Latest news with #BuryFC
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Crisis clubs can 'absolutely' be saved
Football clubs in crisis like Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe can "absolutely" be saved from the brink of collapse, says Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. The future of both clubs remains uncertain after a torrid summer of issues including delayed wage payments for players and staff, registration embargoes and in the case of Morecambe, suspension from the National League. In July, a bill to establish an independent football regulator became law, granting it powers to oversee the men's game in England's top five divisions. However, the regulator will not be launched until later this year. When it is operational, Nandy says the regulator will be able to make a difference. "These clubs belong to their fans. They are nothing without their fans and we are on their side and we will always fight for them," Nandy told BBC Breakfast. "Nobody should have to go through this. When Bury collapsed, we were absolutely clear that that had to be the last time that ever happened to anyone again. It's happened to far too many people since." Bury were expelled by the English Football League in 2019 while in League One after a takeover bid collapsed. "Owners need to recognise that they have a responsibility to be the custodians of a club and hand it on in good shape to the next generation," she added. "They're hugely important to the economic life of a town, which I know from my own experience."Nandy highlighted Wigan Athletic, the team she supports, as a club who were saved from the brink of collapse in 2021, but have experienced further financial challenges. "Wigan went right to the wire, we were within hours of HMRC pulling the plug because taxes haven't been paid, players were about to walk, the wages haven't been paid and at the final hour we managed to achieve a resolution. "So I've absolutely said that to the fans groups and to the local MPs do not give up." Morecambe were put up for sale by owners Bond Group in September 2022, but a deal has still not been completed, and two relegations in three seasons since have seen the club drop into the National League for the first time since 2007. Last week the Shrimps were suspended by the league for failing to comply with their rules, while Nandy wrote an open letter to Morecambe owner Jason Whittingham urging him to sell the are granting free entry to Morecambe supporters for their opening Northern Premier League West game of the season against Newcastle Town on Saturday as a gesture of solidarity. Meanwhile, Championship club Sheffield Wednesday have lost £178m between 2015, when Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri bought the club, and 2024. The Owls are under a transfer embargo, manager Danny Rohl left the club by mutal consent in July and the North Stand at Hillsborough has closed because of concerns over its structural integrity. A training match against Burnley at the weekend was cancelled after players refused to play, but it is understood the club will fulfil their opening game of the new Championship season against Leicester City on Sunday. Stronger tests around potential owners and directors will be brought in by the new football regulator, which Nandy says will help struggling clubs falling into peril. "In the case of Morecambe [the regulator] would definitely make a difference," Nandy told Radio 4's Today programme. "There are powers for the regulator to be able to force the owners to sell in circumstances where it would otherwise be lost."In the case of Sheffield Wednesday, which I know many, many people are concerned about, there are some measures in the bill that will make a big difference. Legislation, for example, gives fans much greater power over the direction of their own club." But with the independent regulator not yet up and running, the prospect of either Morecambe or Sheffield Wednesday, or both, becoming the next Bury is very real. "I don't want to sugar-coat this, people have been through it," said Nandy. "Bury is an example of this where they lost everything because of poor ownership. And it proves why there is such a need for the legislation that we've just passed. "We are working at pace to set up the regulator and I can promise Sheffield Wednesday fans and every other football fan in the country, this is personal for me and we're going to make sure this happens."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bury offer Morecambe fans free tickets as club closure looms
Bury are offering free entry for Morecambe supporters for their opening game of the new league season 'as a gesture of solidarity and footballing friendship'. Morecambe were originally set to play their first game of the season in the National League this weekend against Boston United, though they were suspended from the league in July and now face the prospect of closing down due to financial difficulties. Bury faced a similar situation in 2019, when they were expelled by the EFL in August 2019 despite winning promotion to League One that season. The club re-formed under the Bury FC and currently compete in the Northern Premier League West, the eighth tier of English football. Bury announced that Morecambe fans can gain free entry to this weekend's game by showing their season ticket or 'wearing your Morecambe FC badge with pride'. 'We at Bury Football Club have watched with great sympathy and understanding as you navigate uncertain times. As a club that knows all too well what it feels like to face challenges off the pitch, we want you to know: you are not alone,' said a statement on the Bury website. 'As a gesture of solidarity and footballing friendship, we invite all Morecambe supporters to join us at Gigg Lane on Saturday, 9 August, for our home match. 'Whether you're in need of a temporary football fix, a place to feel connected, or simply want to enjoy a matchday with fellow fans who understand—our gates and hearts are open to you,' it added. Morecambe owner Jason Whittingham's failure to sell the club means that Morecambe face the prospect of shutting their doors, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy writing an open letter urging Whittingham to 'do the right thing' and sell. "It is the Government's firm view that owners need to act as custodians of their clubs," Nandy said. 'With so much at stake for this grand old town, the time for action is now. I call on you to effect a sale to a suitable owner, and give the club a chance for a brighter future." The Panjab Warriors sports investment group insists it is ready to take over the club, and last week it issued a statement alongside fans' group the Shrimps Trust and local MP Liz Collinge stating that all first-team operations had stopped after insurance cover lapsed. Additional reporting from PA.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Bury offer Morecambe fans free tickets as club closure looms
Bury are offering free entry for Morecambe supporters for their opening game of the new league season 'as a gesture of solidarity and footballing friendship'. Morecambe were originally set to play their first game of the season in the National League this weekend against Boston United, though they were suspended from the league in July and now face the prospect of closing down due to financial difficulties. Bury faced a similar situation in 2019, when they were expelled by the EFL in August 2019 despite winning promotion to League One that season. The club re-formed under the Bury FC and currently compete in the Northern Premier League West, the eighth tier of English football. Bury announced that Morecambe fans can gain free entry to this weekend's game by showing their season ticket or 'wearing your Morecambe FC badge with pride'. 'We at Bury Football Club have watched with great sympathy and understanding as you navigate uncertain times. As a club that knows all too well what it feels like to face challenges off the pitch, we want you to know: you are not alone,' said a statement on the Bury website. 'As a gesture of solidarity and footballing friendship, we invite all Morecambe supporters to join us at Gigg Lane on Saturday, 9 August, for our home match. 'Whether you're in need of a temporary football fix, a place to feel connected, or simply want to enjoy a matchday with fellow fans who understand—our gates and hearts are open to you,' it added. Morecambe owner Jason Whittingham's failure to sell the club means that Morecambe face the prospect of shutting their doors, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy writing an open letter urging Whittingham to 'do the right thing' and sell. "It is the Government's firm view that owners need to act as custodians of their clubs," Nandy said. 'With so much at stake for this grand old town, the time for action is now. I call on you to effect a sale to a suitable owner, and give the club a chance for a brighter future." The Panjab Warriors sports investment group insists it is ready to take over the club, and last week it issued a statement alongside fans' group the Shrimps Trust and local MP Liz Collinge stating that all first-team operations had stopped after insurance cover lapsed.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
LR battle to end honours even in Shakers friendly
LR's Harry Forshaw, right, in action against Bury. Picture by James Lobley Atherton LR kept up their 100-per-cent pre-season record with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Northern Premier League West side Bury on Saturday. The NWCFL Premier Division champions visited Crilly Park during last seasons pre-season which saw Alex Cherera volley home an 11th-minute goal to win the game for the Shakers a year ago. Advertisement This time the sides began with Bury holding most of the possession, however with a mix of trialists and first-team players, the opportunities did not take flight. Atherton LR fought their way back into the game and after 19 minutes the deadlock was broken. A defensive error allowed Cal Hunter to break down the wing and craft a deep run into the Bury box, eventually slotting the ball past Russell Saunders' far post. The quick start was a shock to the visitors who, despite controlling the game, had fallen behind and needed to respond quickly However, some brilliant defending by the Yellows fought off any chance Bury found and the teams entered the break with LR holding a narrow 1-0 lead. Advertisement The Shakers introduced their second-half XI, making major changes ahead of their reintroduction. Those changes were highlighted with the shift in tempo as Bury launched more chances towards Joe Bickerstaffe and his defensive line. The Shakers eventually found the net in the 77th minute, with Kai Evans finding a loose ball at the edge of the LR area, cutting inside and beating his man tp drill the ball home. The game was battled out until the final whistle with honours even. LR boss Dave Jones said: 'It was a good physical test for us against a good side. We knew it would be difficult and we would have to spend long times without the ball, but it's a good test and gives us a different sort of challenge than the other pre season games. Advertisement 'I'd like to personally thank Dave McNabb for bringing his side to us and all the Bury fans that travelled - it is not just a good exercise on the pitch it's also vital revenue for us off the pitch with a crowd of 530.' LR travel to Barnton on Tuesday for their third pre-season outing.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Littler, Humphries, Wade & Beckham in King's Honours
Darts players Luke Littler and Luke Humphries have become MBEs in the King's Birthday Honours, while Virginia Wade is made a CBE and knighthoods are confirmed for David Beckham and Billy Boston. The awards for teenage world champion Littler and world number one Humphries are further evidence of darts' booming popularity. Former tennis player Wade, meanwhile, is the only British woman to have won titles at all four majors. She is honoured for her services to the sport and charity. News of former England football captain Beckham becoming a 'Sir' emerged last week, while rugby league legend Boston was knighted on Monday. Motorcyclist Michael Dunlop - the winner of a record 33 Isle of Man TT races, will become an MBE. The Northern Irish rider has carried on racing after the death of his father, brother and uncle in road accidents. Aston Villa striker Rachel Daly - capped 84 times by England - is another to become an MBE, along with golfer Trish Johnson, BBC gymnastics commentator Christine Still, Bury FC chair Marcel de Matas and former Great Britain basketball player Julius Joseph. Boxer Natasha Jonas, former Great Britain ice hockey captain Saffron Lane and wheelchair tennis player Andy Lapthorne are also honoured along with former England cricketers Steven Davies and David 'Syd' Lawrence. Deta Hedman - the winner of more than 200 titles and the first black woman to play in the PDC World Darts Championship - is made an OBE, as is former England cricketer Devon Malcolm. Retired Paralympic swimming champion and volleyball player Monica Vaughan and two-time Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee are also appointed OBEs. So too is Oldham Athletic owner Frank Rothwell, for charitable services to dementia research. King Charles awards first rugby league knighthood Beckham set to be awarded knighthood How many footballers have been knighted? Littler and Humphries are honoured in the week they compete together for England at the World Cup of Darts in Germany. "This is an amazing and unexpected honour but one which I am very grateful for," said Littler. "To receive a recognition like this is something I had never thought would be possible, and it is a proud moment. "It's unbelievable what I've done for my sport; I'm happy, my family is happy and I can't wait to receive it." In January, Littler - aged 17 - became the youngest world darts champion in history, beating three-time winner Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the PDC final. The teenager was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in December and was also runner-up for the main award. He is not the youngest sporting figure to feature on the honours list, however - Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds was made an MBE aged 14 in 2009. Littler's rise, which has also brought Grand Slam of Darts, World Series and UK Open titles, has helped fuel a boom for darts, with record crowds, prize money and numbers of young people taking up the game. Humphries, 30, the reigning World Matchplay, Premier League, Players Championship Finals and World Masters champion, said he "couldnt believe it" when notified of his award. "Everyone's talking about darts now, and I think that we're two of the pioneering parts of that," he added. "We've changed the face of darts over the last couple of years. It's starting to become a younger man's game. It's nice to be at the forefront of that." His most recent big victory came in the Premier League last month, when he defeated 2024 champion Littler in the final. The pair join fellow darts players Keith Deller, Trina Gulliver, Fallon Sherrock, John Lowe and the late Eric Bristow as MBEs. Wade's royal connection endures after she famously won Wimbledon in 1977 - Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee year Wade, now 79, remains the last British woman to secure the singles crown at SW19. She won three Grand Slam singles titles in all, having also triumphed at the US Open and Australian Open. Wade also secured women's doubles titles in New York and Melbourne, along with the French Open. She went on to become a successful commentator and pundit, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1989. This is the third time she has been included in a Birthday Honours list, having made the Queen's in both 1973 (MBE) and 1986 (OBE). Beckham, 50, was appointed an OBE in 2003 and receives further recognition for both his football career and charity work. He played 115 times for his country as well as for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Paris St-Germain and AC Milan, retiring in 2013. "Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour," said Beckham. "It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family." Beckham was reportedly first nominated for a knighthood in 2011. In 2017 several British newspapers printed details of leaked emails in which Beckham allegedly criticised the honours system and the honours committee. A spokesperson for Beckham said at the time the emails were "hacked", "doctored" and "private". Beckham played a key role in helping London secure the 2012 Olympics, and has been an ambassador for children's charity Unicef since 2005. He also became an ambassador for The King's Foundation in 2024 - supporting King Charles' education programme and efforts to ensure young people have a greater understanding of nature. "I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation," Beckham added. "I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment." Boston received his honour from King Charles at Buckingham Palace, making him the sport's first knight in its 130-year history. The 90-year-old was awarded his knighthood early - before the birthday honours list was officially announced - because of concerns over his health. Cardiff-born, he was one of the greatest stars of rugby league and a trailblazer for black sports stars when he played for Wigan and Great Britain in the 1950s and 1960s. Boston, who has been living with dementia, was accompanied at the Palace by his family and representatives of his former club. Knighthood David Beckham (former England footballer), for services to sport and charity Billy Boston (former rugby league player), for services to rugby league football Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) Virginia Wade (former tennis player), for services to tennis and charity Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) Alistair Brownlee (former triathlete), for services to triathlon and charity Deta Hedman (darts player), for services to darts and charity Devon Malcolm (former cricket player), for services to cricket and to diversity in cricket Terence Pateman (Chair, Northern Amateur Football League), for services to grassroots sport and to community relations Frank Rothwell (Oldham Athletic owner), for charitable services to dementia research Stephen Sutherland (commercial manager, Charlton Athletic Football Club), for services to sport Monica Vaughan (former Paralympic swimmer), for services to sport Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) Neil Booth (former lawn bowler), for services to lawn bowls Anwen Butten (lawn bowler), for services to lawn bowls, to cancer care and to the community in Wales Maureen Clark (former netball player), for services to netball in Surrey Jill Coulter-Sloan (head coach at Craigavon golf and ski centre), for services to disability sport Rachel Daly (footballer), for services to association football Christopher Davies (runner), for services to running and to health and wellbeing Steven Davies (former cricketer), for services to sport Marcel de Matas (lately chair, Bury Football Club), for services to association football Michael Dunlop (motorcycle road racer), for services to motor cycle racing Bryan Henderson (director of cricket and NFL, Sky), for services to cricket Frederick Hudson, for services to Arsenal Football Club community Luke Humphries (darts player), for services to darts Patricia Johnson (golfer), for services to women's golf Natasha Jonas (boxer), for services to boxing and to the community in Liverpool Julius Joseph (basketball player), for services to basketball Lucy Katan (founder, British Grooms Association), for services to sport Andrew Lapthorne (wheelchair tennis player), for services to tennis Saffron Lane, nee Allen (ice hockey player), for services to sport David Lawrence (former cricketer), for services to cricket Luke Littler (darts player), for services to darts Grace Muir (founder and chief executive officer, homing ex-racehorses organisation scheme), for services to charity, to animal welfare and to education Christine Pascall (lately president, England Golf), for services to golf Sanjay Patel (lately managing director, The Hundred), for services to cricket Sheelagh Redpath (lately technical officials co-ordinator for netball, Commonwealth Games), for services to netball Christine Still (commentator), for services to gymnastics British Empire Medal (BEM) Joseph Adams, for services to Altrincham Football Club and to charitable fundraising Kathryn Burgess (founder, Cheshire Girls Football League), for services to girls football in mid-Cheshire Colin Dalgarno (President, Strathaven Rugby Club; Chair, Whiteshawgate 3G Sports Trust and volunteer), for services to the community in Strathaven Valerie Hoyle (secretary, Rotherham United Women Football Club), for services to association football and to the community in Rotherham Zarit Hussain, for services to cricket John O'Connor (Director, Angling Cymru), for services to recreational angling in Wales
