Bury FC fans say bumper FA Cup crowd 'meant everything'

1 day ago

Phil Cunliffe,Buryand

Naj Modak,North West

News image — Katie Maken was among the hordes of fans who said the match was a "massive" moment

BBC/Phil Cunliffe Katie Maken stands in front of a large Bury FC flag displaying the club crest and the motto “Vincit Omnia Industria”. She has long brown and blonde hair. — Katie Maken was among the hordes of fans who said the match was a "massive" moment

Fans have told of their delight as Bury FC experienced its biggest crowd since the resurgent football club was reformed three years ago.

Katie Maken, 18, who joined excited supporters at the Staff of Life pub ahead of the crunch FA Cup qualifier against Harrogate Town earlier, said: "This means everything to the club - the fans coming back who we've not seen for years."

The Shakers were expelled from the English Football League in 2019 following financial struggles, before the club was eventually reformed in its current format in 2023.

And the loyal hordes of supporters were rewarded for their efforts as Bury secured a replay after a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Gigg Lane.

Bury took on Harrogate in the fourth qualifying round as the club bids to reach the FA Cup first round for the first time since their expulsion.

The Northern Premier League side produced a spirited performance against the National League high-flyers and even had chances to win it - with fans left delighted.

BBC/Phil Cunliffe A group of Bury FC supporters sit together inside a bar area, holding drinks in front of a wall featuring historic photographs and large Bury FC-themed artwork. — Excited fans prepared for the FA Cup tie with pints aplenty

Mike Hamilton, 77, said: "It was a massive match for us.

"Today we've got over 5,000 here. We get three-and-a-half normally, less for an FA Cup game, but it's a big one. It's crowded."

Phil Lockett, 54, said: "It's great for the local town, great for Bury, brings a bit of money in.

"It was terrible when the club disbanded, like we lost a leg."

Chris Helling, 56, said: "It brings everybody together. We need to win another FA Cup."

BBC/Phil Cunliffe A close-up portrait of Mike Hamilton wearing a blue-and-white scarf and a navy hat, standing beside a roadside with trees and passing traffic blurred in the background. He has a white beard. — Mike Hamilton was also among those enjoying the 5,000-strong crowd

Fifty-seven-year-old Tracy Graham's son, Leo Graham, plays in midfield for the club.

Speaking before the game, Tracy said: "We hope he'll get a goal but we just want our boys to win."

Leo's aunty Lisa Hannaghan, 54, said: "We are here every week, it's just amazing the fans are great and Leo loves it."

BBC/Phil Cunliffe Phil Lockett (left) and Chris Helling (right) stand outside a pub or club venue before a match. Chris Helling holds a plastic cup of beer, while people and parked vehicles are visible in the blurred background. — Phil Lockett (left) and Chris Helling (right) were feeling positive

The club were expelled by the EFL after a takeover bid from C&N Sporting Risk collapsed, marking "one of the darkest days" in the league's history.

The unified Bury FC returned to Gigg Lane in 2023 following a vote to merge with Bury AFC.

BBC/Phil Cunliffe Tracy Grahams (left) and Lisa Hannaghan (right) wearing blue-and-white scarves pose for a photograph outside the football ground, with stadium buildings and other supporters visible behind them. — Tracy Graham (left) is the mother of Leo Graham who plays in midfield for the club and Lisa Hannaghan (right) is his aunty

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.