
In a sad day for supporters of the club the League announced late last night that despite repeated requests to its owner Mr Dale over a sustained period of time, the necessary evidence in respect of how the Club would meet its financial commitments, has simply not been provided and, as a result, attentions turned to securing new ownership at the Club.
Earlier in the day a proposed sale with C&N Sporting Risk Limited, was withdrawn following due diligence and around 11.00pm the EFL announced that:
“Therefore, having fully considered all available options, including a number of late expressions of interest provided to the EFL, the EFL Board has unanimously determined with enormous regret that Bury’s membership be withdrawn.”
Bolton meanwhile have been given fourteen more days to meet all outstanding requirements of the League’s insolvency policy or its membership in the EFL will be withdrawn.
“In respect of the situation at Bolton Wanderers, the administrators now have this period of time to successfully conclude a change of control with a preferred purchaser, or provide sufficient evidence that they are in a position to fund the Club for the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign.” said the League.
A statement issued by the administrators of the club said:
“All parties have been in continuous dialogue throughout the day and are working closely together this evening in order to bring a deal to completion. We will continue to work through the night if necessary.There will be a further update as soon as possible.”
Bury have become the first club to be thrown out of the League since Maidstone United in 1992.
League One will comprise 23 clubs for the rest of the season, with only three teams to be relegated.
Debbie Jevans CBE, EFL Executive Chair, said: “Today is undoubtedly one of the darkest days in the League’s recent history. 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.
“I understand this will be a deeply upsetting and devastating time for Bury’s players, staff, supporters and the wider community. There is no doubt today’s news will be felt across the entire football family.
“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.”
