Bury FC could finally return to Gigg Lane as fans asked to vote on merger with Bury AFC

Bury FC could finally be on the verge of a return to Gigg Lane after supporters were asked to back a merger. Two fan groups, Bury Football Club Supporters Society and Shakers Community Society, are proposing to unite to ensure men's football returns to its spiritual home in the town after a three year absence.

The famous ground lay empty for almost three years after Bury FC were thrown out of the Football League and later entered administration in 2019. However, earlier this year, a group of fans announced they had purchased Gigg Lane alongside Bury FC's assets.

The club's women's team has since played some of its matches at the 12,000-capacity stadium but the wait for men's football continues. While some supporters refused to give up on the original club, another group set up a new outfit - Bury AFC.

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The fan-owned club won promotion from the North West Counties League First Division North - English football's tenth tier - last season. But hostile words were exchanged as a divide emerged between the two factions.

Now, a merger of Bury Football Club Supporters Society - which helped buy Gigg Lane and Bury FC's assets including its name - and the Shakers Community Society - which founded Bury AFC - could see supporters finally unite behind one club again.

As the original Bury FC remains in administration - its name was recently changed to CCFB Realisations 2022 Limited, according to Companies House - the merger is likely to mean renaming Bury AFC as Bury FC. It is hoped that a majority fan-owned club will then return to Gigg Lane in time for the 2023/24 season.

Should the plans go ahead, Bury council has pledged to provide