Bury FC loses out on bid to be readmitted to football league

Bury Football Club has lost out on a bid to be readmitted to the Football League next season.

The proposal to readmit the club to League Two was rejected by the English Football League’s 71 member clubs at a meeting.

Bury were expelled from the league in the summer when a takeover bid for the club collapsed and the club went into administration.

A group of supporters attempting to rescue Bury submitted a plan for “compassionate re-entry” to League Two. The bid was supported by local MPS and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

However, the EFL said “it became clear that the proposal did not have the necessary support”.

The decision means only one team will be relegated from League Two this season.

EFL executive chair Debbie Jevans said: “While we are saddened that Bury FC is no longer part of the EFL, the board’s difficult decision to withdraw membership was only taken after every opportunity to find a resolution was exhausted.

“Since then, in recognition of the efforts made on behalf of the club, the EFL has engaged with supporters’ groups, shared their submissions with our members and debated at length the issues raised.

“Following the discussion today, clubs have established that the preferred direction of travel is to reduce relegation from League Two as a means of returning to 72 clubs.

“The clubs felt that, in a difficult situation, this approach maintains fairness for all members and upholds the principle of the football pyramid.”