Bury fans group buys Gigg Lane 

Est 1885 has agreed heads of terms on a deal for the 12,000-capacity stadium, beating off competition from a number of interested parties. 

The fans group’s acquisition of Gigg Lane includes club memorabilia, goodwill and intellectual property, including the Bury FC name, according to administrator Inquesta Corporate Recovery & Insolvency.

The ground was put up for sale earlier this year following Bury FC’s collapse into administration in November 2020, more than a year after the club was expelled from the Football League. 

The club has not played a game since 2019 when chairman Steve Dale failed to prove the club had enough money to compete in the 2019/2020 season. 

AFC Bury, a so-called phoenix club, was set up following the collapse of Bury FC. The club plays its home games in Radcliffe and competes in the North West Counties Division One North. 

Est 1885 hopes that by buying the ground Bury FC could return to Gigg Lane in time for next season, subject to FA approval. However, it is unclear what division the club would be placed in. 

Steven Wiseglass, director of Inquesta, said: “We have accepted an offer to purchase the Gigg Lane stadium and other assets, and have agreed heads of terms with the interested party. 

“We remain hopeful that the deal will be completed in a timely fashion and will be a major step towards securing the future of football at Gigg Lane. 

“My hope has always been that Bury FC could be rescued and seek readmission to the football pyramid system, and this now seems a step closer to becoming a reality.” 

Est 1885 was contacted for comment.