THE new soccer season is almost upon us, and for Bury FC the months ahead may prove to be as critical a period as any experienced by the club during its long history.

The lack of sufficient financial clout has long been an issue but this becaame more perilous when events surrounding the major shareholder led to his withdrawal.

In fact that withdrawal was, to all intents and purposes, in place from the point when the second division championship was secured.

Welcome revenue from sources such as live television coverage following elevation to division one has, of course, now gone and the club has been obliged to sell its best players.

It may take some time to resolve the legal complexities concerning the major shareholder, but in the meantime it is crucial that all those who have any sort of affection for the club's future welfare rally round to help sustain it during this difficult time.

Let nobody be fooled into thinking that what has happened to the likes of Chester and Doncaster can't happen here.

The message is a simple one: if you value the Shakers as a component of the Football League please show this by attending matches at Gigg Lane. If your regular attendance at games is not possible, consider joining Treasure Line, where a maximum weekly prize of £1,000 is paid out.

At this stage any issues over personalities at Gigg Lane must surely be shelved in the interests of trying to steer the club in the right direction. Remember this is your local football club crying out for your support: please do not let it die.

D. BOULTON,

Unsworth.