Bury expelled from the Football League

Bury have been kicked out of the Football League in a move that is expected to spell the end for the 134-year-old club.

Late on Tuesday night – despite a number of last-minute takeover offers – the EFL announced that the Shakers, twice winners of the FA Cup had become the first outfit since 1992 to be thrown out of the competition.

Bury had been given until 5pm on Tuesday to show that, under controversial owner Steve Dale they had the funds to pay off creditors and fund the rest of the season or complete a sale to the C&N Sporting Risk Group.

A Bury fan wears an England flag emblazoned with the club’s name on Tuesday night

However, the proposed deal collapsed 90 minutes before the deadline and, following a lengthy board meeting and despite a flurry of late offers, the League One outfit was expelled.

Bury, promoted last term, had failed to play a fixture this season. In giving their reasons for the stunning move, the EFL said that they were unable to make any further suspensions to the fixture list and added that ‘ongoing concerns and the integrity of the competition were a significant factor in the decision’.

The news has been met with dismay and anger from some of those involved in a number of bids which went in before the EFL’s 5pm deadline on Tuesday. Some of those involved are intending to examine an appeal, Sportsmail understands.

As a result of Bury’s expulsion, League One will consist of 23 clubs for the remainder of the campaign, with three teams relegated instead of four.

Debbie Jevans CBE, the EFL’s Executive Chair, said: ‘Today is undoubtedly one of the darkest days in the League’s recent history. The EFL has worked determinedly and tirelessly to avoid this outcome and it is with a heavy heart that this situation has been forced upon us. The EFL has to place the integrity of our competitions at the heart of every decision we make, and we simply cannot allow this unacceptable situation to continue or countenance the prospect of postponing further fixtures.

‘I understand this will be a deeply upsetting and devastating time for Bury’s players, staff, supporters and the wider community. There is no doubt today’s news will be felt across the entire football family.

‘No one wanted to be in this position but following repeated missed deadlines, the suspension of five League fixtures, in addition to not receiving the evidence we required in regard to financial commitments and a possible takeover not materialising; the EFL Board has been forced to take the most difficult of decisions.’

Meanwhile, Bury’s neighbours Bolton have been given 14 days to secure their own future. The founder members of the Football League have been unable to complete a takeover which would see the Football Venture group take control. That failure has prompted the EFL to lift the suspension on a 14-day withdrawal notice. However, it is understood that following the collapse of the deal over the weekend, those involved are back around the table and steps forward have been made. Sources close to the deal say they are ‘cautiously confident’ it will go through. 

Joy Hart, a former director of Bury, handcuffed herself to Gigg Lane last week

Jevans added: ‘Despite repeated assurances, we are extremely disappointed that we are still not in a position to reach a successful resolution with the sale of Bolton Wanderers and have therefore taken the decision to lift the suspension on the notice of withdrawal. I again urge all parties to finalise the proposed takeover.

‘The reality of this action is that there are now 14 days to secure the club’s long-term future, and I sincerely hope we can find a way through these challenging circumstances for the benefit of all those who have an association with the club.’