Bulls to Hatchet The Bury?

Don't you just love following Hereford United? When many were undoubtedly beginning to doubt the wisdom of a Tuesday evening trip to Gigg Lane, suddenly a few new faces and glimpse of the flowing football of old makes this a far more interesting prospect.

Bury FC was founded in 1885 and became tenants of a field in Gigg Lane which belonged to the Earl of Derby. Their first home game saw them beat Wigan 4-3 and accrue gate receipts of £1 16s 7d (£1.82)! The turn of the century saw them win the 1900 FA Cup beating Southampton 4-0 at Crystal Palace, a feat they repeated in 1903 when defeating Derby 6-0 (this remains a record victory in a Final). In common with many clubs, Bury have suffered their share of financial problems but 1992 saw "The Shakers" undertake a massive re-development programme at Gigg Lane, which was completed in 1999 with the building of the Cemetery End Stand. The ground is now an 11000 plus all seater facility, which accommodates visiting supporters in the Cemetery End. The end is covered and has good acoustics, meaning that even a small amount of fans can really generate some noise. The catering is quite good, with a range of burgers and hot dogs (£2.20) and the delicious 'Football's Famous Chicken Balti Pie' (£2.20). On the whole Bury is normally a relaxed and enjoyable day out.

Admission - Adults £14, Under 21's £10, Concessions £7 (Concessions apply to juniors, senior citizens, disabled and the unemployed).

By Car - Leave the M6 at J21A (sign Leeds, Bolton, Manchester) and join the M62. Leave the M62 at J12 and join the M60 - keep left onto the M60 (sign Ring Road N, Leeds M62). Leave the M60 at J17 and join the A56 (sign Whitefield). Continue forward onto Manchester Road - A56 entering Bury. After about a mile, turn right into Gigg Lane. Street Parking looks the order of the day.

Postcode BL9 9HR. Distance Approx 150 miles. Allow 2 hours 45 minutes.

HUISA Coach - Departs Edgar Street at 3.00pm. Fare £15.00 (Club 01432 276666)
Fun Bus - Departs 3.30 (ish). Est. Fare £12 (Contact Rodders on Official forum).

Refreshments - It has been many years since I crawled the streets of Bury so on this occasion I am guided by the excellent "Ground Guide" website:-
"There are plenty of pubs around the ground and along Manchester Road in particular. There is also a supporters club at the ground, which sometimes allows in small numbers of away fans. My pick of the pubs on Manchester Road, is the Swan & Cemetery, around a ten-minute walk from the ground. This Thwaites pub, is quite comfortable, serves good hand pulled beer and has a separate restaurant area. Nearer to the ground are the Pack Horse & the Staff Of Life. The Pack Horse on my last visit seemed to be the main pub for away fans and has a conveniently situated chippy around the corner from it. The Staff Of Life is a stone's throw from the Park and is a basic pub serving hand pulled Lee's. Also recommended on Manchester Road, is the Waterloo, nearer the town centre."
Alternatively, John Barleycorn (of Talking Bull fame) recommends the Rose and Crown in Manchester Road and The Trackside in Bolton Street. I have no doubt that Mr Barleycorn's selections will have the edge when it comes to matters of the palate!

---