Bury Football Club Supporters Society have revealed the results of a second vote to merge two fan groups and bring Bury FC back to Gigg Lane.
Supporters were previously asked to vote on proposals to unite two fans groups - the Shakers Community Society and Bury Football Club Supporters Society (BFCSS). The plans to merge the two failed last year after members of the latter voted against them, with the 63% of fans required for the merger not quite hitting the required 66%.
However, the outcome of the new merger vote was revealed on May 5 and votes in favour were 952 (90.1%), while votes against the resolution were 105 (9.9%). As a result, the resolution has passed.
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A statement was released alongside the results, which read: "Bury Football Club Supporters Society would like to thank all fans who voted on the future of your club. A fan-owned club is nothing without its loyal fans, you are all valued and have a part to play.
"Under Section 111 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 this resolution must be passed by not less than two thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting (whether in person or by proxy), and must be confirmed by a further Special Resolution at a second general meeting.
"Votes in favour are 952 (90.1%) and votes against the resolution are 105 (9.9%). During the SGM and the voting process the independant company Mi Voice have ensured compliance, counted, ratified all eligible votes and verified the result. The outcome of the vote is that the required threshold of 66.6% has been achieved, the resolution has therefore passed.
"What we are building today, is for those who will look back, be proud of the work we as volunteers have put into establishing this club as a shining example of a sustainable fan owned football club. We would ask every person to now look to themselves as to how best you can support Bury Football Club.
"The future of your club is in your hands, join us, become members and be a part of the future. Do not walk away, come back to be part of the future of Bury FC, we are the Shakers."
Bury FC were thrown out of the EFL in 2019 amid financial difficulties and later entered administration. This led to a group of fans setting up a new team - Bury AFC. Meanwhile, BFCSS, a separate fan group, purchased Bury FC's name, assets and Gigg Lane in 2022.
Bury council had pledged £450,000 alongside a £300,000 government grant to support the new club in the event of a merger, but after the first vote, both fan groups were warned that both Gigg Lane and the funding would be lost if the plans failed for a second time.
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