A proposal for Bury to be readmitted to League Two next season has been rejected by the English Football League clubs at a meeting this afternoon.
The proposal, submitted by the Bury FC Rescue Board for the Club to be admitted to League Two under new ownership in season 2020/21, did not have the necessary support.
Debbie Jevans CBE, EFL Executive Chair, commented: “While we are saddened that Bury FC is no longer part of the EFL, the Board’s difficult decision to withdraw membership was only taken after every opportunity to find a resolution was exhausted. Since then, in recognition of the efforts made on behalf of the Club, the EFL has engaged with supporters’ groups, shared their submissions with our members and debated at length the issues raised.
“Following the discussion today, Clubs have established that the preferred direction of travel is to reduce relegation from League Two as a means of returning to 72 Clubs. The Clubs felt that, in a difficult situation, this approach maintains fairness for all members and upholds the principle of the football pyramid.”
However Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is asking the league to at least let them compete in the Football Conference next season
“It is now time to take the fight for the football club up another level. You cannot let this rest here. To send Bury FC down to the Northern Counties Football League, to let it plummet through the divisions, is essentially putting the future of the club on the line.
“Although Bury FC have not been readmitted to League Two, it does still mean the authorities are a club short in the Conference for next season. That is where we take our call now.
“You cannot destroy a football club with this amount of heritage, with one of the best academies in English football. The club means so much to this town – the Leader of Bury Council is here tonight and we are as one on this.
“This football club needs to be saved. The football family needs to be fair. This town needs now to get behind the fight to keep Bury FC as a football club that has a realistic chance of getting back into the English Football League within a couple of years.
“Yes, Bury FC should face punishment for what happened because it gained an unfair advantage. But it shouldn’t be thrown into the wilderness like this.”
