Bury FC's Cut Price Apology - Bury Times - Tuesday, 21 November 1995:
BURY Football Club's suffering supporters have been given a £5,000 apology by the major shareholder Hugh Eaves. The London-based stockbroker, who has bankrolled the Shakers since 1986, has decided to slash admission prices at this Saturday's home game against Exeter City. The unprecedented move which has been prompted by the side's poor home form and recent FA Cup defeat by non-league Blyth Spartans, could cost Tottington born Mr Eaves as much as £5,000 but he reckons it will be money well spent. "This is my way of saying sorry to the fans and showing my faith in the manager and team." explained Mr Eaves. "There is no doubt that, at home, our fans have been starved of goals this season. We blew it badly against Blyth in the cup and 1 hope this helps the supporters get over their disappointment and back behind the team. "I have every sympathy with the fans who have been frustrated by our Gigg Lane performances but we have shown away from home that we are as good as anyone in the division. "We hope the move will help get everyone behind the team and give the players, particularly the younger ones, the added confidence to show their true form. The team are all confident we can still achieve promotion and so am I." Currently ninth in the Third Division, the Shakers have the best away record in their division but have won just once at home and scored four times in eight outings. Chairman and chief executive Terry Robinson is convinced that with additional encouragement from supporters the team can turn the 'home' comer. "An unreserved seat at Saturday's game will cost just £4 for adults and £1 for juniors. Normally the cheapest seat is £7 (£3)," he revealed. "To help maintain a realistic challenge for promotion we need the backing of as many people as possible and we hope that those who take advantage of the offer will not only give the team the sort of vocal backing that is worth a one goal start but will also continue to come to Gigg Lane to offer their support." The deal is strictly a one-off and will enable fans to sit anywhere in the ground other than on reserved seats. The offer is also open to visiting fans.