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Sunday, 31 January 1999 |
| Bury Want Boss Dixon - The Sunday People: WE understand Bury are keen on Gunners fullback Lee Dixon for a player-manager role. Dixon, 34, played for a year at Bury in the mid Eighties but the offer of a new one-year deal from Arsenal is sure to see him continue at Highbury. Fan-Tastic - The Pink & Michael Waring: Bury supporters on march into new era Bury have enjoyed some memorable moments in the last few years but next Monday promises to be right up there with the best. February 1 marks the launch of the shakers' first ever supporters' association and an evening of celebration is planned in the Elizabethan Suite in the Town Hall. The launch is being combined with an exhibition and sports forum and is backed by the Manchester Evening News and BBC GMR. There will be a series of announcements made with the club revealing a new kit deal, a fresh sponsorship package and plans for a football superstore. The Ground Development unit will also reveal detailed blue prints for the new east stand which will replace the Cemetery End at a cost of £2m. Gigg Lane's thriving commercial department will mount a display of all their activities and fans will get the chance to study how the recently set up Youth Development programme is working and examine ties with Swinton Rugby League Club. There will be a range of Millennium souvenirs on show and the official opening of the Bury Internet Web Site. All the players will be there to help give the new supporters' association a rousing send off and the panel answering questions will be compere from GMR, Jimmy Wagg; chairman Terry Robinson; manager, Neil Warnock; commercial director Neville Neville; players Dean Kiely and Chris Lucketti; MEN sports editor Peter Spencer and Bury Times head of sport Mike Hall. "It has taken a little bit of time to organise the official launch but we wanted to do things right and this event will show we have," said Mr Neville. "It is an exiting development for us. It will hopefully forge links between supporters and the club. It is the dawn of a new era and I think we need one. "The club had no-one it could really talk to about issues that touched on the fans and that is now going to change. We look forward to constructive dialogue aimed at improving all areas of the club. With a bit of luck the association will help unite the town behind the club. It is not just about what happens on the pitch but about helping the club to survive on all fronts." Just to emphasise the club's popularity, one of the first groups to sign up for the new association will be a dozen supporters from Ireland who have sent their own representative with handfuls of membership forms and cheques. The event starts at 7:30pm. |
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Saturday, 30 January 1999 |
| Determination holds the key - Bolton Evening News: BURY'S old guard are determined to spread the Shakers' notorious never-say-die spirit to Gigg Lane's new boys, writes NEIL BONNAR. With no money to spend, Bury's greatest weapon in their battle to survive in the First Division is their famous determination to overcome the odds. A run of seven games without victory has seen the early season high expectations evaporate with Neil Warnock's men plunging down the league and suffering an embarrassing 3-0 FA Cup exit at home to Stockport. The tension has spread to some of the new recruits but the experienced men have seen it all before and know what it takes to come through the dark times. "We have been going through a difficult period after a great start," reflected skipper Chris Lucketti. "But we have been telling the new players that we are still in a better position than we were this time last season." Three disappointing league defeats on the bounce followed by a first half horror show in the FA Cup sparked a system change from 5-2-3 to 4-4-2. And the switch heralded an immediate improvement in fortunes. Impressive performances at Huddersfield and QPR brought draws and took the Shakers into their fortnight break ahead of today's visit to Swindon Town with renewed confidence. "The mood in the camp is good," added Lucketti. "Everyone is a lot happier after the last two performances but even when the results were not going for us we always believed we would turn things around. "We still believe in ourselves and we believe that we can get into a position of respectability." The change to 4-4-2 has seen the end of the sweeper system with which Bury enjoyed their wall-to-wall success of two successive promotions and a season of stability in the First Division. But it has been a hit with the fans and the players who are encouraged to play a more fluent passing game. It has meant a lot of work on the training ground to get the players accustomed to their new roles. "Things have gone well so far with the new system," enthused the Gigg Lane skipper. "It gives us something more going forward with Dean West and Chris Billy the wide men who get us crosses in. "There is a difference playing with four at the back instead of five and we have been working hard at it every day. "From my point of view when we played with a sweeper I was one of two markers who had to follow their centre forwards everywhere whereas now the centre halves cannot leave their positions. "When the results before Christmas went against us everybody was getting down and fearing the worst but since we changed the system we have put in two and a half good performances and the atmosphere is a lot better." Warnock Backs West - Sporting Life: Bury manager Neil Warnock was philosophical after defender Dean West's own goal four minutes from time had denied his side victory at Swindon. He said: "The lad is distraught but it's just one of those things that happen in football. "We seem to like to make life difficult for ourselves at Bury. It's been a long time since we dominated a game like that and we created a lot of chances. "With a bit more confidence we could have scored more goals and won the game but it wasn't to be." But Swindon manager Jimmy Quinn blasted his players after they had been lucky to escape with a share of the points. He said: "I'm not having that at all. Our groundsman is fitter than some of the players. "I don't mind losing if we play well but that wasn't the case today and we didn't deserve a draw. "It was a great header from their player and it was the only way that we looked like scoring a goal." |
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Friday, 29 January 1999 |
| Ex-boss faces his Shakers stars - Bolton Evening News: FORMER Bury boss Mike Walsh admits he cannot believe why a big club has not come in for Chris Lucketti. Walsh, the assistant manager at tomorrow's opponents Swindon Town, set Lucketti on the way to a Football League career when he plucked him out of non-league football with Halifax Town for a bargain £50,000. He admits the deal was a bit of a gamble at the time but that it quickly became clear he had got the centre half on the cheap. "Chris was something of a gamble because he had only been playing non-league," said Walsh today. "But I knew after a few months that he was going to be okay. "I am surprised that no-one has come in for him before now because he is a dominant defender who is good in the air and has good pace. "If he had been a little bit better with his feet than I am certain he would have been playing at a higher level." Walsh was in charge at Gigg Lane for five years before he was sacked three and a half years ago. But his legacy lives on with four of his bargain signings Ð Lucketti, Nick Daws, Lenny Johnrose and Andy Woodward regulars in the first team and another, Tony Rigby, an important member of Neil Warnock's squad. Lucketti says: "Mike Walsh was good for me personally and we came within a whisker of winning promotion with him in charge. "He basically signed the nucleus of the side we have today and I'm looking forward to talking over old times with him tomorrow. But when the whistle blows to start the game you have no friends in football and the only thing on your mind is doing well for Bury." Woodward is a doubt for tomorrow with a sore throat as Shakers bid to clinch their first away win of the season. They have, however, been cheered by draws in their last two games against Huddersfield and QPR Barrick Ruled Out Shakers Side - Nationwide Web Site: Full-back Dean Barrick will miss Bury's trip to the County Ground to face Swindon as he is suffering from an ankle injury. But manager Neil Warnock is hopeful the former Preston defender will be back in training on Monday. Andy Woodward has been suffering from tonsillitis and has been unable to train through the week, but Warnock still expects him to feature against the Robins. Top-scorer Laurent D'Jaffo is still around five weeks away from returning to action. Repeat dose required for Shakers - Bury Times: NEIL Warnock sticks by the same starting eleven for the third consecutive game when Bury make the trip to Wiltshire to to take on Swindon Town tomorrow. With only Andy Woodward a doubt with tonsillitis it'll be more of the same for the new-look Shakers with the promising Lutel James-Nigel Jemson strike partnership given another outing. It seems light years ago since the sides met at Gigg Lane on August Bank Holiday Monday when Warnock's men ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Dean Barrick, Rob Matthews and Andy Preece. The victory shot the Shakers into third place in the First Division table and had Town fans calling for the head of Steve McMahon. They got their wish eventually and the new boss at the County Ground is Jimmy Quinn, although former Bury boss Mike Walsh has remained assistant manager. "Overall they are a strong club, especially at home," said Warnock. "I used to have Iffy Onuora at Huddersfield and when I first saw him I thought he'd be worth £2 million. "He had pace and power to spare but went off the boil and I eventually swapped him for Kevin Gray of Mansfield Town. "He's a smashing lad and with George Ndah they are a formidable partnership so we know what to expect. "But we've got to win at least a couple of games away between now and the end of the season to survive so the sooner we start the better." Warnock ran the rule over Portsmouth utility man Lee Russell who played a trial game in the reserves at Darlington on Wednesday but won't be pursuing a deal. Tony Rigby scored twice in the 4-2 victory although man-of-the-match was Adrian Littlejohn who according to the boss "was on fire" scoring one and setting up both of "Tigger's" goals, Martyn Forrest grabbed the other. New signing Ryan Souter also impressed after coming on as substitute and tomorrow's game has special significance for him as he was a former YTS player at the County Ground but ended up being released by Steve McMahon on his 18th birthday. Youth team in semi-final - Preston Youth 2, Bury Youth 3 - Bury Times: BURY FC's youth team have won through to the semi-finals of the Lancashire Youth Cup following a 3-2 victory over Preston on Monday night. Watched by chairman Terry Robinson and first team assistant boss Ron Reid, the Bury team rose to the occasion to win the see-saw battle at Deepdale and set up a showdown at Blackpool next month. The Shakers took the lead on two minutes when a Chris Armstrong corner was forced home by Phil Beal. They held the upper hand for around 20 minutes before the home side hit back from a free kick when Paul O'Shaughnessy missed a clearance kick and it was fired in by James Connolly. The visitors bounced back and when former Welsh Schoolboy international Dominic Tedaldi got on the end of Ian Hodgson's cross Preston's Ronnie Wright put the ball in his own net. Preston did not throw the towel in and Turnbull scored at the second attempt 10 minutes into the second half. But Bury Youth kept their composure to grab a winner on 76 minutes, stringing eight passes together before Hodgson and Beal linked up to find Lee Connell in space who beat the keeper from the left. Bury played plenty of quality football in difficult conditions. The Deepdale pitch was very heavy and there was a swirling wind. Youth development and education officer Dave Dew said: "On the night, I thought we could do better and I would have expected us to take the game by the scruff of the neck after taking the lead. "We just shaded it and know we can play a lot better than that in the next game. "But we are very pleased to go through to the semi-finals and it would be nice to bring the trophy back for the chairman who has worked hard for the club over the last few years." Rochdale and Tranmere will contest the other semi-final. |
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Sunday, 24 January 1999 |
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Old boy returns - The Daily Express Web Site: Neil Warnock has made a playing comeback at the age of 50 - 20 years after hanging up his boots. The Bury manager played the entire 90 minutes of his First Division side's 2-0 win over non-league Pickering in a friendly on Wednesday. Warnock took the opportunity to coach young striker Lutel James. Bury chairman Terry Robinson said: "It was not a joke, it was a serious training exercise. Neil spent most of the time coaching Lutel and it proved worthwhile." Warnock said yesterday: "I feel terrible. My legs won't work and I've lost my voice but it was worth it." Shakers fans will get the chance to have their say at the launch of the Bury FC Supporters' Association - Bolton Evening News: |
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Saturday, 23 January 1999 |
| To-nights Pink, mailed to me by Michael Waring Lutel Lets Train Take The Strain: Lutel James has made his mark not just with Bury boss Neil Warnock - but also with the ultra demanding Gigg Lane fans. The razor-sharp ex-non-leaguer has struggled to win over supporters and was seen as one of Warnock's free-signings who wasn't good enough for the cut and thrust of a highly competitive first division. But late starter James - the former Hyde United marksman is 26 - is poised to prove the doubters wrong. He puts his new-found confidence - which is reflected in his play - down to extra training. Eyebrows were raised last weekend when James, who made a spectacular debut for the Shakers with a tip-top performance in the Worthington Cup defeat at Old Trafford, beat Warnock's £85,000 signing from Oldham Adrian Littlejohn, for a place up front alongside rejuvenated Nigel Jemson. James told the Pink that the difference between non-league and fully-fledged pro is the training: "It's all about stamina and now I can keep concentrating for 90 minutes. "With semi-pro teams managers would say that you have done okay but at this level everything is scrutinised. "The gaffer will make 50 or so points, even though you yourself might think you had a good game." James, who hit the target against QPR and has even been likened in some quarters to former Gigg Lane darling David Johnson, is the main beneficiary from Warnock's recent tactical switch. The 4-4-2 formation first introduced in the recent 2-2 draw at Huddersfield Town means more forward balls are played to fee than was previously the case. James said: "I feel confident with more feet balls. "Full time training is hard work but hopefully it's now beginning to pay off. "The gaffer encourages us to play football and keep the ball more than ever before - everyone is enjoying it. "We could have done with a game this weekend because everyone would have been up for it after the recent improvement." After the QPR game the sponsors made Jemson the man of the match and although Warnock accepts the ex-Nottingham Forest man has done exceptionally well to win back his place, he reckons the award should have gone to James. "Lutel should have got it in my opinion. He was lively for 90 minutes, giving QPR a torrid time. I am pleased with his progress," said the boss. "He was our most potent threat, too, in the recent game at Crewe." There was also praise for James from the opposition with Rangers' striker Iain Dowie - himself a product of non-league soccer - leading the chorus of approval. "Like me he has come from non-league and is giving it a go. He is bright, a real handful and like all Neil Warnock's players so very hungry," said the former Northern Ireland international. Fans In Club Launch: Three hundred fans are expected at the inaugural meeting of Bury's first-ever supporters association. The grand launch and fans forum, in association with M.E.N. Sport and GMR Sport, is to be held at the Town Hall's Elizabethan Suite on Monday February 1 (7pm). GMR radio presenter Jimmy Wagg will host the meeting. Manager Neil Warnock, chairman Terry Robinson together with senior pros Dean Kiely and Chris Lucketti, plus M.E.N. Sports editor Peter Spencer, have agreed to answer fans questions. Chairman elect is Brian Rigby who told the Pink: "All supporters are welcome. The aim is to find a way of getting an even closer relationship between supporters and the club we all cherish." Special introductory membership fees are being offered. Neville Neville, the commercial director, has organised a mini-exhibition. |
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Friday, 22 January 1999 |
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Former Shaker goes Dutch! - Bury Times: SHAKERS reject Peter Thomson headed off to an exciting new life in the Dutch First Division this week with a message for his former club . . . thanks very much! Released by Stan Ternent after an 18 month spell at Gigg Lane the Whitefield-based striker was understandably gutted when he was shown the door at the end of the 1996/97 campaign. Nevertheless, confident in his ability, he fought back the best way possible and after less than two seasons in the UniBond Premier Division has moved from Lancaster City to top Dutch club NAC Breda for a fee believed to be in the region of £50,000. So while his former teammates are lining up against Guiseley at Giant Axe tomorrow he'll be training with international stars like former Arsenal ace Glenn Helder, Georgian international Archil Arveladze and USA's Ernie Stewart, preparing for trips to Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven. But, refreshingly, there is not a hint of bitterness in 21-year-old Thomson after his first step on the professional soccer ladder went sour on him. "It was great for me to come from nowhere to a professional club like Bury and I was over the moon at the time, but unfortunately it didn't work out as I'd have liked. "I enjoyed working with Cliff Roberts, who was second team coach, but maybe I wasn't strong psychologically as I perhaps should have been. "It was a massive jump to go from the parks football I was playing to being a full-time pro but I was determined to keep going." he said. Plucked from amateur obscurity with Stand Athletic in the Manchester League, the strapping 6ft 4ins striker had a host of non-league suitors after word got around that he was being released. But he stayed positive, training on his own and keeping to the professional habits instilled in his time at Gigg and his dedication paid off. "Bury letting me go really dented my confidence and at the time I was happy to sign for the first club that came along for me. "Chorley's manager Bryan Griffiths rang me up and though I enjoyed my time there it took some time to adjust to the UniBond League." But after a season at Victory Park a £1,000 transfer last summer took Thomson to Giant Axe, the home of Lancaster City, managed by another former Shaker, Alan Tinsley. "That's when things really started to take off for me," he added. "I really started to get my confidence back and my game improved accordingly. I was flying and started banging in the goals." That's something of an understatement as Thomson quickly established himself as the leading marksman in the UniBond Premier Division cracking in 24 in only half a season. A move into the Nationwide Second Division almost materialised after Lancaster were drawn at Northampton Town in the first round of the FA Cup in November. Thomson fired the Dolly Blues into a first half lead but tragically restored parity with an own goal ten minutes after half time. A minute later the Cobblers scored again to clinch the tie but despite his gaffe Town manager Ian Atkins had seen enough of the big striker to invite him to Sixfields for a week. After impressing with a goal in a trial game, Town offered Lancaster a five-figure sum for Thomson with the possibility of more at the end of the campaign. However that bid was trumped by Football Conference outfit Southport who said they'd give £15,000 for him. But when the chance to join Breda cropped up there was only one place he was going. Agent Ken Payne contacted Thomson and asked if he'd like to go over to Holland to spend a week with Breda who had been keeping tabs on him home and away for weeks. "I jumped at the chance but the training was hard as they have so many quality players at the club," he explained. " I played a friendly for them and scored twice which really put me on a high. Then we travelled to Spain for a week, where we took on a German team and although we lost I did okay in the 30 minutes I played. "That was when the coach, former Ajax and Dutch international Ronald Spelbos, took me to one side and told me he wanted to sign me it was unbelievable!" But despite his disappointment at not making the grade with the Shakers he looks at the time at Gigg Lane fondly and believes they instilled a professional attitude that earned him this second chance. "My time at Bury certainly made me stronger and that's what I'll need out in Holland," he explained. "It's all worked out brilliantly for me, it's a massive club with superb facilities and to think I've left Lancaster to walk into a £7-million stadium is amazing. "I just can't wait for the mid-winter break to be over in two weeks time!" Positive thinking is Shakers' best bet - Bury Times: It's a whole new ball game for Lutel - Bury Times: |
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Thursday, 21 January 1999 |
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| Warnock back on the ball at 50 - Manchester Evening News (Via Kay & the M/Board) Bury boss Neil Warnock took hands-on coaching to a new level last night. Fed up with trying to get his point over from the dug-out, Warnock named himself in the starting eleven for the friendly with North-east Counties side Pickering and played the entire 90 minutes. The Shakers won the game 2-0 thanks to a Nick Daws penalty and a strike from Nigel Jemson but it was rookie forward Lutel James who was the main beneficiary of 50 year old Warnock's first game in 20 years. "Neil playing wasn't a joke, it was a serious training exercise" said Chairman Terry Robinson today. "He spent the entire time coaching Lutel and it proved a most worthwhile exercise. I don't think Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke have much to worry about from Neil but it was a great idea and I know Lutel and the rest of the players appreciated it." Understandably, Warnock was hard to rouse from his slumbers this morning and claimed his whole body has seized up. "I feel terrible," he admitted. "My legs won't work and I have lost my voice, but I think it was worth it. It was a competitive game that Pickering took seriously and hopefully Lutel will have benefitted". Another for whom the trip has been an unqualified success is Tony Rigby. The midfielder, out all season with injury, played in an afternoon game between the club's reserve sides and turned out again for half an hour at night. Lenny Johnrose missed out on the trip after suffering a second bout of 'flu. |
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Monday, 18 January 1999 |
| 'Manchester North End' a non-starter say fans Bury, Oldham and Rochdale supporters have their say on scuppered merger plans - The Express Sports Web Site: N Litwinenko: "This merger business will never happen. "It is just Mr Stott's ploy to build his own empire. He has insulted Oldham fans by calling the club a blot on his CV and stating that 'the fans will come round in the end' and agree to the merger. "Oldham fans will never let this happen and we would rather support a non-League, semi-professional Oldham Athletic rather than Manchester North End. Oldham forever." M Andrews: "Bury's match against QPR on Saturday was a traditional six-pointer for hard-done-by manager Neil Warnock. A recent poor run of form mixed with talks of a local merger and a disastrous injury list has left Warnock with few options and fewer fans. "Talks of after match demonstrations against the board and pitch invasions have become rife with die-hard fans, and the only remedy seems to be a change in tactics and a return to the players signed by previous managers Walsh and Ternant. "A recent upturn in our away performances (especially at Huddersfield) saw the return of Nigel Jemson to the side and a change in tactics to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation. "This has yet to placate fans, however, and through the recently-created Official Supporters' Association unrest is sure to continue. "Bury fans are upset by the resignation of Hugh Eaves from the board of directors, which they blame on Warnock and the lack of commitment by the manager, who is a confessed Sheffield United fan. "It was expected matters would take a turn for the worse with Granada TV interviewing fans prior to the QPR match, who are sure to call for the manager's head. "This is a non-starter of an idea designed it seems to promote the ambitions of former Oldham Chairman Ian Stott. "For Rochdale fans the concept of a merger is unacceptable. Despite our few achievements over the years, Dale supporters are fiercely loyal to their club. "Our commitment despite the merger talk is unwavering, and as I'm sure you'll understand, it takes a lot of commitment to be a Dale fan. "We have survived when many wouldn't have. We refuse to throw away our history to join with our rivals in an act of capitulation at any time. "We would rather go out of business altogether than share our future with Oldham and Bury. I don't know one Rochdale supporter who would even consider watching such an amalgamation. "Of the three clubs figures show Rochdale are in a better financial position than the others - we don't need this nonsense to survive - we do well enough and better than many on our own. This is thanks to a board who have carefully, almost lovingly, ensured the books balance. "They do this because they are Rochdale fans themselves, and I can't see them ever considering walking out on all they have put in to the club. "Stott has fallen flat on his face, much to the delight of our fans. This idea will never work - what is a team without its supporters? And who would want to support a venture that destroys all the three clubs supporters' hold dear? Merger? Never! Rochdale forever!" "No matter what happens to each club in the near future, there could never be a superclub supported equally by mixed fans from different clubs. "It's not like a business take-over where the fans are concerned. They support one club and one club only. "I'm sure each fan regards their relationship as something very individual, like a real love affair and that nobody else feels this way. "We all realise that personnel at a club changes, no matter who is manager, chairman or tea lady, the club goes on. We are passing custodians and the mantle of Rochdale; Oldham or Bury fans will be worn by the people that follow. Sounds pretty pompous but I'm sure that's the way it is." Point Satisfies Warnock - Nationwide Web Site: Bury manager Neil Warnock is still looking for a first win in seven matches but was pleased with the Shakers' return from their 1-1 Division One draw at home to Queens Park Rangers. "I thought it was a cracking game, and (QPR boss) Gerry Francis said to me at the end that it was just like old times, because we had some great clashes when he was at Bristol Rovers and I was at Notts County," said Warnock. "I think he was quite surprised because we had changed our system. But we couldn't get a second goal even though we had some good chances. "We knew Rangers would get back in it at some stage after Lutel James had given us the lead, and they certainly threw caution to the wind in the second half. "When they equalised I think everyone thought they would go on and dominate, but we gritted our teeth and finished strongly." This message was posted on Dom's Mail Board so I lifted it, hope you don't mind Dom. Heard a rumour over in Burnley this morning which is that a deal has been agreed between Bury and Burnley for Nick Daws and Lenny Johnrose. The deal is that if/when Bury reach 40 points the 2 will go to Turf Moor for £400,000. The price is much less than the earlier figure touted, as both have not been as consistent as they have been over previous seasons. I don't think we will miss Johnrose as he has gone aimlessly wandering for most of this season when we need him to get stuck in. Daws will be missed as he at least gives it 100% (with the exception of the QPR & Stockport games when he was a shadow of his usual self). Little Lutel is a big hit in Gigg thriller - Horwich Evening News: A FIRST goal in 10 months for veteran Northern Ireland striker Iain Dowie may have earned Division One form side Rangers a share of the spoils but there was enough in this hard-fought encounter to raise the spirits of the Shakers faithful. With the decimating flu bug clearing up off the field and a change in style paying dividends on it 1999 is beginning to look a lot brighter down at Gigg Lane. And high on the list of plusses will be the performance of Lutel James, the diminutive striker signed from UniBond Premier outfit Hyde United earlier this season. In a highly promising display, James showed he is well able to make the four division climb up the football ladder when he fired the Shakers into a 24th minute lead. Nigel Jemson headed on a long clearance from Dean Kiely and James kept his head superbly to drill past Rangers' giant Czech international keeper Ludek Miklosko. But it was his overall performance, and understanding with strike-partner Jemson, that caught the eye. His busy, tricky style was a constant source of trouble to the Rangers central defenders and in the first half both Steve Morrow and Danny Maddix were cautioned for clumsy challenges on the little man. "I thought that was probably Lutel's best game for us," said Shakers boss Neil Warnock "He really played well off Nigel Jemson and both of them put in a lot of work, I couldn't have asked for more from them." It was the first time the home fans had witnessed the new 4-4-2 formation and they were treated to an impressive first period. The Rangers keeper had to be alert to take an early 20-yard snapshot from Jemson under his bar then he superbly palmed over Lennie Johnrose's bullet header from a Jemson cross. On the half-hour the Shakers goal led a charmed life when, in a rare Rangers raid, Chris Lucketti superbly blocked a Chris Plummer shot. Matthew Rose's follow-up effort ricocheted off the legs of Kiely for Kevin Gallen to stab home from close range, however with Gallen halfway back to the centre circle celebrating an assistant referee flagged for offside much to Bury's relief. Minutes later a flowing move involving James and Jemson down the right ended in Nick Daws racing in on goal but he overrun the ball allowing Plummer to clear then just before the break a fine cross by Billy from the goalline was met by Daws at the far post but Miklosko was equal to the effort. After the break it became evident just what a difference the blustery wind was making to the game and it was the turn of Rangers to pile on the pressure. The inevitable leveller arrived after 66 minutes when, from six yards, Dowie found the space to slide home a Gavin Peacock cross. But far from giving the West London side a boost it was the Shakers who 'upped the ante' from then on. In a concerted period of pressure Maddix almost headed Andy Woodward's free-kick into his own goal then 11 minutes from time James had a superb chance to grab a second goal but his close range shot somehow cannoned off Miklosko's legs to safety. It was the Shakers who looked the more disappointed to hear the final whistle as Warnock explained: "When they equalised I think everyone thought they'd go on to dominate but we showed a lot of character to come back and at the end Gerry (Francis) was the more relieved manager. "I thought it was a cracking game though, the first half was definitely ours but we couldn't get the second goal despite having some good chances. "We knew Rangers would get back into it some time and they threw caution to the wind in the second half. "They are the in-form team in our division and that will give us a lot of confidence." he added. In the eyes of QPR boss Francis a draw was a fair result: "It was a real game of two halves," he said. "Bury have a very good home record so we knew we were going to be in for a tough match. "Once we pulled level I thought there was only one team going to win it but we took our foot off the throttle, but all in all it was a deserved result for both teams |
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Sunday, 17 January 1999 |
| GO WEST - Golden Boy Blasts Back - Saturdays Pink Courtesy Of Michael Waring: Dean West's injury nightmare looks like having a happy ending. The 26 year old defender's successful rehabilitation following a series of problems could be the difference between Bury surviving in the first division for another season. West, who has been in the fast lane to recovery since the boxing day defeat at Crewe, put in a man of the match performance at Huddersfield on Saturday when he scored with a spectacular 30 yard drive in the 2-2 draw. "I may be 26 but I only feel 24," he said. "I've missed the best part of two years because of injury and I aim to make up for lost time. "I'm getting stronger and stronger and there is still more to come. "Playing as a wide midfielder like I did at Huddersfield was a return to my roots. I thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly the goal. I think the last time I scored Bury were in the second Division." West is one of Bury's all-time bargains having come to Gigg Lane in the swap deal that took Kevin Hulme to Lincoln. He quickly became rated in the £1m bracket after being converted into a flying wing back in the two promotion winning sides under Stan Ternent. He has to prove himself over again to new chief Neil Warnock but now seems certain of an extended first team run. "We are delighted that Dean has come back like he has and that goal should have given his confidence a massive boost," said club skipper Chris Lucketti. "I could have done with a goal like that - it was a real beauty." West's route to fitness began in the sunshine of the Caribbean, where, despite being the number one target for the island's mosquitoes, he played a full 90 minutes in the 2-0 win. "I like the new midfield role, it means I can get forward more, get in the box more, and score more goals," he said. "The fans have been great to me and all the players were delighted that they were right behind the team at Huddersfield last Saturday. "The fact that we came from behind to draw the game, especially against a side that had lost only once at home this season, ought to give us the confidence to go forward and build." |
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Saturday, 16 January 1999 |
| Point Satisfies Warnock - Sporting Life: Bury manager Neil Warnock is still looking for a first win in seven matches but was pleased with the Shakers' return from their 1-1 Division One draw at home to Queens Park Rangers today. "I thought it was a cracking game, and Gerry Francis said to me at the end that it was just like old times, because we had some great clashes when he was at Bristol Rovers and I was at Notts County," said Warnock. "I think he was quite surprised because we had changed our system. But we couldn't get a second goal even though we had some good chances. "We knew Rangers would get back in it at some stage after Lutel James had given us the lead, and they certainly threw caution to the wind in the second half. "When they equalised I think everyone thought they would go on and dominate, but we gritted our teeth and finished strongly." Rangers boss Francis reckoned the result was a fair one after a match that saw each team dominate, the hosts before the break and his men afterwards. "We knew we were going to be in for a tough match and in the first half we didn't handle it too well," said Francis. "I made that plain at half-time, but then in the 30 minutes up until we scored we played really well and deserved to get the equaliser. "We passed the ball well using the width of the pitch, and it seemed a matter of time before we added to our tally. "But we took our foot off the throttle in the last few minutes, and all in all it was a deserved result for both teams." QPR Teamtalk Web Site : Karl Ready will miss Saturday's match against Bury at Gigg Lane because of suspension. The QPR captain has been ruled out of the game and that is a major blow for the R's. Manager Gerry Francis said: "Losing Karl is a real shame, especially as Bury are a big side and we could have done with his height at the back." Mike Sheron has also failed a late fitness test and will not be fit enough to play. He is still suffering from a hamstring injury. Francis has decided to add young defender Chris Plummer to the squad, and also brings in winger Richard Graham and Tony Scully. Paul Murray is also expected to be back after recovering from flu. Francis has warned his players not to underestimate Bury. Rangers go into the match on a high, after a superb performance against First Division title favourites Sunderland last week. But Francis says Bury will be no pushovers. "This is a very big game for us because we still need the points, despite our good run," he said. "We have to be very careful because Bury have one of the best home records in the division. They have already won seven times at home, and that is certainly more than us. It is not going to be an easy game because they are a big, physical side and we will have to be at our very best to get a result there. "Having said that, we are going for three points and victory is what we are aiming for." Sporting Life Web Site: Bury are hoping to have Adrian Littlejohn and Steve Redmond back in action. Littlejohn has a thigh strain while Redmond has been out for the last month due to a hamstring problem. Tony Ellis (hamstring) is rated very doubtful. QPR's Welsh international defender Karl Ready is serving a suspension and striker Mike Sheron is sidelined through injury. Manager Gerry Francis has added Chris Plummer, Richard Graham and Tony Scully to his squad. Butler Says Yes To Ireland Chance - Daily Mirror: THE REPUBLIC of Ireland have unearthed a jolly green giant to boost their chances of qualifying for Euro 2000. Sunderland's towering defender Paul Butler, born in Failworth on the outskirts of Manchester, yesterday decided his international future lies with Mick McCarthy's team. It was a major blow to Wales coach Bobby Gould, who has also chased Butler since learning he had a Welsh grandparent. Butler phoned Gould yesterday with the verdict and admitted: "It was the toughest decision I've had to make in football." The 26-year-old is eligible for an Irish passport because he's been married to County KILDARE-BORN wife Caroline for more than three years. Now he hopes the paperwork can be completed in time for him to be available for the Republic's qualifier against Macedonia on March 27. Butler, a regular visitor to his wife's hometown of Athey, said: "It's an exciting prospect. I've thanked Bobby Gould for his interest and told him there was hardly anything in it. "I've thought it over for a week and eventually chose Ireland because I've been pushing for the passport for a year. "They're the country I went for in the first place and it just felt right. Caroline did not try to influence me - the decision was entirely down to me." Butler was told three years that he might qualify for three countries - England, Wales and the Republic. "However, I was playing for Rochdale at the time, so I never dreamed anything would happen," he said. Butler's priority at the moment is tomorrow's televised game against promotion rivals Ipswich at the Stadium of Light. And it brings him up against his former Bury team-mate David Johnson - and Butler knows all about the striker's reputation as a "diver". "Yes, he does have a reputation for earning penalties, so I'll have a little chat with him before the game," said Butler. "David has a tendency to go down, but he earned enough penalties for us at Bury, so I can't complain. You can't afford to touch him because he's so quick, but he's a also powerfully built. He will be a real danger." Ipswich have struggled recently, and their promotion hopes were dented last weekend when they were surprisingly beaten 1-0 at home by Grimsby. But Sunderland boss Peter Reid said: "George Burley has done a fantastic job at Ipswich when you consider his resources. They play the type of football I enjoy and I think it will be a good match." |
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Friday, 15 January 1999 |
| Rigby on way back - Bury Times: FANS' favourite Tony Rigby is just two games away from a return to Division One action The midfield marvel completed a full 90 minutes for the reserve team in midweek following a second hernia operation and a heavy bout of flu. Boss Neil Warnock is delighted with Tigger's progress and gave fans the news they have been waiting for when he revealed the 26-year-old was almost ready for his comeback. "Tony is making tremendous strides and is probably only two or three games away now," he said. "We can't wait to have him available again because he gives us a few more options out on the pitch." Warnock is ready to stick with a winning formula at home to Queens Park Rangers tomorrow (Saturday). The Shakers chief has confirmed he will continue with the 4-4-2 formation which proved so effective in the 2-2 draw at Huddersfield last weekend and looks certain to keep faith with the same starting 11. That means there is no place in the team for John Foster, Steve Redmond or Adrian Littlejohn who all require another outing in the reserves to regain match fitness. It will, however, mean another start for Nigel Jemson, so warmly praised by Warnock after his performance at the McAlpine. "Nigel's contribution was very good. We will have to see if he can keep it up now," he added. "We all know what is in store against QPR. They have tightened up a lot since Gerry Francis arrived there. They have so much quality, it just needed bringing out of them. They are the form team at the moment and almost picked up three points against Sunderland last week. "Our scouts' reports suggest we will have to be on our best behaviour. We have been sharp all week and I won't be changing things for the sake of it. We have just done a bit of fine tuning. If I get the same effort from the lads as last week there will be no complaints from me." QPR are just one point ahead of the Shakers in the league table, having played the same number of games. And the Shakers have nothing to fear as their recent record against the Loftus Road side suggests. Last season, under Stan Ternent, they fought out a 1-1 draw at Gigg Lane before a superb 1-0 away win secured their Division One survival on the last day of the season. They have already held on for a goalless draw at QPR this season and will be targeting all three points tomorrow ahead of a two-week break. "The lads are looking forward to the free weekend and it would be great if we could land a win to set us up for the last 18 games of the season," added Warnock. "There is no reason why we can't do it. Since half-time in the Stockport FA Cup match I think we have done really well. It is up to us to continue performing better so we don't get the Critical few on our backs straight away. Shakers draw Terriers teeth - Bury Times: AS I left the Alfred McAlpine Stadium on Saturday night, I overheard two Huddersfield supporters picking the bones of this 2-2 thriller. "That feels like a defeat," whined one of the Yorkshiremen, his sombre pal nodding in agreement. There is no doubt it was the opposite emotion for each of the 553 Shakers supporters who were making their way back over the Pennines. After the desperate results of recent weeks, this gutsy, late double comeback felt every bit like that elusive first away victory of the campaign. It wasn't, but it felt like it. There was a feeling that the ghost of Stockport County could well be exorcised from the opening few minutes as the new-look Shakers surprisingly took the game to the promotion chasers. With a new 4-4-2 formation and the added bonus of a rejuvenated Nigel Jemson making his first start of the season, there was a fresher look to the Bury team. It was, therefore, a cruel blow when Wayne Allison fired the Terriers infront on 32 minutes, blasting a loose ball past Dean Kiely after Marcus Stewart had got the better of Chris Lucketti. Minutes earlier, Bury had created their best chance of the half when a precision cross from Paul Williams out on the left flank landed inches too long for Jemson at the far post. Kiely had to be at his best to deny Sean Hessey on the half hour, palming his effort over the bar for a corner, to keep the Shakers in the hunt at the break. Chances were few and far between in the opening exchanges of the second half with Bury enjoying the best scoring opportunity. Jemson, whose link play was a joy to watch, fed a perfect through-ball for the charging Chris Billy, but the former Terrier blasted over the bar under pressure. It was back to the future on 62 minutes as Tony Ellis was introduced to the fray, linking up with his old strike partner Jemson in the Shakers attack. With Laurent D'Jaffo in plaster and Adrian Littlejohn a late withdrawal with a thigh injury, the veteran duo, both on the transfer list, had the chance to prove a point. And they did not waste it. As time ticked away, Allison's goal was looking a certainty to secure all three points, 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, along with his teammates, with his first goal in more than two years, unleashing a stunning shot from 25 yards which flew in off the left hand post. In similar circumstances to the 3-3 thriller with Sheffield last month, 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 Lucketti and Chris Swailes at the opposite end; as Stewart attempted to bring the ball on to his favoured left foot he was dispossessed by Andy Woodward but Grant Johnson had followed up to mop up the loose ball and blasted past 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's cross. With six minutes still remaining, there was still time for yet another twist, but the drained supporters - and players - had seen the last of the action. As goal hero West was quick to point out after the game: "That's a great result, but it means nothing unless we build on it against QPR next weekend." Let's hope all the players remember that come 3pm Saturday. New formation suits me - Dean West - Bury Times: YOU need a good memory to recall the last time Dean West found the net for the Shakers prior to Saturday's 2-2 draw at Huddersfield. It was way back on November 9, 1996, a day when he, ironically, scored twice in a 4-1 victory. West himself needs no reminding of it. "It was a Division Two game against York, the year we won the championship," he said. "That's more than two years ago!" It was, therefore, somewhat fitting that his first goal in 26 months should be a long range classic. His stunning 81st minute equaliser at the McAlpine Stadium was the crucial moment of a match which was beginning to drift away from the Shakers. With all three points heading towards the Terriers' promotion campaign, up stepped West to crown his successful comeback from a 14 month injury nightmare. "It's taken me a while to get back into it, but I'm back and I'm playing," beamed the Yorkshiremen, who has been plagued by hernia trouble. "I was tiring a little bit towards the end of the game but the goal gave me all the energy I needed to finish the match." West admits the Shakers should never have allowed themselves to fall 2-1 behind within a minute of drawing level, but paid tribute to his teammates for keeping their heads up and fighting back a second time. "Once we are back in the game we should be tighter and kill the game off. When they came back so soon it could have destroyed us, but we got back into it," he said. "We deserved something from the game. We had all the play in the first 15 minutes, although it evened itself out for the rest of the half. "Huddersfield are a good side and a draw feels like a victory for us after twice coming from behind. The Bury fans were great too. We heard them cheering us on all through the game. The result, however, will mean nothing unless we build on it against QPR on Saturday." Bury's change in form at Huddersfield has largely been put down to a change in formation, with manager Neil Warnock switching to 4-4-2 instead of his favoured five at the back. West explains: "We went to 4-4-2 in the second half of the Stockport FA Cup match and didn't concede any more goals. The change of formation definitely helped us to get a result at Huddersfield. "It also enabled me to get forward more in a midfield role - back where I started." And of the future he adds: "I have just turned 26, but I'm 24 really because of the injury lay-off. There is still more to come from me. I feel as well as I have for a long time." Influential sixties skipper dies - Bury Times: ONE of the longest serving players in the history of Bury FC, Brian Turner, died of a heart attack on Tuesday, aged 62. Salford-born Turner played for Lancashire Schoolboys and Bury Amateurs before joining the Shakers as an apprentice in 1954. A forward when he signed full professional forms in February 1957, following National Service he was converted to a wing half to great effect. He went on to make 451 league appearances for the club over a 13 year period, the third best in the club's history behind Norman Bullock (506) and Wally Amos (456). An influential skipper on the field he was an inspiration to many of the talented youngsters who made their mark in the sixties and he was one of the few Bury players to have tasted two promotion successes (1960/61 and 1967/68) before the club's recent exploits under Stan Ternent. His Gigg Lane career ended in 1970 when he was given a free transfer before playing for a season at Oldham Athletic who gained promotion from Division Four that year. He ended his soccer-playing career in the non-league with Droylsden before running the Rosamar restaurant on Princess Parade, Bury for many years. A keen member of Bury Golf Club for 22 years he married for the second time in March last year and moved to the Southport area. Tragically he is the second of the successful 1961 Third Division championship squad to pass away in the last three weeks following his good friend John McGrath's death on Christmas Day. He leaves a widow, Barbara, and three children from his first marriage, Patricia, Andrew and Nicola. A funeral service will take place at Bury Parish Church on Monday, January 25 at 2.30pm followed by commital at Rochdale Crematorium at 3.40pm. Football hooligans arrested - Bury Times: SIX Bury football fans suspected of being among a group of hooligans who rampaged through Bury in October have been arrested in a major police operation. And this latest swoop brings the total number arrested to 16. In December officers arrested ten Stockport county fans following the 1-1 draw between the Shakers and County on October 17. On Sunday Bury police's football intelligence unit arrested a further six offenders. The "supporters" were identified from CCTV footage taken during the disturbances in the town centre. Officers said the help of town centre licensees and Mill Gate was invaluable in catching the alleged offenders. Around 30 Stockport and Bury fans were involved in fighting outside the Old White Lion pub in Bolton Street, which saw a sandwich board thrown through the pub window causing customers to dive for cover. At the time the incident was cited by the Home Office as an example of major football-related disorder. All of those arrested have been charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder and committing violent disorder. They will appear before magistrates in March Bury Duo Target Return - Nationwide Web Site: Bury are hoping to have Adrian Littlejohn and Steve Redmond back in action as they welcome QPR to Gigg Lane. Littlejohn missed the impressive 2-2 draw at Huddersfield on Saturday with a thigh strain, while Redmond has been out for the last month due to a hamstring problem. Tony Ellis (hamstring) is rated very doubtful by manager Neil Warnock and top-scorer Laurent D'Jaffo will be out for around six weeks with an ankle problem. |
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Thursday, 14 January 1999 |
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James Bentley, a user of this site, has an Ex-Shaker for an Uncle. Brian Williams (The youngest ever player to play for Bury) kindly agreed to an interview (ish) from me via James. Until I can get some more interviews done with Old Bury Players, I have decided to put the interview here for now. Name: Brian Williams Current Age: 43 Are you still involved in football, and if so, where? Football in the Community officer with Hereford United FC. Date signed for Bury FC: April 1971. Signed from & Transfer Fee Involved: Joined from School and no fee involved. Date Left Bury: June 1977. Which Club did you leave Bury for, and transfer fee involved: Joined QPR for £70,000, a record outgoing fee at the time. How many games did you play for Bury: Approx 150 How many goals scored for Bury: Approx 20. Why did you leave Bury: To further my career. If someone gives you the chance to play in the first division (as it was) and in the same team as people like Gerry Francis, you take it, don't you. Total Career League/Cup Appearances: 591 Total Career League/Cup Goals: 53 Other Clubs played for: QPR, Swindon, Bristol Rovers, Bristol City & Shrewsbury Town. Best times at Bury: My first year as a professional, 1974 promotion Worst time at Bury: Leeds defeat at Bury, Scored 1, had 1 cleared of the line (but I swear it was in). Managers played under at Bury: Tom McAnearney, Alan Brown & Bob Smith Best player in the squad whilst you were at Bury: John Connelly (better than Pele). Do you still see/speak to other players from your time at Bury: Unfortunately not. Do you still watch Bury: Very occasionally when I am in the area, as I have family who all support the club, (i.e. my dad and two uncles Gordon's (Not me)) and also when they play at Wolves (I played with Keith Curle at Bristol City and he gets me tickets). What do you think of the current Manager and Team: I don't like the manager, and the way he does the team down, but I do think it was fantastic the way the team adapted to First Division football after a very quick rise. If you know of any Ex-Shakers, ask him these questions and mail them to me, If I get enough I will create a new page for the site. Fridays Bury Times contained a number of Letters from supporters who felt the need to express their views. All are shown here. Supporters ought to be ashamed of themselves - Me: 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. Where are all the Away Fans? - John Parker - Main Stand: |