Stay of execution for troubled Shakers
ROCHDALE’S derby rivals Bury FC have earned a stay of execution after a winding-up petition to liquidate the club was adjourned.
A High Court judge handed the Shakers a 14-day reprieve to allow more time to repay tax debts.
The club’s 125-year stint in the Football League came to an end in August following the collapse of a last-minute takeover that would have saved the club.
And in the latest devastating blow to fans, it emerged earlier this week that a prospective buyer had ended their interest in the club.
The announcement was widely expected to signal the end of the 134-yearold institution, with fans trust, Forever Bury, withdrawing its legal defence against the winding-up petition brought by HMRC.
However, the case was adjourned for another 14 days by Judge Mark Mullen to allow the club more time to repay tax debts.
The judge said he would reconsider the case on October 30.
In June, the High Court heard that Bury owed nearly £1m in tax and had other debts.
The Shakers won promotion to Sky Bet League One last season, but their 125-year stint in the Football League was brought to an end in August following the collapse of a last-minute takeover.
Bury had hoped to be reinstated into League Two for next season but their request was rejected by the other 71 clubs in the Football League.
The club has since targeted a spot in the National League, with a ‘Plan B’ option to return as a ‘phoenix’ club if they were unable to do so.
Should a new club be created, it would have to apply to the Football Association for entry into the non-league pyramid ahead of next season.
That could see the club drop as low as the tenth tier of English football.
However, according to Bury North MP James Frith, a bid to gain entry to the National League for the 2020/21 campaign has received the backing of the FA.
The National League had previously stated that a decision on Bury’s entry back into the football pyramid was down to the FA, with the governing body ultimately deciding where the club would be entered.