The Exiled Files

Thursday, 31 December 1998

Shakers Hit By Flu Crisis - Nationwide Web Site:
Bury's preparations for their FA Cup clash with First Division rivals Stockport County have been badly disrupted by a flu bug. After Monday's 4-2 home defeat at the hands of Birmingham City manager Neil Warnock promptly ordered his players home and told them not to report back until Thursday.

From Me - My News Years Message:
Well, its been quite an eventful year for us all then ain't it. Our first year in the first division. Consolidation is what Stan called it. He consolidated pretty well really didn't he; survival in the first with the last game of the season win at QPR was probably the last time I was that pissed. So I am off to do it again tonight. The preseason hype on Carleton's site about whether Stan and Pizza Face would drop a division was in full flow, when, bugger me, they did. Various names were then being bantered around and amongst the one that seemed least favourite we end up with NW. Not my first choice, I still would like to see Chris Kamara given the job, but I don't make the decisions do I. The new season started off pretty dam well, third after ten games, "Are we going to be the next Barnsley, Charlton etc", "Were we going to achieve the unbelievable, a season in the Premiership. Well we know the answer to that one don't we. Another battle for survival is now in full throw. Various net users are screaming for Warlocks head, we know he isn't gonna get the push, so lets face it, we are stuck with him. Finances are at the usual "Were skint", Hugh Eaves, the main man behind Bury FC, steps down and now the cry is "were even more skint than before". Will the likes of Dean Kiely, Chris Lucketti see out the season, I hope so but I can't really see them staying? This site has gone from strength to strength. The first version hot the net in June 98, and was, to be perfectly honest, absolute shite. I took it off the web for three months whilst I re-built it. I actually brought it back three weeks earlier than I was hoping for. I came home one Friday night to get my weekly news from Carleton's site and saw the news, his site was shutting the day after, It took me three hours from reading that message to getting it all back on-line, and now we are here. The message board has hit phenomenal status. The number of users has far outreached what I ever expected it would. What upsets me more than anything though is the site being ignored completely and just the message board used. I work long and hard to get the contents of this site there, I receive nothing back from it, apart from a bloody big phone bill and the wife won't speak to me, maybe a blessing in disguise. I also wrote the site for Kay at the Hatchet. What of 1999 then, First Division Survival is a must, getting a new manager at the end of the season, in my view, is also a must. The Official Site that will be online before Christmas hasn't. Come wind or rain I will be here, I have big plans for the site over the next few months. Including the following.
All the goals from every Bury Game ever featured on TV, some from as far back as 1966.
An improved message board.
Some more support for the prediction games would be nice.
The history is my biggest project and thanks to all who have expressed their desire to help with it.

My Player of the year for 1998 - Dean O'Kiely
My Coach Driver of the year - Chris Billy
My most disliked person for 1998 - Neil Warnock and Robby the bloody docile bobby.

To all of you, who use this MB, please browse the site, Thanks for all your support since I came back. Please spread the word about this site.

Have bloody good piss up tonight and all the best for the new year.

See ya all at Gigg sometime

Keep on Shakin

Gordon Sorfleet

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Wednesday, 30 December 1998

A big pat on the back ( and probably a few pints) to VBL who answered a plea on the message board, and then promptly sat and typed out the entire Bury FC contents from today's Bury Times, cheers pal, I owe ya one

Its time for us all to roll up our sleeves - Warnock's World - Bury Times:
After our run of three defeats all the pundits will be saying we are favourites to go down and its at times like these that you need to roll your sleeves up. But you forget what the other clubs at the bottom of the table are going through. Chris Lucketti reminded me that last year we went 17 games without a win and still came through it, but we are going to need a little bit of luck with injuries. As a manager this is where you earn your money, not when you are flying high, but when you have to graft for results to keep your head above water. Thats why it takes a certain type of person to be a football manager; you havent got time to let yourself get down. Theres nobody more disappointed than me when I see results like weve had. Its also disappointing to lose a man like Mr Eaves to a few so-called supporters who abused him after the Port Vale game. I cant believe how anybody can stoop to that, buts its probably the same people who will be chanting for us to spend a million pounds on players. They dont seem to realise how far this club has come in recent years and who played the major part in that success. How many other people would have pumped millions into a club of Burys stature? I have nothing but admiration for him and the chairman and I know that after attending the AGM last week that the majority of shareholders and genuine fans were disgusted at what happened. We have asked him to reconsider his decision but who in their right mind would want to take abuse when theyve ploughed in all those millions. His abusers are probably the same people who are criticising me and other individual players, but we havent got to retaliate or bite, we must concentrate on our jobs.

Reward
I told the lads I was proud of them after Mondays game for we could easily have been beaten by seven or eight goals but we rolled our sleeves up and continued to play some good stuff, eventually getting our reward near the end. We now have to roll up our sleeves for the remaining 4 months of the season for there's no walking away from it. I'm determined to do the job I came in to do when the Chairman asked me and I personally think there is no one better than me to get us out of trouble and keep us in the division. But to do it well need to show the same determination we did on Monday in every game. After Mondays game the media mentioned the criticism the chairman, I and some of the players are getting from the fans and whether it affects us. Id just like to say that I know that the majority of fans are superb and will continue to be when they see battling performances like on Monday. I cant and wont condone displays like that at Crewe. It wasnt acceptable but if you know whats been going on behind the scenes prior to the game you have to accept that it happens if players are under the weather. Id like to thank everyone for reading my column in the Bury Times. I really enjoy letting people see inside the club and it's important that people understand what goes on. So may I take this opportunity to wish all our genuine supporters a Happy New Year. I hope you all enjoy happiness and good health. Those sentiments are even more poignant after the Christmas Day death of John McGrath the former Bury player for whom we had a minutes silence on Monday. John was a smashing lad whom I have had many good times with and he will be sadly missed.

Bury Times New Year Special - In sickness - and in health!
Its been a horrible few days at the club and Im not just talking about the results. It started last Thursday when I, Lennie Johnrose and one or two other players developed sore throats overnight and we were immediately put onto antibiotics. Unfortunately it hit Lennie worse than anybody and he had to miss Saturdays while two or three lads played under the weather. Nevertheless I was still disappointed with the game at Crewe but we had to prepare for Mondays game against Birmingham in a short space of time. It was quite horrific. Five of the players who turned out on Monday were on antibiotics and Dean Barrick, who helped out in midfield, did exceptionally well under the circumstances. The dressing room at half time was like Emergency Ward 10. I can 't fault the players at all for the Birmingham match, for I felt we played as well as we had at my time since the West Brom game and while the goals they scored looked good from their point of view it was our poor marking and lack of concentration that cost us. It might sound stupid after losing a game 4-2 but there were a lot of pluses to come out of it but you have to look on the positive side in situations like this and I thought that Chris Lucketti and Laurent D'jaffo's performances were the best since I arrived at the club. Chris Billy and Dean West were also superb. Dean had to play on Saturday at Crewe as he was one of the players least affected by the bug and said he was willing to give it a go. Not only did he last the ninety minutes at Gresty Road he did the same on Monday against a quality player like Peter Ndlovu. I cant give him enough credit.

A fans perspective on 60 years of football at Gigg Lane - Then and now:
Beau's first visit to Bury Football Club was back in 1937 and he has been a stalwart Shakers supporter ever since. Here he gives a rare glimpse of how match days in the 30s compare to today's games. SIXTY-ONE years ago my late father, older brother and I left home around two o'clock, when the Shakers were at home, walking from Unsworth, down the "Doothill" into Hollins. As we walked through the village, we gathered friends of a like mind. By the time we arrived at the top of White Brow we numbered more than 20. At the bottom of the White Brow, under the cottages, we were joined by two friends from Blackford Bridge and then we all strolled through Hampson Mills, past the Rtime Office and the old Lancashire bbboilers, past the Swan Lodges and the "cut"to Manchester Road, slightly before St Peters Road. Then it was up to Gigg Lane. As we strolled along at the speed of the slowest walker, all the problems of the world were discussed and determined. When we reached Gigg Lane the conversation turned to the matter in hand, namely the match. Money changed hands at the Gigg Lane turnstiles and we all wandered towards the Gigg end of the ground where we took up our appointed places. After the match, there was only one topic of conversation. The proceedings were discussed, criticised and sometimes praised. Our wanderings, with folk peeling off at prescribed points, led us all home in time for tea. At my home that was stew and dumplings during the winter months. In October 1937, that was the picture. How things change, but how they stay the same! Nowadays I leave Horwich, in my car, from just past the new Reebok stadium and drive through the outskirts of Bolton, along the A58 to Bury Bridge. Then it's up to the town hall, down Manchester Road to Park Hills Road and to Back Brierley Street. As I travel I see other drivers, of like mind, both in front and behind me, all wending their way to Gigg. The car is parked and locked and my bag, folding chair and I stroll to the gate for the home supporters on Gigg Lane. The chair is opened and I sit down. Time for the Golden Gamble and a programme. While at the gate I chat to the Golden Gamble lady and the programme lads and indulge in some friendly banter with any stewards who happen to be there. All in good fun. Then the chair is folded and, bag in hand, I stroll to the Milliken South Stand entrance. Chair unfolded I sit down and light a cigarette. Then the questions start, as they do at every home match, without fail. "Have you got your ticket? Your car keys? Extra cigarettes? Lighter? Got your coffee? Shall we inspect your bag?". Then the light-hearted banter for a few minutes. Again all in good fun, but pulling no punches. Then the chair is folded up and we go through the turnstiles followed by another stroll along the back of the Manchester Road Stand to the environs of the South Stand.There the chair is deployed for the final time, before it is given into the safe keeping of the deputy supervisor of stewards, who takes it to the Ambulance Room under the South Stand. I sit on seat G107, pour out a coffee and, by that time, out comes Lennie Johnrose for his pre-match warm-up. "Good afternoon, Lennie." I am rewarded with a dazzling smile. Once again I am at home at Gigg Lane. By the time I get back to Horwich, after the match my tea is ready. Ovens are a great boon to mankind. What's for tea? Stew of course, with dumplings during the winter months. How things change, but how they stay the same.

Bury 2 Birmingham 4 - by Phil Thorp at Gigg Lane:
AFTER a surfeit of stuffing from the festive dinner table Trevor Francis's impressive Birmingham side dealt the flu-stricken Shakers a helping of the football variety! Four quality goals were high-flying Citys final haul but even philosophical Shakers boss Neil Warnock had to admit they might have had more. "If we hadn't been on our game today we might have lost by seven, we hung in superbly and showed what we have got," he declared. With more bugs hanging around Gigg Lane than an MI5 storeroom. Warnock joked that he might have to have the place fumigated after this result. And well he might. After going a goal in front inside 20 minutes the Shakers had no answer to the Brummies quality strike-force of Dele Adebola, Paul Furlong and Peter Ndlovu as their customary watertight defence did an impression of an advent colander! "The last few days have been horrific. We've had half-a-dozen or so on antibiotics, so I can't fault the lads. I just told them to go out and do their best today," added Warnock "With Lennie Johnrose missing Dean Barrick did me a big favour by playing because I didn't think either he or Nick,Daws would have been fit. If we'd have shown the same commitment against Port Vale and Crewe wed have won both those games, but overall we lost to a quality side and there were some great goals from their point of view." Hard on the heels of Boxing Day's dismal reverse at bottom club Crewe Alexandra it was a game Warnock's men were desperate to win and they received the perfect start when Laurent D'Jaffo superbly headed home Chris Billy's inch perfect flag kick after 17 minutes. But the tide turned a quarter of an hour later when Furlong grabbed the first of his two goals, rising high to connect with Gary Rowett's corner. Three minutes later the 2,568 Blues' fans in the Manchester Road End were in a winter wonderland when Martin O'Connor was allowed the space and time to race from deep before unleashing a fizzing 18 yarder that crept inside Dean Kiely's right hand post. The second period started brightly enough for the home fans but after 55 minutes a magnificent 30-yard strike from Furlong gave Kiely no chance and effectively put the game beyond the Shakers. Bury continued to push forward but the constant threat of City adding more to the tally as a counter attacking force was always there. On the hour Ndlovu sprinted clear down the left flank before cutting inside and hitting a low drive inches wide, and four minutes later the Zimbabwean international again got free on goal but a timely challenge from Andy Woodward saved the day. After 69 minutes Adebola was inches off another Ndlovu cross with the goal at his mercy but he made no mistake four minutes later, heading inside the post after Rowett had broke quickly down the right. Lutel James replaced the tiring Barrick and after the busy former Hyde United man saw a goalbound drive handled by Furlong five minutes from time D'Jaffo stepped up to cooly place his spot-kick past Poole for his eighth goal of the campaign. Blues' boss Trevor Francis was delighted with his side's three point haul. "When you come to Bury you know what to expect," he said. "Prior to the game they had picked up 28 points and 24 of them at home. That gives you an indication of how strong they are at Gigg Lane. After the early setback that really rocked us, we came back strongly and I was very pleased with our performance. "Our fans were asking for seven goals again but they cant complain at four and even though Bury got a consolation there was no problem and we fully deserved our win."

Crewe Alex 3 Bury 1 - by Mike Hall at Gresty Road:
BURY'S players will be having nightmares about Rodney Jack well into the New Year after the lightning quick striker single-handedly tore them apart at Gresty Road. If only manager Neil Warnock had been successful in his recent £300,000 bid for the star, it may have been a completely different story. But, unfortunately for the Shakers back five, Jack was wearing the red and white of Crewe and turned them inside out with his electrifying pace for the entire 90 minutes. "Hes a great player" said Warnock. "That is why I want to sign him. That is why he cost Crewe £650,000" Although failing to get his name on the scoresheet, Jack was at the heart of everything and created the vital second goal for Mark Rivers after a surging run down the right flank left Andy Woodward for dead. Amazingly, it was 0-0 at the break, the Railwaymen having hit the woodwork 3 times, but their dominance was finally rewarded three minutes into the second half when Seth Johnson's cross from the right was headed home at the near post by Colin Little. Dean Kiely pulled off two great saves to deny Jack and Little again before Rivers headed home number two. Warnock rang the changes, introducing all three substitutes in an attempt to shake his team into action and it paid off ten minutes later when Dean Wests corner was hammered home at the far post by Woodward. Quite undeservedly, Bury were back in the game but never looked like grabbing a second for a share of the spoils. And any lingering doubts were shattered when Jermaine Wright fired home a 35 yard screamer in injury time to complete a miserable afternoon for the Shakers. Wamock added: "This is obviously a disappointing result. We missed Lennie Johnrose (flu) and Laurent D'Jaffo (back) and four of the lads were on antibiotics. "I feel for the fans. They have spent a lot of money following us away this season and have yet to see us win."

Quick return for Rocket Rob in derby tie! - Knockout to provide welcome break:
The unmistakable flavour of the AXA-sponsored FA Cup comes to town on Saturday when Stockport County are the visitors in a third round tie. And as an added spice the game heralds a speedy return to Gigg Lane for Rob Matthews who joined the Hatters in an £120,000 deal last month. "He's sure to be looking to put one over on us but weve no special plans for him we've just got to worry about ourselves" said Shakers boss Neil Warnock. "This is a good chance for the lads to get a break from picking up league points and enjoying themselves again. That's not to say they didn't enjoy themselves on Monday but it was disappointing to concede goals like that and the cup is something special." While its not the glamour draw many Shakers fans would have preferred any home tie gives the opportunity to progress and earn a possible money-spinning clash against Premier giants. "A good run in this competition is vital to us as we need the revenue," said Warnock. "It's a great load derby for the fans, who all love the FA Cup. "I thought Stockport 'ere better than us when we drew 1-1 in the league match here earlier in the season but they will be missing two important loan players in Chelsea's Paul Hughes and Derek McInnes from Rangers. "With no league points at stake we can have a real go at them, it should be a smashing match. "We are just looking to get into the hat for the fourth round, we enjoyed our Worthington Cup exploits this season culminating in that great night at Old Trafford and another run would be super." Warnock will have to wait to the last minute on the numerous flu victims in his ranks and has barred the players from the ground until tomorrow (Thursday). On the injury front both Steve Redmond (groin) and John Foster (calf) look unlikely to be in contention for Saturday. The clubs have only met one other time in the competition and that was back in the 1892/93 season when both were non-league outfits. A repeat performance would be just the ticket for the Shakers as their 8-1 triumph is still County's biggest defeat in the FA Cup.

Shakers money man rejects appeal to think again - Bolton Evening News:
HUGH Eaves is standing firm on his decision to stop ploughing money into Bury. The Shakers' majority shareholder quit as a director a fortnight ago and pulled the plug on his crucial flow of cash into the club after being abused by a group of supporters. His £4million investment into the club over the last decade helped to keep Bury alive before providing the basis for their rise from the Third to the First Division. He decided enough was enough after the verbal assault from supporters at a railway station after the recent defeat at Port Vale and it leaves Bury desperately needing wealthy investors to take his place or face the inevitable prospect of having to sell to survive. Gigg Lane manager Neil Warnock revealed the club has tried to persuade him to change his mind but admitted he could not blame the the multi-millionaire stockbroker for sticking to his guns. He said: "We have asked him to reconsider his decision but who in their right mind would want to take abuse when they've plough in all those millions? It's disappointing to lose a man like him to a few so-called supporters who abused him after the Port Vale game. "I can't believe how anybody can stoop to that. But it's probably the same people who will be chanting for us to spend a million pounds on players. "They don't seem to realise how far this club has come in recent years and who played the major part in that success. "How many other people would have pumped millions into a club of Bury's stature? I have nothing but admiration for him and the chairman and I know after attending the AGM last week that the majority of shareholders and genuine fans were disgusted at what happened."

Tuesday, 29 December 1998

Bury Blues - Bolton Evening News
BURY'S 'Blue Christmas' continued at Gigg Lane yesterday as Trevor Francis's Birmingham City hit the goal trail. Hard on the heels of Boxing Day's dismal reverse at bottom club Crewe Alexandra the flu-hit Shakers had no answer to the cutting edge of City's quality strikeforce. Two goals for Paul Furlong and one each for Dele Adebola and Martin O'Connor sank Neil Warnock's side and pushed the high-flying Blues into third place in the First Division table. But the Shakers only had themselves to blame after being given a flying start by French striker Laurent D'Jaffo who rose high to convert a Chris Billy corner after 17 minutes. That advantage was unceremoniously ripped from under the home side in the space of three minutes. Firstly Furlong headed home a Gary Rowett's precision corner after 32 minutes then shortly afterwards O'Connor was allowed to race from midfield to the edge of the Shakers box before unleashing a fizzing 18-yarder that crept inside Dean Kiely's right hand post. The second half started brightly for the home fans but after 55 minutes a magnificent 30-yard strike from Furlong gave Kiely no chance and effectively put the game beyond the Shakers. As the Shakers chased the game former Crewe ace Adebola clinically headed home a fourth for the visitors with seven minutes left before D'Jaffo helped himself to his eighth goal of the campaign with a coolly taken penalty after Furlong had handled substitute Lutel James' goalbound effort. Shakers boss Warnock refused to be downhearted after his side's third home defeat of the season and pointed to some brave performances from his stricken squad. "The last few days have been horrific, we've had half-a-dozen or so on antibiotics, so I can't fault the lads I just told them to go out and do their best today. "With Lennie Johnrose missing Dean Barrick did me a favour by playing because I didn't think either he or Nick Daws would have been fit. "If we'd have shown the same commitment against Port Vale and Crewe we'd have won both those games. "But overall we lost to a quality side and there were some great goals from their point of view. "If we hadn't been on our game today we might have lost by seven, but we hung in superbly and showed what we've got. Blues chief Trevor Francis was delighted with his side's three point haul. "When you come to Bury you know what to expect," he said. "Prior to the game they had picked up 28 points and 24 of them at home. That give you an indication of how strong they are at Gigg Lane. "After the early setback, that really rocked us, we came back strongly and I was very pleased with our performance. "Our fans were asking for seven goals again but they can't complain at four and even though Bury got a consolation there was no problem as we fully deserved our win."

Warnock Reflects On Blues Win - Nationwide Web Site:
Bury boss Neil Warnock was not too downbeat despite watching his side lose 4-2 against Birmingham City at Gigg Lane. He said: "The result was disappointing but I was pleased with the performances. We have five or six lads on antibiotics and I just said to the players to give it their best. I cannot fault them. "We conceded the goals against the run of play and the third was the killer. We have got to take the pluses out of the game but Birmingham are a cracking, quality side."

Football - Francis's delight at comeback - The Independent:
Trevor Francis, the Birmingham City manager, knew all about the dangers of Gigg Lane, but watched his side enhance their Premiership credentials with a handsome 4-2 victory at Bury yesterday. The Blues are now third in the Nationwide League First Division. They slipped behind to a Laurent D'Jaffo goal but fought back through Paul Furlong, who scored twice, Martin O'Connor and Dele Adebola. Then D'Jaffo collected his second from the penalty spot five minutes from time. Francis said: "I think when you come to Bury you know what to expect. Out of their 28 points, 24 have come at home. They are very strong. But after the early setback of the goal, which really rocked us, we came back strongly and I was pleased with the performance." Francis also praised his strike force. "Adebola, [Peter] Ndlovu and Furlong playing together will always be a problem and in the second half they ran riot," he said. "It's great to be up there in the league."

Monday, 28 December 1998

MCGRATH DIES AT 60 - The Mirror On Line:
Former Newcastle player and Preston boss John McGrath died of a heart attack at his Manchester home on Christmas Day. Doctors failed to revive McGrath, 60, who was spending Christmas at home with wife Ann. McGrath, who also played for Southampton and Bury, replaced Blackburn manager Brian Kidd as manager at Deepdale in the 1986-87 season, gaining promotion from Division Four. Wigan manager Ray Matthias led the tributes to McGrath. "Everybody in the game knew John," he said. "He will be sadly missed."

The Daily Mail:
Ex-Bury, Newcastle and Southampton defender John McGrath has died from a suspected Heart Attack at the age of 60. Mancunian McGrath, a rugged centre half, started his career at Bury and played in some 500 League Matches, many in the old First Division before retiring. McGrath, who leaves a wife and daughter, also managed Port Vale and later led Preston to promotion from the Fourth Division. Recently he forged a new career as an after dinner speaker and radio soccer pundit. John McGrath went to Newcastle United in 1962 in a transfer deal that saw Bob Stokoe come to Bury. Our condolences go to his family.

Warnock Shrugs Off Brum Bashing - Sporting Life:
Bury boss Neil Warnock was not too downbeat despite their 4-2 defeat by Birmingham.He said: "The result was disappointing but I was pleased with the performances. We have five or six lads on antibiotics and I just said to the players to give it their best. I cannot fault them. "We conceded the goals against the run of play and the third was the killer. We have got to take the pluses out of the game but Birmingham are a cracking, quality side." Birmingham boss Trevor Francis knew all about the dangers of Gigg Lane but watched his side enhance their Premiership credentials with that handsome victory. City slipped behind to a Laurent D'Jaffo goal but fought back through Paul Furlong, who scored twice, Martin O'Connor and Dele Adebola. D'Jaffo scored his second from the penalty spot five minutes from time. Francis said: "I think when you come to Bury you know what to expect. Out of their 28 points, 24 have come at home. They are very strong. "But after the early setback of the goal, which really rocked us, we came back strongly and I was pleased with the performance." He also praised the strike force, which has played a considerable role in moving the Blues towards an automatic promotion spot. "Adebola, Ndlovu and Furlong playing together will always be a problem and in the second half they ran riot," added Francis. "It's great to be up there in the league."

Jack the lad sinks Shakers - Bolton Evening News:
Crewe 3 Bury 1 BURY'S players will be having nightmares about Rodney Jack well into the New Year after the lightning-quick striker single-handedly tore them apart at Gresty Road. If only manager Neil Warnock had been successful in his recent £300,000 bid for the star, it may have been a completely different story. But, unfortunately for the Shakers' back five, Jack was wearing the red and white of Crewe and turned them inside out with his electrifying pace for the entire 90 minutes. "He's a great player," said Warnock. "That is why I want to sign him. That is why he cost Crewe £650,000." Although failing to get his name on the scoresheet, Jack was at the heart of everything and created the vital second goal for Mark Rivers after a surging run down the right flank left Andy Woodward for dead. Amazingly, it was 0-0 at the break, Crewe having hit the woodwork three times, but their dominance was finally rewarded three minutes into the second half when Seth Johnson's cross from the right was headed home at the near post by Colin Little. Dean Kiely pulled off two great saves to deny Jack and Little again before Rivers headed home number two. Warnock rang the changes, introducing all three substitutes in an attempt to shake his team into action and it paid off 10 minutes later when Dean West's corner was hammered home at the far post by Woodward. Quite undeservedly, Bury were back in the game but never looked like grabbing a second for a share of the spoils. And any lingering hopes were shattered when Jermaine Wright fired home a 35-yard screamer in injury-time to complete a miserable afternoon for the Shakers. Warnock added: "This is obviously a disappointing result. We missed Lennie Johnrose (flu) and Laurent D'Jaffo (back) and four of the lads were on antibiotics. "I feel for the fans. They have spent a lot of money following us away this season and have yet to see us win."

Sunday, 27 December 1998

The Un-Official Crewe Alexandra Web Site:
The Shakers' reputation among Alex fans for being a jinx team was finally undermined today as Crewe swept to a convincing 3-1 win - the first home League win since the end of August, and a valuable three points to put the Alex just two points behind Bristol City at the foot of the Division. Goals from Little, Rivvo and Jermaine Wright secured the points, but Dario paid tribute to the constant danger posed by Rodney Jack (a recent Bury target).

Saturday, 26 December 1998

Warnock Philosophical After Loss - Sporting Life:
Bury manager Neil Warnock praised Crewe's Rodney Jack after his side went down 3-1 to the Lancashire side. He said: "Rodney Jack is a great player and that's why I wanted to sign him. I saw why he cost them £650,000, and our centre-halves couldn't keep up with him. "I don't want to make excuses but four of our players were on antibiotics and we were missing Lennie Johnrose and Laurent D'Jaffo. "When we came back we enjoyed our best spell of the game, but our fans have spent a lot of money away from home this season and still not seen us win." Crewe boss Dario Gradi got the perfect Christmas present at Gresty Road. Second-half goals from Colin Little, Mark Rivers and Jermaine Wright secured the Railwaymen's first home win since August. Gradi said: "We did well, but for a while I had that horrible feeling when we hit the post twice. "But the boys kept their cool and they did all right, and of course the goals were superb. Jermaine did what he has shown he can do. "We have played better than that. Some of our passing wasn't that good but I thought we were the better side." Gradi paid tribute to man-of-the-match Rodney Jack whose performance left the Shakers' defence trembling, even though he failed to score. "You are only as good as your players and Rodney is a good player," he said. "He's a match winner which is why we have spent such a lot of money on him and if he can learn then there's nobody more effective than him."

Match Preview - The Sun
DARIO GRADI fears rock-bottom Crewe could soon be doomed. He said: "Things will look better if we get something over Christmas, otherwise we'll have a mountain to climb." Dave Walton and Steve Anthrobus are doubtful with thigh injuries. Bury boss Neil Warnock is resigned to losing keeper Dean Kiely and skipper Chris Lucketti. He said: "They would grace the top flight and we would not stand in their way." Warnock has no injury worries.
KEY MAN: Chris Lucketti (Bury).
LAST SEASON: 1-2.

Match Preview - Sky Sports:
Striker Rodney Jack will return for rock-bottom Crewe, with Colin Little or possibly Steve Anthrobus likely to be dropped to the bench. Defender Dave Walton is struggling to make the side, though, with a back injury. Meanwhile, forward Peter Smith has been recalled by Crewe after three months on loan at Macclesfield. Bury will welcome back striker Adrian Littlejohn and defender Chris Swailes after they missed the 1-0 defeat at Port Vale last Saturday because of bans.

Match Preview - Soccernet Web Site:
Striker Rodney Jack will return for Crewe, with Colin Little or possibly Steve Anthrobus likely to be dropped to the bench. Defender Dave Walton is struggling with a back injury. Forward Peter Smith is recalled after three months on loan at Macclesfield. Bury will welcome back striker Adrian Littlejohn and defender Chris Swailes after they missed the 1-0 defeat at Port Vale because of suspension.
Last Season: Crewe 1 Bury 2, Bury 1 Crewe 1
Last 5 league matches - Crewe L L D W L Bury W L W D L
Top Scorers: Colin Little (Crewe) 7
Laurent D'Jaffo (Bury) 6
Match Odds: H 11-8 A 13-8 D 11-5

Thursday, 24 December 1998

Can I just add my sincere festive greetings to everyone who uses these pages, Have a good xmas Ian in Dublin, Phill in LA, Roy In Australia, Eddy in Japan, Maverick in Bury and to all the countless others who use it, thanks for your support over the past year, see ya all at Gigg sometime in the future - keep on Shakin !!, Gordon

Shakers Duo Back From Suspension - Nationwide Web Site:
Adrian Littlejohn and Chris Swailes return from suspension as Bury prepare to face Crewe at Gresty Road. The duo were suspended last weekend as the Shakers crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Port Vale and manager Neil Warnock is hoping they can help put the team back on track. "We missed them both. I think Littlejohn would have made a difference for he would have twisted and turned their defenders a few times as their strikers did to us," he said. Bury are without an away win this season and Warnock knows his side must drastically improve if they are to break their miserable duck. "Our away form isn't worrying, it is diabolical," he blasted. "We have had a week to take a look at our game and we are going to Crewe with some optimism."

Wednesday, 23 December 1998

Burnley deny Bury moves - Bolton Evening News:
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent has denied making any moves for Bury's Lennie Johnrose and Nick Daws. The former Gigg Lane manager said today: "I did make an enquiry some time ago but was told they were not for sale and that was that. "It was also in the papers that Bury were interested in my striker Andy Cooke but I had no dealings with them whatsoever."

Bury Shocked As Eaves Quits - Nationwide Web Site:
Bury have been rocked by the news that their major shareholder, Hugh Eaves, has decided to quit the board. The millionaire stockbroker did not stand for re-election at the Gigg Lane club's AGM. Eaves has been the target of abuse from Shakers fans for not investing more money in the club and this is thought to have hastened his decision to leave.

Tuesday, 22 December 1998

"MONEY man' quits Bury board - Bolton Evening News:
BURY were thrown into turmoil today when owner Hugh Eaves quit the club. The multi-millionaire has stood down as a director after suffering verbal abuse from supporters after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Port Vale. Eaves, who owned the vast majority of shares in the Shakers, has ploughed millions of pounds into the club over the last 12 years, helping to keep them alive and then financing their meteoric rise from the bottom of the Third Division to the middle of the First Division. But he decided enough was enough after hearing the personal abuse from a section of supporters at the railway station immediately following Saturday's defeat and his resignation was announced at the club's annual general meeting last night. Ironically it was after taking similar verbal abuse at a railway station following a FA Cup defeat at Chorley almost a decade ago that Mr Eaves reduced his massive cash input into the club. His actions then sparked the biggest crisis in Gigg Lane's history. All the top players had to be sold to raise £1m and vastly reduce the wage bill and part-time players filled the half the team for the next few seasons. Bury survived and with Mr Eaves' renewed willingness to put his vast riches back into the club, their fortunes quickly turned for the better. Bury hope there will be no repeat of the crisis of 10 years ago and are optimistic that a decision announced last night to increase the share capital from two and a half million to 10 million will attract new backers. Mr Eaves will retain his shares but will not add to them. This increase in share capital means that new investors can purchase enough shares to have a bigger stake in the club than Mr Eaves which will be tempting to big money men wanting to have the major say in the running of a football club. Chairman Terry Robinson said: "We all know what happened after Mr Eaves was harangued at a railway station after the Chorley game and on Saturday a group of people knew he would be at the railway station and harangued him. "He has put a substantial amount of money into this club and he did not deserve this. Unfortunately, you cannot argue with people like this, if they don't understand what is happening in this football club they just want Mr Eaves to put more money in. "He will still be coming to the games but he wants to distance himself from the responsibility of making the decisions on the running of the club. We are hoping someone else will now come forward. The responsibility of running a club on our attendance's is very difficult and for the last 18 months we have been looking for someone else to get involved to share the burden with Mr Eaves. "With the increase in the share capital from two and a half million to 10 million it means there will be shares available for someone to come in."

These two articles were in yesterdays Daily Mirror and the Sun. I forgot about them. Mind you I was out of my skull:-

Dean left a bitter pill - The Sun:
Bury keeper Dean Kiely outshone his opposite number Kevin Pilkington but still ended up losing. Kiely, 28, was magnificent as he denied Tony Naylor, Simon Barker and Martin Foyle with a string of fine saves. But he could do nothing about Barker's 72-minute penalty which left Bury still chasing as away win this season. Kiely said: "I'm more than happy with my form but it doesn't mean anything when we lose, I don't know if our problems away have become psychological, but we can't get it right." Nevertheless, the Republic of Ireland International can expect to realise his dream move to the Premiership if he keeps playing like this. Bury boss Neil Warnock rates him as a multi million pound asset. But Kiely added: "All I can do is play consistently and see what comes up. I would hate to go without having a shot at it." Pilkington was nowhere as busy as Kiely but his saves from Preece and Nick Daws, four minutes into injury time were out of the top drawer.
Sun Star Man: Dean Kiely (Bury) - Did not deserve to lose.

From the Daily Mirror:
Cash Strapped Bury boss Neil Warnock will be 50 tomorrow and his first card could be a red one from the FA followed by a heavy fine for referee baiting. Furious Warnock branded Barrow in Furness ref Trevor Jones a disgrace after Bury, the only Division One team without an away win, were buried by a penalty. "It should never have happened," raged Warnock, "but that's what happens when you have amateurs with whistles. Seconds before Jones gave the penalty, our sub, James, was blatantly brought down. The referee claims he saw nothing and then they go back and immediately get a penalty." "He also claims he did not see Vale's Neil Aspin's waist high challenge on James. They get paid to see things like that. I think it's a disgrace. Whatever he does he's never a professional referee. Professional footballers should be managed by people who are more professional than that." But Warnock agreed that he could not contest the 72 minute penalty, scored by Simon Barker after defender Paul Williams had brought down striker Tony Naylor.

Monday, 21 December 1998

Lucketti is Bradford target - Bolton Evening News:
BURY skipper Chris Lucketti is top of Bradford City's Christmas shopping list, writes NEIL BONNAR. The Yorkshire club, who had a £1.25m bid for Wanderers' on-loan ace Jon Newsome rejected a fortnight ago, are intent on prising 27-year-old Lucketti away from Gigg Lane. And if a deal can be struck this week, Lucketti would be in line to make his debut against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday. They sparked preliminary talks with Bury officials within hours of being scared off by Sheffield Wednesday's £2m valuation of Newsome and are understood to have tabled an offer over the weekend. Bury would want in the region of £1.5m for Lucketti while Bradford are understood to have offered half that. A deal could be on if the offer is increased to the £1m Bury received from Sunderland for Lucketti's former central defensive partner Paul Butler in the summer. That Shakers are in no hurry to sell after extending Lucketti's contract until the summer after next and Bradford boss Paul Jewell has the spending power to secure the deal as he still has £1.3m left over in his transfer kitty. Lucketti fits the bill perfectly for Bradford who are desperate for a solid and powerful centre half in the old fashioned mould while the Yorkshire club have decided on a British-only transfer policy after having their fingers burned with a string of foreign imports.

Warnock in ref fury - Bolton Evening News:
SHAKERS manager Neil Warnock launched an astonishing attack on referee Trevor Jones after his side crashed to defeat at Vale Park on Saturday. The blazing boss labelled the official an 'amateur with a whistle' after a game in which he booked six players and awarded a crucial penalty which was duly converted by Simon Barker. "It was a disgrace," he blasted. "You get paid to do this job. He was never a professional referee. "He let so many blatant free kicks go. When our man Lutel James was clearly fouled on the right wing, no free kick was awarded. Vale then went up the other end and got a penalty. "The linesman didn't see anything. He was busy smiling all through the game. I think he was on first name terms with the bench!" The seething Bury boss was not even convinced with the penalty decision, given after Paul Williams took Tony Naylor's legs from under him in the 71st minute. "I think 99 per cent of people would have given the penalty for the dive!" he said. "At the end of the day, we gave them too much respect. You would think Port Vale were top of the league, the amount we showed them." Warnock had been forced to make changes to the side which drew 3-3 with Sheffield United the previous week as both Chris Swailes and Adrian Littlejohn were suspended. The loss of the latter clearly angered Warnock who claimed Oldham Athletic failed to inform him of the striker's four yellow cards when they sold him to Bury last month. That aside, the visitors were more than a match for Vale in the opening 45 minutes. Indeed, they enjoyed the best chance with the lively Andy Preece being foiled by a fingertip save from Kevin Pilkington on 12 minutes. Some wonderful goalkeeping by Dean Kiely kept the Shakers in the hunt in the second period, although they never threatened to trouble Pilkington again until Barker had put Vale infront. Captain Chris Lucketti, reportedly a £1.5m target of Bradford City, saw his shot curl just over the bar with 10 minutes remaining before, three minutes into stoppage time, Nick Daws almost levelled it with a curling, long range free kick which was masterfully flicked clear of the top corner by the outstanding Pilkington. SHAKERS FORM GUIDE Kiely 8, Woodward 6, Williams 7, Daws 7, Lucketti 7, Billy 6, Barrick 7, Foster 6, D'Jaffo 7, Johnrose 7, Preece 7. Subs: James (for D'Jaffo, 70 mins), Avdiu (for Foster, 78 mins), West not used.

Sunday, 20 December 1998

From The Sunday Mirror:
Nigel Jemson, who once scored the winning goal in the League Cup Final, is available at First Division Bury for £100,000.

Warnock Fury Over Spot-Kick - Sporting Life Web Site
Bury boss Neil Warnock lashed out at referee Trevor Jones and called his performance "amateurish" following his club's controversial defeat at Vale Park. Port Vale, now two points clear of third-bottom Oxford in the First Division, ended a stretch of nine games without a win with a second-half spot-kick from Simon Barker. Defender Paul Williams brought down Valiants striker Tony Naylor in the area in the 71st minute, and Barker sent keeper Dean Kiely the wrong way. The Bury defenders disputed the penalty decision but Barrow referee Jones waved aside their protests. Warnock blasted: "The referee missed a lot of blatant fouls and it's just not good enough. "He can go back to work on Monday, but this is our profession and we deserve professional referees." He also had harsh criticism for his own team with Bury still the only First Division team not to win away. "It's a diabolical and disgraceful record," he fumed. "We've got to stop giving sides too much respect. "You would have thought Vale were top of the League and not at the other end of the table." Vale manager John Rudge, who boosted his squad by signing Hibs winger Tony Rougier for £200,000 on Saturday, said: "Bury made us battle all the way and it was tremendous three points. "We hadn't won for a long time and there were some anxious moments towards the end, but I felt we deserved to win. "Bury are a tough nut to crack and I was pleased with the way my players kept their patience before they finally broke through.