In England, football returns to one of the oldest stadiums in the world. Gigg Lane is back after a fan buyout

1,526 days Gigg Lane Sanctuary waited for the game. On Tuesday, football returns to one of football’s oldest stadiums, home to Bury. The story of the traditional English club in Britain is dragging on, but what is it really about?

Bury’s troubles began in 2018 when the club was relegated from League One. Steve Dale became the new owner, which solved the financial problems for a time and Bury were relegated back from League Two right away in the 2018/19 season.

However, it was short-lived joy. Bury were deducted 12 points due to past financial problems, while at the same time their opening six rounds were postponed. Dale had offers to sell the club but did not do so.

In August 2019, Bury were finally eliminated. It was all the more cruel for the fans as they had spent the previous days cleaning up Gigg Lane and preparing for a return to League One. The Bury stand has stood since 1885 and is one of the oldest stadiums in the world.

After Bury stopped playing, Dale sold the club and the stadium fell into the hands of administrators. Last spring, the Gigg Lane Football Supporters’ Society bought Bury and then spent a year dealing with the city for contributions towards running it.

Last season Bury had not yet played at its stadium, finishing fourth in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division and will be in the same league this year. It plans to finish in the top two at Gigg Lane and move up a league.

The reopening of the stadium will take place on Tuesday, July 11. 1874 Northwich, who are in the Northern Premier League, will visit Bury as part of a pre-season friendly.

Bury are hoping the return to Gigg Lane after 1,526 long days will kick-start the club to a better tomorrow. The club’s greatest achievement in history so far is a double FA Cup triumph in 1900 and 1903.

Source: Bury FC