VICTORY FOR FAN POWER!

Shakers return greeted by huge crowd

- Tony Bugby

BURY FC believe their fanled business model is unique and a template for other stricken clubs to follow.

Shakers fans turned out in force on Saturday when a crowd of 5,541 celebrated the club’s emotional return to their spiritual Gigg Lane home after an absence of 1,547 days.

And they had plenty of reason for cheer too as the home side rallied to a 5-1 win over Glossop North End to start their North West Counties League season in style.

As a result, the club earned over £50,000 in gate receipts, while the Community Benefit Society, made up of more than 2,000 supporters paying £5 each a month, brings in over £100,000 a year.

Director Phil Young said: “The average for the last 20 years when Bury was a League club was 3,000, To get that figure in the ninth tier was incredible.

“We are a fan-owned club with central and local government contributing money which we believe is unique.