There’s fresh hope this Christmas

IT LOOKS as though there will be football in some shape or form for Bury fans to watch next season – and that’s a positive story this Christmas.

As the article opposite outlines, it’s not yet clear at what level the club will be at or even where they will play.

But for those Shakers fans left feeling bereft when the EFL expelled their club in August after a takeover fell through, it can only be positive that football is set to return.

Yes, there are a few different possibilities, but perhaps a phoenix club would be the best option in the long run. True, some Bury fans may be reluctant to lose their club’s history and that’s perfectly understandable.

However, it may be better to wipe the slate clean and start afresh. There are no historic debts to deal with, issues with an old regime.

AFC Wimbledon have shown what is possible when fans work together and put their heart and soul into something. Whatever happens, the key is that Bury fans have got a team to watch as soon as possible.

At this time of year with so many festive fixtures, it must be even more difficult not to have a team to support, especially if you have followed them for many, many years.

In that regard, it was heartwarming to hear that Blackburn Rovers had offered complimentary tickets to Bury fans for their Boxing Day game against Birmingham City at Ewood Park.

Blackburn CEO Steve Waggott said: “We know that football fans don’t change their colours, so this is not an attempt to try and coax Bury fans to become Rovers fans.

“This is an opportunity for Bury fans to come and watch a game of football, complimentary on us, and we would be delighted if they do.”

We often talk about the ‘football family’ and this shows it isn’t just talk.