Shakers lose over half a million

Bury have seen their losses in the last financial year rise from £115,861 to £557,056.  That's a lot of money for a League 2 club and perhaps reflects the old adage that you don't invest in a football club but pour money down a black hole.

The Bury directors are confident that they have got the finances under control since the summer.  The strategy of bringing in experienced players on relatively high wages has been replaced by one of relying more on youth.  

It's a way of saving money but it's a gamble as results may not be as good and fans may stay away.  But to be fair to Bury, it seems to be paying off: they are currently in an automatic promotion place.  They did reach what is now the Championship some years ago, helped by their then keeper Dean Kiely who went on to play for Charlton and the Baggies.

Life is never going to be easy for smaller clubs in Greater Manchester.   I recall some years ago giving a donation to have my name on the back of a seat to help them out of a financial crisis.