North West Counties League application
Last week, Bury FC Supporters’ Society (BFCSS) had a meeting with the North West Counties League (NWCFL) Board to discuss our application to join their league for the upcoming 2023/24 season. During that meeting the NWCFL board asked questions about the club structure and specifically as to why there are several companies involved within the setup. They also requested our proposed business plan and an update on amalgamation talks with Shakers Community Benefit Society (SCBS). As outlined from the outset, the idea would be for the stadium operations to remain a separate entity from the football club – with or without an amalgamation. This is because a Company Limited by Guarantee was created to enable BFCSS and the Bury FC Benefactors to acquire the stadium as part of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (DLUHC).
As expected, we received an email from the NWCFL Chairman saying that they would not support our application. It is with regret that this was leaked to the press before we were in a position to meet as a board and then fully inform our members. The email gave very brief reasons why it had been rejected. One of these was that we did not qualify under ‘exceptional circumstances’. We have since requested additional supporting evidence to find out why the application did not reach the threshold required for this.
The application was also rejected over NWCGL’s concerns over the business case for the proposed installation of a 3G pitch due to the complexity of installation dates and costs. At the meeting mentioned above it was explained that a benefactor would be sought who wished to aid with the purchase of this, or alternatively we could work with the Football Foundation with timelines outside of a football season. There is of course an alternative plan without the 3G pitch, but details of this were not requested. We discussed how successful the society have been in the last 12 months since acquiring the stadium and it was concluded that the business plan would also move and change due to more events, activities, office rentals, and film shoots to continue to keep it sustainable. The plan is continually updated
and has been reviewed by finance controllers and management teams from other clubs who are well respected within their leagues and roles.
Following talks with the NWCFL Chairman, BFCSS, a major benefactor and the FSA back in October, it was understood that the application would be rejected and we would then seek FA input as to which league we could start in. The NWCFL board stated they were not happy that we submitted the application on 27th January 2023 despite this being ahead of the 1st February 2023 deadline. We explained that the reason for the late application was because of ongoing discussions regarding a second vote on the potential amalgamation.
Due to the large number of supporters we would expect to watch matches at Gigg Lane, along with our large membership, it is quite possible that we could also be rejected from the feeder leagues. This is because the requirements for stadiums and numbers of supporters within these lower leagues would naturally have safety concerns for fans at home and away games. If this too is rejected then the application would be referred back to the FA for them to make a decision on a potential league placement.
The next steps are therefore to apply for the West Lancashire League, which the Lancashire FA would support us on. We would then submit an appeal to the NWCFL and the FA, whilst continuing to utilise Gigg Lane as the superb community asset it has been for the town of Bury.
Once the current 2022/23 season is completed there may be places made available due to some teams moving divisions and the possibility of some closing, but there is of course no guarantee of this.
It is of paramount importance to the board of BFCSS and Benefactors that men’s football is played at Gigg Lane next season. Gigg Lane has passed the criteria of the NWCFL Committee and is now ready to host football. We are still in negotiations for a second vote on an amalgamation with SCBS and are doing our best to ensure the fans can have their say in time for next season.
Bury Football Club Supporters Society Board
