Tuesday, 12 January 1999
Stott Quits Over Merger Claims - Nationwide Web Site:
 Ian Stott has resigned as chairman of Oldham after he claimed the club was in secret merger talks with neighbours Bury and Rochdale. Stott's claims in a local evening newspaper that talks were taking place were immediately denied by all three clubs and he stepped down on Monday night following a board meeting at Boundary Park. Stott, who had been chairman since 1982, remains on the board as vice-chairman and David Brierley steps up from vice-chairman to take over his role. Stott said: "Unfortunately some of my quotes were taken out of context and I felt I had inadvertently embarrassed the club to such an extent that it would be in everybody's best interest if I stepped down as chairman and handed over the reins to somebody else."

Monday, 11 January 1999
From tonight's Manchester Evening News - Sent to me by a Mystery Man ???:
Bury's major shareholder Hugh Eaves has entered the great merger debate. Super fan Eaves, who recently stepped down from the board after pumping £4m of his own cash into the Gigg Lane coffers, is firmly in the "NO" camp. The Tottington-born broker revealed "The first I heard of this was in the Stock Exchange on Friday lunchtime when someone said: 'Have you heard the news coming down from Manchester'? "Some of this dates back to a conversation held on a train when the chairman of Oldham and myself were looking at the future structure of football at a time when there was talk of the top two divisions being reduced to 18 clubs each. "As our chairman, Terry Robinson, has already said it's an interesting scenario but only if the circumstances need it. As a football fan first and foremost I wouldn't like to see it happen." Eaves, meanwhile, heralded his side's return to traditional values in the 2-2 draw at Huddersfield. "I thought the effort, determination, improved organisation and a return to the methods that have brought us success over several seasons were extremely encouraging. It has got our supporters behind the team again," he said. Having fans on his side is significant to Eaves whose decision to quit the board was hastened by personal abuse dished out to him by Shakers' supporters. However, he saw Saturday's display as the best possible advert for attracting new investors into the Gigg Lane club. "We are trying to woo additional people," he confirmed. "I have had the major responsibility for a long time. But what I'm trying to indicate is not a lack of support for the club from myself. "The fact is that I'm leaving an open door for other people. I'm working in the interests of the club, not in the interests of Hugh Eaves. "People should not read anything into the fact that I've not been to any of the holiday games. Transport is always difficult to organise at this time of the year. I rarely come to those matches."

Lennie is up for war - The Sun:
 Lennie Johnrose grabbed a lifeline - then backed boss Neil Warnock to lift Bury out of the mire. Johnrose's 84th minute strike sweetened a sour week for a manager operating on the First Division's lowest gates. Then the player declared: "None of us doubts the manager is doing a good job here. People tend to forget that this is a club which has come a long way in a short time." The Important thing is that we stick together, and that is what we have promised each other we will do. We went into this game after holding one of the frankest meetings we have ever had. Harsh words were spoken, a few home truths came out. But the end product was positive - we are all in it together. So if the fans want to have a go then let them. "The one's that follow us away are different class, but for some reason, at home, the mood is different. "Inside the dressing room, though we are realistic about life - but that doesn't stop us believing we are going to stay out of jail." Huddersfield twice established a lead through Wayne Allison and Grant Johnson, but Dean West cracked in the first equaliser before Lennie the Lion roared in to nick Bury a point. Bury's late flurry took the shine off an otherwise assured show from Huddersfield defender Sean Hessey. But Hessey, 20, was not satisfied. He said: "We all should have done better, We are making life difficult for ourselves. Instead of moving into the top six, we spoiled it by giving away a couple of sloppy goals.

Shakers make their point - The Bolton Evening News:
Huddersfield 2, Bury 2 IT may only be a point, but from the looks on the faces of the Shakers team at the final whistle you would think they had won the Division One title. That was just how important this result was after a series of dire performances which have left fans screaming for manager Neil Warnock's head. After the thumping at home to Stockport last week, Bury looked and played like a completely different team. With a new 4-4-2 formation and the added bonus of a rejuvenated Nigel Jemson making his first start of the season, the visitors took the game to Huddersfield from the outset and were, ultimately, unlucky not to grab their first away win of the season. A 32nd minute Wayne Allison goal looked certain to be enough to secure all three points for the promotion-chasing Terriers, but the most dramatic final 10 minutes changed all that as three goals in 180 seconds sent the 10,000 crowd delirious. Dean West stunned the home fans into silence with a goal out of the blue nine minutes from time, unleashing a stunning shot from 25 yards which flew in off the left hand post. In similar circumstances to Bury's 3-3 thriller with Sheffield earlier in the season, the Shakers fell to a sucker punch before the celebrations had chance to die down. A long ball forward from the edge of the Huddersfield box cleared both Chris Lucketti and Chris Swailes at the opposite end; as Marcus Stewart attempted to bring the ball on to his left foot he was dispossessed by Andy Woodward but Grant Johnson had followed up to mop up the loose ball and blasted past Dean Kiely from close range. Former Town boss Warnock, who received a warm reception from the home supporters prior to kick off, was suddenly the brunt of the chanting as the crowd cried: "Warnock, what's the score?" Within seconds he was up on his feet yelling "two-two" at the main stand as Lennie Johnrose leapt high to head home a precious equaliser from Nick Daws' cross. "It was perfect timing from Lennie. We answered the Huddersfield fans in style. It was a great result," said Warnock. "If we had lost 2-1 I would not have complained. We were magnificent after some poor performances recently. "We decided we were going to play some football and go for it. Not many teams will come back from 1-0 and 2-1 down at Huddersfield. I am delighted."

Neil Warnock - The Independent:
 Bury manager Neil Warnock cited the passionate support of the 500-plus fans who crossed the Pennines for his team's 2-2 draw at Huddersfield as reason enough to forget about talk of a north-west merger. 'With people like them there's no chance of Oldham, Rochdale and ourselves merging,' said Warnock, referring to a proposal from Oldham chairman Ian Stott. The 90 minutes of graft on the pitch left Lennie John-rose, their point-saver at Huddersfield, equally convinced they will escape relegation from the First Division. Twice Bury trailed their Yorkshire rivals but John-rose revealed that their FA Cup defeat at home to Stockport had sparked a battling response at the McAlpine Stadium. 'Our crowd hammered the manager for the first time in the Stockport tie and had a go at us,' said Johnrose. 'The first half in that game was the worst 45 minutes I'd been involved with but we had a meeting after last week and everything came out in the most open session we've ever had. Nobody took offence. 'We decided that if the fans were going to have a go at us, that was up to them. People have to remember we are a club who've come a long way in a short time. We have to stick together to get us out of the mire. If we play like we did today, we will.' Johnrose's fourth goal of the season, his first away from home, earned the point six minutes from time. Yet, when he put his head to Nick Daws' cross he never guessed the ball would land in the net. 'I thought there was absolutely no way,' said Johnrose. 'I was sure it was going over and the goal-keeper didn't move far but I'm delighted it dropped in.' The goal was a sickener for Huddersfield manager Peter Jackson. 'Late goals have cost us dearly,' he said. Still, his team are just two places behind the play-off positions. They led for 50 minutes after Wayne Allison's 11th goal of the season but Dean West's low 30-yarder in off a post levelled the scores. Within a minute, Grant Johnson chipped in Huddersfield's second only for Johnrose to confirm Bury's revival. Town's man of the match Sean Hessey complained: 'We conceded two sloppy goals.' The 20-year-old defender is a former Liverpool and Leeds prospect who turned down a move to Newcastle. Further good displays could clinch a reunion with his former boss at Elland Road, George Graham, who sent a Tottenham scout to watch him on Saturday.

Dean West - Express:
 Dean West put his 15 month injury nightmare behind him to give Bury hope of avoiding the drop. The 26-year-old hit his first goal since November 1996 to halt his side's run of four straight defeats. Bury, without an away win all season, twice went behind but showed great spirit in fighting back to snatch a valuable point. West, in his fourth game back after a series of groin operations, said: "We had lost four on the bounce and the fans were getting worried. Relegation has never entered our heads and this result could be a turning point." Wayne Allison put Huddersfield in front with his 11th of the season in the first half as the home side dominated. But three goals in as many minutes threatened to turn the game either way. First West smashed in a shot from 30 yards on 81 minutes, then Town stormed back to go ahead again thanks to Grant Johnson before Len Johnrose popped up to head home the equaliser and earn Bury a point.

Oldham push for triple merger of league clubs - The Guardian:
 Greater Manchester could have a new football club by next season following reports that three of the smallest clubs in the area are considering a merger. Bury and Oldham Athletic are understood to have had initial discussions about a merger and to be planning to approach Rochdale as part of their plans to form a new club, possibly called Manchester North End. The merger is the brainchild of the Oldham chairman Ian Stott, who claims that it is the only possible way the three clubs can survive given meagre gates and struggling finances. Stott also announced yesterday that he wants to become the new chairman of the Football Association following the resignation of Keith Wiseman. "I believe I am well qualified to fulfil the role of chairman of the FA," he said. "Apart from being a councillor for 12 years, I have served on all the major committees." The new club, if it goes ahead, would have an £11 million state-of-the-art stadium with a 16,000 capacity which would be built on vacant land adjoining Boundary Park. All three clubs are within 10 miles of each other and constantly complain that it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to compete with the two big clubs in the area, United and City. Stott said: "Obviously there would be some horrendous problems to overcome if the merger goes ahead. There will be hard-core fans from all three clubs who would be violently opposed to the idea. "But I am sure they would come round in time and accept that this would be their local club. The combined support available in Oldham, Bury and Rochdale would give the new club a very strong fan base to draw upon, which none of us enjoy at the moment." A spokesman for Rochdale said that any possible merger was still a long way off. He added: "It's a question for the whole board to consider and in a situation like this we would also have to take on board the views of our supporters. At the moment we can't say whether we are for or against it." Despite Stott's optimism, the merger, like previous mooted mergers, is unlikely to materialise. Over the years there has been talk of mergers between Oxford United and Swindon Town, Queens Park Rangers and Brentford, and a number of other lower league clubs. Stott claims that, given the precarious financial position of most lower league clubs, merging two or three local clubs might be the only way for them to survive. One of the biggest problems facing Stott's plan is that under the Football League rules the new club would have to take its place in the lowest division of the merged clubs, which in this case would be the Third Division, where Rochdale play. Bury, who have established themselves in the First, are unlikely to relish the thought of dropping down two divisions and the consequent loss of revenue. The Bury chairman Terry Robinson said: "The idea is revolutionary and Ian is right when he says there would not be total support from traditional fans. It may be the future of football. Time will tell and at this stage all I can do is listen."

Saturday, 09 January 1999
Another big pat on the back, this time to Michael Waring who has just typed out this report from tonight's pink. Thanks mate, I owe you one.

Ruthless Rob - From tonight's Pink:
Rob Matthews, the midfielder who came back to haunt the Shakers, was ruthless in his assessment of the club after Stockport County's embarrassingly easy FA cup win. Didsbury-based Matthews, who left Gigg Lane to join Greater Manchester derby rivals County for £120,000 in November, was shaking his head in disbelief. He felt Bury were disorganised and even suggested the team spirit was nothing like it used to be. Matthews said: "The football has never been pretty at Bury but the spirit usually pulled the team through. "At the beginning of the season Bury hardly conceded but now they are starting to let in goals." Matthews, who reckons the training has been tougher at Edgley Park, is perfectly suited to Stockport's style, as he explained: "Gary Megson is playing me wide in a 4-4-2 while when I was at Bury I was sometimes the third player up front. I am getting the ball on the floor and being able to do things with it nowadays compared to the Bury system where I was sometimes left to pick up the pieces." Matthews is surprised that the Bury crowd has turned on manager Neil Warnock and the Shakers - especially as eight of the first team squad have suffered varying degrees of flu over Christmas and the New Year. "Bury are ten points better off now in the league than they were a year ago. Expectations have become so high I still look for the Bury result first after the county match. They will keep on fighting and that's all you can ask really." Warnock, whose unpredictable ways are so legendary, summoned his shell-shocked players back into the dressing room for a half hour clear the air talk following the morale-sapping third round defeat`. It was then that two major problems emerged: Winning back the hearts and minds of the dwindling number of Bury fans and trying to mould the new players with the long established members of the squad. The early FA Cup exit will drastically hit the club's cash flow - and it is only a matter of time before one of the most valuable players such as skipper Chris Lucketti or keeper Dean Kiely will be sold for £1m plus. That is a big worry or realistic Warnock, who is bracing himself for a move from the premiership or a top first division side. He has had word from chairman Terry Robinson and majority shareholder Hugh Eaves that a big bid for any of the squad "will have to be seriously looked at". Warnock is on record as saying that because of the Bosman ruling he expects either Kiely, an Eire international or inspirational Lucketti to be sold before the new millennium.

Oldham Fans Fear The End - Sporting Life:
Oldham, Bury and Rochdale are having secret merger talks about becoming one club - under the name of Manchester North End. The revolutionary move to pool resources, cut staffs and play at a new ground was confirmed by Oldham chairman Ian Stott on Friday night. All the clubs suffer poor attendance's and struggle to make ends meet. Stott revealed: "I have already discussed the possibility with my counterparts at Bury and Rochdale and, like me, they see the long-term benefits of such a venture. "There would be some horrendous problems. Hardcore fans from all three clubs who would be violently opposed to the idea. But it is a question of survival." The merged club would be based at a new stadium near Oldham's Boundary Park home. However, apart from supporter opposition there would be problems over staff. Only one of three bosses, Neil Warnock, Andy Ritchie and Graham Barrow would keep a job. Under League rules the new club would have to start at the level of the lowest of the three clubs - Division Three.

I Needed That, Admits Warnock - Sporting Life:
Bury boss Neil Warnock was delighted that his struggling side earned a point on his return to the McAlpine Stadium. Former Terriers boss Warnock left the club in the summer of 1995 after guiding them to promotion from the Second Division. And he had reason to celebrate on his return as the Shakers twice came from behind to claim only their fifth away point of the season. Wayne Allison's first-half effort looked set to sink Warnock's men, but three goals in as many minutes changed the face of the game. Dean West levelled for Bury, Grant Johnson immediately restored the home side's lead only for Lenny Johnrose's looping header to make the final score 2-2. Warnock said: "It was nice to come back here and get a result. I've still got a lot of friends here and I think it added to the spice for the players. They all realised how important it was for me. "I was delighted when all the home fans behind the dug-out were asking me what the score was and we scored. I was able to tell them that it was 2-2. "I thought we were magnificent today we've had a lot of injury problems, but I told the lads who came in, just give me your all - I can't ask for more than that." Warnock also singled out striker Nigel Jemson for special praise. "He's been working so hard to get fit, and he lasted the full 90 minutes and I thought we played a lot of good football through him. "For me, he was the best player on the pitch today. I know he's a big-time Charlie, but I've had not one ounce of trouble with him. He's worked so hard, he lasted the game, and he's done remarkably." And the Bury boss was delighted with how his side twice hit back from a goal down. He said: "We weren't in awe of them. Not many teams would come back here from 1-0 down and 2-0 down. I think it was a well-deserved point." But Huddersfield manager Peter Jackson was in a sombre mood after twice seeing his side squander the lead. He said: "We did not play well I'm bitterly disappointed and so are the players. "We should have finished them off much earlier, we have thrown away two points."

Another winner would suit Billy - Official Huddersfield Town Web Site:
CHRIS BILLY steps out at the McAlpine tomorrow (Saturday) for the first time since writing himself into Town history. The Huddersfield-born winger - who celebrated his 26th birthday last Saturday - is the only player ever to have scored the winning goal for Town at Wembley. Little could he have known, however, that only weeks after netting that spectacular promotion clincher against Bristol Rovers at the Twin Towers, he would be on his way out of the club. Billy - who is now living back in town - followed Neil Warnock to Plymouth (where he was on the bench for another victorious play-off final) and is now doing his best to spark Bury out of the First Division's most alarming slump. He is sure to get a special cheer tomorrow, though, when his name is announced before his first appearance at the McAlpine since scoring in the first play-off semi-final leg against Brentford in 1995. ``Coming up through the ranks to play for my home-town club and then to score the winner at Wembley, it's something I'll never forget,'' said Billy. ``It seems a long time ago with all that's happened since then both for myself and for Town, but it was definitely the highlight of my career and a day I'll always cherish. ``You can't really ask for more than to clinch promotion for your club at Wembley and I've still got all the cuttings and the video, so I'm hardly likely to forget. ``But I didn't get the chance to celebrate back at the McAlpine and it would be nice if the fans give me a cheer first time back. It will certainly be appreciated if they do.'' Gifted at full-back or on the wing, Billy made his debut as a skinny youth back in February 1992, going on as a substitute in a goalless draw against Stockport at Edgeley Park. It was his only appearance for Eoin Hand, but he impressed enough to earn a starting line-up place under Ian Ross and ended up playing in the play-off matches that season against Peterborough. He played at right-back in the Autoglass Trophy final against Swansea City at Wembley but, following Simon Trevitt's return, was back in midfield against Marcus Stewart's Bristol Rovers. ``I'm looking forward to playing at the stadium again and hopefully I'll be able to match the goal I got against Brentford,'' he said. ``We could do with it being the winner as well, because we are desperate for the points at the moment.''

Friday, 08 January 1999
This piece was given to Kay (The Hatchet Fame) by Terry Robinson with regards to this Merger. Kay has posted it on the Message Board and I feel it is worth of inclusion in The Exiled Files. Thanks Kay

Bury are not in secret negotiations with any club in the North West re amalgamation. The short discussion was in the context of a doomsday scenario in which clubs like Bury would be prevented from competing in the higher grades of football. The view put forward and worthy of consideration was that an amalgamation of clubs into a 3rd Manchester team both for football and rugby could be the only way of survival. That was the end of the discussion. Bury are in the 1st Division and our only aim is trying to stay there.  If you all recall, about 6 months ago there were talks of the 1st division breaking away from the rest of the league. If this went ahead, then only 36 teams would be funded, and Bury were not one of the 36. In this scenario, the only alternatives would be to go non-league or to merge with 2 or 3 other clubs, the most likely being Stockport, Crewe, Oldham, Rochdale etc. The current reincarnation of this story has come from Ian Stott, Oldham's chairman, who is in the running for FA Chairman and is trying to generate publicity for himself with this story. The ONLY case where a merger would happen would be if FA funding were to be taken from smaller clubs and they had to merge to survive.

D'Jaffo blow sparks striker search - Bolton Evening News:
BURY hope to have a new face in their strike-force. tomorrow after losing top striker Laurent D'Jaffo. French hit man D'Jaffo is expected to be out for up to a month after having a leg put in plaster to cure an Achilles' injury. His place at Huddersfield could be taken by a fresh face with Gigg Lane manager Neil Warnock trying to secure the services of a Premiership reserve forward. Bury are desperate for a victory after failing to win in their last five games, a sequence which has seen the club slide down the First Division and cause concern among fans who fear for their club's First Division lives. The fans have expressed their displeasure with the quality of performances and style of play recently, sparking chairman Terry Robinson and the players to appeal to supporters to get behind the team in its hour of need. And Warnock has taken steps to improve fans' morale by telling his players to go forward more tomorrow and play more football. "I want us to play more and believe more, rather than defend and lose 1-0," he said. "We have been working on that all week. I have told the lads to go forward and give the fans something to shout about. "I want us to have a go when we can and be a threat throughout." D'Jaffo could have continued to carry his injury through games but would have needed a break eventually to solve the problem. Explaining the timing behind his number one striker's treatment, Warnock said: "After the QPR game next week we have a fortnight until our next game, so now is as good a time as any for him to take a break. "He has been our best striker all season and we will just have to get on without him."

D'jaffo Keeps Shakers Waiting - Nationwide Web Site:
 Bury are waiting for the results of a scan on leading-scorer Laurent D'Jaffo's ankle before naming their side for the trip to Huddersfield. D'Jaffo, who has bagged seven league goals so far this season, could still feature at the McAlpine Stadium, but if the scan shows any serious damage then he will not be risked and his ankle could be put in plaster. Shakers' defender Chris Swailes is back in contention after recovering from flu.

All For One! Exclusive: Three Clubs In Merger For Millennium Sensation - MEN:
 THREE Greater Manchester soccer clubs are considering a merger for the millennium, it can be revealed today. Bury, Oldham Athletic and Rochdale have opened secret negotiations to become one club - and even a name such as Manchester North End has been considered. Behind the sensational plan is Oldham's influential chairman Ian Stott who today announced he wants to become the new chairman of the Football Association. The new club would have an £11m, state-of-the-art 16,000-seat stadium as its headquarters built on land adjoining Oldham's existing Boundary Park close to the motorway network. A merger of the long-established clubs, who have all been struggling financially through falling gates, would rock English soccer. Today's revelation that hush, hush talks have taken place will spark a fans' backlash but Stott is adamant that the plan is the ONLY way supporters of the three rival clubs will have a full-fledged pro club to back in the next century. All three are fighting a battle against falling gates and rising costs. Although in different divisions they have all suffered by the distribution of TV cash that greatly favours Premiership clubs. The average attendance's at home matches for both Oldham and Bury has dipped to below 5,000 while Rochdale are lucky to command half that figure. And in all three cases, the turnstile receipts alone come nowhere near to covering the increasing costs of running a full-time professional soccer club. Senior officials at the three clubs whose grounds are all within ten miles of each other believe that a merger would establish a trend which other small clubs Nationwide will have to follow - or face the prospect of folding. Stott told M.E.N. Sport: ``A merger with Bury and Rochdale is something I am given serious consideration to. I have already discussed the possibility of the three clubs merging into one with my Bury and Rochdale counterparts Terry Robinson and David Kilpatrick and, like me, they can see the long-term benefits of such a venture. ``Obviously there would be some horrendous problems if the merger goes ahead. There will be hard-core fans from all three clubs who would be violently opposed to the idea.'' Stott added: ``There will be other major problems chairman. but over-riding all of those is the question of survival for professional soccer in this region.'' Oldham Council is already backing the ambitious plan to build the new stadium behind Boundary Park. One stumbling block is that under existing Football League rules a new merged club would take the place of the club in the lowest division - that is Rochdale in the third. But Football League director and Bury chairman Robinson, who confirmed talks have taken place, revealed if the league structure changes the new club could be invited to play in a Premiership Two. He said: ``The idea is revolutionary and Ian is right when he says there would not be total support from traditional fans. It may be the future of football. Time will tell.'' Kilpatrick said: ``The three of us were until recently on the Football League board and have obviously talked about all kinds of possibilities. The fans would find this plan hard to accept and their views are paramount.''

Fighting spirit missing at Bury - Bury Times Web Site:
IN the latest of an increasingly eccentric series of media comments, Mr Warnock was quoted as being "embarrassed" by the Bury players' performance in their latest defeat by FA cup opponents Stockport. Certainly it was a dire afternoon for Bury supporters, but only to be expected when one considers the previous embarrassments at Bolton, Crewe and Port Vale. In all truth, no one minds being outplayed; we all know that the world of football is heavily biased against the likes of Bury, high wages, poor crowds and the rest. But to be consistently outfought by such clubs is a very bitter pill to swallow. More galling still is the sight of "real" Bury players frantically trying to plug the gaps left by the uncommitted and second-rate journeymen who have been thrust upon us by Mr Warnock. Of course we should heed the old mantra "get behind the team" and I for one would be delighted to do so. However, the prerequisite for any such call to arms is that there should be a team in existence! What we see at present on the field at least, are two clear factions. Those who, by Mr Warnock's own admission, "would run through a brick wall for Bury" and those who appear quite content to earn their money for the minimum possible effort. The greatest "embarrassment" of all for Mr Warnock must surely be that, with the exception of D'Jaffo, each of the latter are his signings! Frankly, the best possible outcome would be for a suitable stewarding vacancy to arise at Mr Warnock's beloved Sheffield United. One can only hope that such a post appears immediately.

CLIVE TAYLOR, Whalley Road, Shuttleworth.

Bury FC: Chairman's plea to fans
SHAKERS chairman Terry Robinson today publishes an open letter to all Bury FC fans EXCLUSIVELY in the Bury Times. In it he spells out to the Gigg Lane faithful the current parlous financial state of affairs at the club in the wake of Hugh Eaves' decision to resign from the board and calls for patience and loyal support as manager Neil Warnock and the players endeavour to pull out of the recent run of bad results. The manager's hand has hardly been strengthened by a crippling flu epidemic and freak run of injuries that have drastically weakened what is already one of the smallest squads in the First Division. Crucially, the chairman points out that the club is actively working to bring in more desperately-needed capital, a job that is being made increasingly difficult given the current adverse crowd reaction at matches.

DEAR supporters,
The club is going through a difficult period. That is something I fully accept.
It is easy to get despondent and become negative about the situation, but I remain confident. The immediate problem is the fact that we are not winning matches and the consequent disappointment of you, the supporters. Strangely, it appears any information given on the fitness of the squad is received with doubt and derision. This comes from disappointment in the results but has to be taken into account when assessing performance. It is obvious we have not got strength in depth and consequent injuries and the flu have hit us hard. Our ability to give the manager, Neil Warnock, funds to bring in anything other than free transfer players within our wage structure does not only disappoint us, but it does not help him to improve the team as we would all like. It is no secret our overall attendance's have been down but that has, fortunately, been compensated by revenue from the Manchester United fixture. This only maintains the status quo. Mr Warnock was brought to the club at a difficult time when the existing management team decided to leave. One of the reasons for this happening was that we could not promise finance for new players and, indeed, would be unable to fund additional wages without an influx of cash into the club. The sale of one player a season since our promotion does not help our manager. Both myself and the major shareholder have explored all areas to raise additional finance for the club without success. It is no surprise to shareholders in possession of a current balance sheet that this trading shortfall occurs. The club is at present the worst attended in the First Division. We are operating on one of the lowest wage bills and without continuing financial contribution from "off field" activities would be facing more difficult problems. We are fighting for our lives on all fronts but the most important, immediate battle is to give the team positive, not negative, support. Together we have achieved First Division football after many years, so let's give the team a chance. The appointment of Mr Warnock was to continue the type and style of play that has made us successful. We know that some fans would prefer a change of style. They, of course, are entitled to their opinion, but our players are adept to this particular style which has brought us success against the odds in the last couple of seasons. The fact is the vast majority of supporters are behind us and that is much appreciated, particularly during this tough period. The club has to attract other investors and the path is open to do this. The actions of some supporters creating negative vibes at matches does not help. The major shareholder has made it clear that negative support causes people to reconsider their positions and this can only counteract positive moves that are being made to attract other finances. The positive support of our regulars is critical in our present position. We will do everything in our power to stabilise a difficult position and, with your support, we will succeed.

Please don't make it more difficult.

T. J. ROBINSON,
Chairman/chief executive

Cup KO is bitter pill to swallow:
 BURY manager Neil Warnock tried to get this game called off on Thursday, but someone forgot to tell his players that the FA refused them permission! The Shakers' recent downturn in fortunes surely can't get much lower than this after a miserable first half performance that the Bury boss saw fit to describe as "the most embarrassing 45 minutes while I've been a manager." Three goals in a harrowing opening half hour earned that appraisal from the beleaguered boss and sent his flu-ridden side careering out of the Cup at Gigg Lane. Their already decimated squad lost another of their number on Saturday morning when central defender Chris Swailes rang in with the bug. Brian Linighan, on loan at Cambridge United, was hastily recalled but then announced that an ear infection was affecting his balance. That meant a first full outing for promising defender Danny Swailes but it certainly wasn't a game you'd have chosen to blood a youngster in. But even with the background knowledge of those events no-one could have been prepared for the woeful display Warnock's men served up as too many key players looked to be less than 100 per cent. "The first 30 minutes of the game was very, very poor," added the Bury boss. "Everyone was off their game and waiting for things to happen." Unfortunately things did happen - but predominantly at Dean Kiely's end of the field! The deadlock was broken as early as the fifth minute when a vicious 25 yard drive from Derek McInnes, on loan from Glasgow Rangers, cannoned off Kiely's bar and prolific striker Brett Angell reacted first to head home. Eight minutes later County's advantage was doubled when dangerman Ian Moore, a constant thorn in the side of Bury's defenders, turned young Swailes on the right before drilling in a low cross that skipper Chris Lucketti, under pressure from Angell, could only power past Kiely. Seconds later it was misery on more misery for the Shakers as French striker Laurent D'Jaffo limped off with an recurrence of an Achilles' problem to be replaced by Andy Preece. Stockport's third - a superb move from one end of the pitch to the other - arrived after 27 minutes and again Moore played his part. Hatters keeper Carlo Nash intelligently threw the ball to Angell on the halfway line the big striker then picked out Moore who, again, had found space on the right. Once more he tormented young Swailes before delivering an inch perfect cross that Colin Woodthorpe gleefully converted with ease. That was the cue for a number of Shakers fans to make for the exits to avoid further suffering and a vociferous minority of those that remained elected to take their frustration out on boss Warnock. County custodian Nash makes a living as a male model in his spare time, but it was more cakewalk than catwalk for the former Rossendale United player as he went through the game without a shot on target to save. That's just how dominant the visitors were and though the Shakers rallied after a half-time pep talk from Warnock they never looked capable of getting back into contention despite the introduction of two more strikers in "forgotten man" Nigel Jemson and young debutante Martyn Forrest. Son of legendary former Shakers keeper John, the skilful youngster marked his 20th birthday with an excellent debut on the right flank. Indeed he might have set up a consolation goal for Jemson after dispossessing Tony Dinning and delivering a teasing cross that the former Oxford United man narrowly missed connecting with. "I thought Martyn did very well when he came on, as did Nigel Jemson. "All I asked of the players in the second half was to play with pride, let the fans chant at me and don't react to the crowd. "I thought they did very well in the second half, to say it was 3-0 at the break they could have gone under very easily."

Warnock won't quit:
 NEIL Warnock won't even contemplate giving up the Gigg Lane reins following Saturday's nightmare FA Cup defeat at the hands of Stockport County. Angry fans chanted for the sacking of the Shakers boss during the game but Warnock is in no mood to give up the job he inherited from Stan Ternent last June. "It's only natural that fans will get angry when they see their team losing 3-0 after a few minutes of an FA Cup tie, but I'm assured they chanted for Stan and Walshy's head as well!" he declared. "Even if Alex Ferguson was in charge here he couldn't have done much about what happened on Saturday. I've never experienced anything like it at all. "To lose your centre half on the morning of a game is one thing but to have your centre-forward injure himself in the warm-up is incredible Ð anyone would think I'd run over two or three black cats, never mind one! "Laurent (D'Jaffo) aggravated his Achilles' just before kick-off but we decided to give him five or ten minutes to see if he was okay while Lennie Johnrose shouldn't really have played and only did as a favour to me. "But I really don't think people fully realise just what kind of a two weeks we've had, it's been really horrific and the sooner we get rid of this bug from the club the better." Warnock held a meeting with his players minutes after Saturday's traumatic game and they each had their say about the crisis of confidence that has taken hold. Apart from the debilitating virus that has gripped Gigg Lane, another major worry to the players is the adverse reaction of certain fans when they go behind but they are all fiercely determined not to let recent poor results catapult them into an end of season relegation battle. "I told the lads that when the supporters start chanting for my head and have a go at individual players it's time for us to fight back and the only way to do that is to roll up your sleeves and get some results," added Warnock. "We have 20 games left and I've never been one for quitting or throwing in the towel. We've just got to get back to playing like Bury have in the past, with the same values and that was missing in the first half hour of Saturday's game. "We let the crowd get at us a little but we have to put it behind us and the quicker we get everyone back fit again the better because with such a small squad we need everyone to be 100 per cent." To go out of the cup at this early stage is another financial body blow to the club but it won't stop the Shakers boss bringing in a couple of high-profile players on loan. He missed out on Sheffield Wednesday's Graham Hyde last week but is hopeful of picking up at least one Premier or First Division player before the weekend with the central defence and midfield positions the priority. "Graham is just the kind of player we could do with but after turning down moves to Bradford and Huddersfield he has decided he doesn't want a loan move."

The Next Article is a copy of the E-Mail I sent to The Bury Times. It is in today's Bury Times. I have not seen what they have printed but here is the full text that I sent:

The treatmenent afforded to Mr. Eaves, by a select group of so called supporters, is disgraceful. Do these people not realise just what he has done for Bury Football Club. I for one am astonished that Mr. Eaves has taken this decision and I greatly respect him for it. The club would not be where it is today if it wasn't for the generosity of him. If he had not been there, would we be a First Division Side now - I think not.  Without the cash injections he has given to The Shakers over the years, we would still be a struggling club in the basement of the third division, with a ramshackle run down stadium to boot. The present standard of the ground is a testament to Mr Eaves and for all he has done the club could, at least, re-name one of the stands in his honour.
With the ever decreasing support at Gigg Lane, Mr Eaves I'm afraid will be very sadly missed, not just by Terry Robinson and the like, but by us genuine supporters, people who have paid week in week out to support this little club, by today's standards.  I for one greatly appreciate what he has done for Bury Football Club and am genuinely really sorry to see him stand down like this. I only hope now that we can get a cash injection into the club without having to sell the likes of Dean Kiely and/or Chris Lucketti. Granted these would bring some major revenue to the club, but what about the drop in standard of Professional Footballers at Gigg Lane, this would inevitably result in relegation and then where would we be. Back to square one. These supporters who treated Mr Eaves this way should be ashamed of themselves. They have done considerable damage to Bury FC. The shock and confusion that this decision has caused is plainly visible to all the genuine supporters who use my web site. Mr. Eaves, Thanks for all you have done, but would you please re-consider.

Gordon Sorfleet
The Un-Official Bury FC Web Site

Thursday, 07 January 1999
A big pat on the back again to Maverick, who responded with the text from tonight's
Manchester Evening News. Cheers mate, how many beers do I owe you now&

Back Us Or Else - Manchester Evening News & Maverick:
 Bury's growing army of boo-boys has hit the crisis club's bid to bring in new money to bolster the first division survival campaign. Angry Chairman Terry Robinson has admitted that crowd reaction "creating negative vibes" has affected behind-the-scenes effort to refinance the club, Mr. Robinson said that Gigg Lane's millionaire majority shareholder Hugh Eaves has made it clear negative support causes people to reconsider their positions and this can only counteract positive moves that are being made to attract other financiers. "The only way to present our club to the world should be as fighting against the odds&a club that has attained a fully deserved position in Division One. The positive support of our regulars is critical in our present condition" said Robinson. "We will do everything within our power to stabilise a difficult position and with support we will succeed." The team has lost three consecutive league matches and was dumped out of the FA Cup by Greater Manchester rivals Stockport County. Supporters have been chanting for manager Neil Warnock to be sacked and are bitterly critical of the club's direct, all-action style of play. Robinson who has defended Warnock and the team's tactics admits the club is "fighting for its life on all fronts." The Chairman says he remains confident and stressed that the flu bug that hit EIGHT first team players is not an excuse but a fact. He went on:" Our inability to give the manager funds to bring in anything other than free transfer players within our wage structure would not only disappoint us but does not help him improve the team." The chairman's stark statement hints that the dip in Gigg Lane attendance's, Mr Eaves decision not to remain a club director and an increased wage bill particularly as the Bosman ruling begins to bite will mean a big name sale in the near future. Robinson said "The manager was brought to the club at a difficult time. One of the reasons that the old management team left was because we could not promise finance for new players. The sale of one player a season since our promotion does not help. The club is the worst attended in the First Division. We are operating on one of the lowest wage bills and without continuing financial contribution from off field activities we'll be facing even more difficult problems." He pleaded with supporters to "give the team a chance" pointing out that the players have been recruited over the last few seasons to adopt the direct style and a tactical switch would prove too expensive as virtually the whole playing staff would have to be overhauled.

Tuesday, 05 January 1999
I won't quit says Warnock - Bolton Evening News:
NEIL Warnock won't even contemplate giving up the Gigg Lane reins following Saturday's nightmare FA Cup defeat at the hands of Stockport County. Angry fans chanted for the sacking of the Shakers boss during the game but Warnock is in no mood to give up the job he inherited from Stan Ternent last June. "It's only natural that fans will get angry when they see their team losing 3-0 after a few minutes of an FA Cup tie, but I'm assured they chanted for Stan and Walshy's head as well!" he declared. "Even if Alex Ferguson was in charge here he couldn't have done much about what happened on Saturday. I've never experienced anything like it at all. "To lose your centre half on the morning of a game is one thing but to have your centre-forward injure himself in the warm-up is incredible anyone would think I'd run over two or three black cats, never mind one! "Laurent (D'Jaffo) aggravated his Achilles just before kick-off but we decided to give him five or ten minutes to see if he was okay while Lennie Johnrose shouldn't really have played and only did as a favour to me. "But I really don't think people fully realise just what kind of a two weeks we've had, it's been really horrific and the sooner we get rid of this bug from the club the better." Warnock held a meeting with his player's minutes after Saturday's traumatic game and they each had their say about the crisis of confidence that has taken hold. Apart from the debilitating virus that has gripped Gigg Lane, another major worry to the players is the adverse reaction of certain fans when they go behind but they are all fiercely determined not to let recent poor results catapult them into an end of season relegation battle. "I told the lads that when the supporters start chanting for my head and have a go at individual players it's time for us to fight back and the only way to do that is to roll up your sleeves and get some results," added Warnock. "We have 20 games left and I've never been one for quitting or throwing in the towel. We've just got to get back to playing like Bury have in the past, with the same values and that was missing in the first half hour of Saturday's game." "We let the crowd get at us a little but we have to put it behind us and the quicker we get everyone back fit again the better because with such a small squad we need everyone to be 100 per cent."

Monday, 04 January 1999
Fans' Warn-ing - Today's Daily Star:
 Angry fans chanted for Boss Neil Warnock's head as his out of sorts side slumped to their fourth successive defeat. Bury were no match for Gary Megson's well drilled outfit who led 3-0 after just 26 minutes of this third round tie, Former Everton Striker Brett Angell fired county ahead then home skipper Chris Lucketti put through his own net after 13 minutes to add to Bury's blues. Colin woodthorpe added a third midway through the half and then declared: "We've been threatening to do that to a few teams this season but we haven't always taken our chances, Sometimes it takes time to get into your stride but we got off to a good start and scored at will. A good cup run will be a great boost to everyone in the town and now we are hoping for a big tie at Edgeley Park." Warnock locked his players in the dressing room for over an hour after the game, but then he laughed off rumours that he faces the sack saying: "The fans chanted for Stan Ternent's head before I came, now they are chanting for mine -- but I'm not going anywhere.

Sunday, 03 January 1999
Warnock Downbeat- Sporting Life Web Site:
Neil Warnock was downbeat after the 3-0 FA Cup defeat at home to Stockport. Warnock was forced to make one or two changes just before the game with various injuries, and his team were beaten by the interval. He said: "It was the most embarrassing 45 minutes I have had as a manager. "The early goal gave Stockport a massive lift but I thought my players did well in the second half, when at 3-0 down we could have gone under." He also responded to the various chants of "Warnock out" adding: "It's happened to managers before me but as I said to the players we have got to pull together and fight back. "And we can do this by getting the right results. "I am not one for quitting or throwing in the towel." Stockport boss Gary Megson could not hide his delight . Stockport steamrollered Bury in this all-First Division clash with three goals in the opening 27 minutes. Top scorer Brett Angell got the first on five minutes and Angell claimed the second although it seemed it was an own goal by Bury defender Chris Lucketti on 12 minutes. Colin Woodthorpe tapped home the third on 27 minutes. Megson said: "It was a terrific performance, we went about it like a Cup-tie. "It does not matter how you get through. There is nothing better than watching the draw knowing you are in it. "It's a nightmare when you are not through. "I just want a home tie in the next round."

Bury Changes The Key To Cup Defeat - Nationwide Web Site:
Bury boss Neil Warnock was downbeat after being forced to make one or two changes just before the FA Cup third round defeat at the hands of Stockport He said: "It was the most embarrassing 45 minutes I have had as a manager. The early goal gave Stockport a massive lift but I thought my players did well in the second half, when at 3-0 down we could have gone under." He also responded to the various chants of "Warnock out" adding: "It's happened to managers before me but as I said to the players we have got to pull together and fight back. And we can do this by getting the right results. "I am not one for quitting or throwing in the towel."

Friday, 01 January 1999

HAPPY NEW YEAR