BURY Football Club is standing on the threshold of perhaps the most important campaign in the last decade.

For hot on the heels of the depression of relegation is the prospect of the Gigg Lane phoenix rising from the ashes of disappointment.

Far from being a summer of discontent, the close season has been one of almost frenzied activity as players and backroom staff have come and gone, ground improvement schemes have continued and new ones introduced.

The commercial department has negotiated a unique link with strip and kit manufacturers Diadora, the lotteries and promotions staff have canvassed all corners of the borough and beyond while the ticket office staff have been up to their armpits in paper-work as they seek to satisfy a demand which has exceeded that which was predicted by the Job's Comforters.

Yes, football these days is big business and the fantasy-figures being dreamed up for those in the Premiership prove that fact is stranger than fiction.

But a harsh fact for the Shakers of this world is that far too little of the luxury lucre is filtered through to them. The sky is the limit for some; others seek that cloud with a silver lining.

"We simply have to continue beavering away and keep our eyes fixed on a return to Division One for the squad we have assembled should give us a chance to re-establish ourselves on the playing side," said Bury FC chairman Terry Robinson who recognises the big-money transfers of Chris Lucketti and Dean Kiely have funded the club throughout the summer and enabled Bury to start the season.

"That income goes towards the running costs and does not allow for major expenditure on players which is why the manager has been active bringing in quality players without funding," the chairman explained.

The club's youth policy has been maintained despite being a costly exercise and hopefully will produce players for the future to enable teams which are a blend of experience and youthful potential to successfully represent the club and the town of Bury. Acknowledging the tremendous support which fans have shown throughout the summer - season ticket sales are down 20 per cent in cash terms but show an increase compared with the previous Second Division season - Mr. Robinson offers the assurance that only players who want to play for the Shakers will be allowed to pull on a Bury shirt.

"If a player leaves the club because of the financial climate then supporters will be told of it. Otherwise, whatever the speculation, it will be because an individual doesn't want to play," he added.

And this season, in particular, the players should feel good in the official club strip for the quality and design of the Diadora products - Bury are the only English club sponsored by the company - instil a sense of pride and well-being.

With work on the new East Stand due to be completed in November to provide an all-seater, 12,000 capacity stadium, and a new Birthdays-operated superstore currently under construction at the front of the main car park, Gigg Lane is certainly a hive of activity, but where will YOU be when Gillingham arrive to kick-off the new season tomorrow?

By all means keep the memory of the Wembley appearance and the subsequent promotion season; remember, too, the championship-winning side and feel sad about last season's fall from grace. But don't forget that the club needs you more than ever.

See you at Gigg! From back page

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.