Posted on 28th October 2022
The two organisations that represent and work on behalf of football supporters at European level have begun working together this week following an agreement to merge earlier this summer.
FSA statement: Bury merger
Tonight the results of the vote at a special general meeting on the merger at Bury have been published and the FSA, as an advisor organisation to all parties, has issued the following statement:
The FSA has been clear in its belief that the best option for the return of professional football to the town of Bury was the amalgamation of Bury Football Club Supporters’ Society (BFCSS) and Shakers Community Society (SCS & Bury AFC).
The announcement of the results shows that the majority of fans share that view.
Unfortunately, in the case of BFCSS, the percentage required by law to approve it (66%) has not been reached.
Shakers Community Society
Number of members eligible to vote: 1,329
Votes for amalgamation: 1,003 (94%)
Votes against amalgamation: 66 with 20 abstentions (6%)
BFCSS
Number of members eligible to vote: 1,020
Votes for amalgamation: 485 (62.9%)
Votes against amalgamation: 286 (37.1%)
With 2,349 members eligible to vote a total of 1,841 members took the opportunity to express their view with 1,488 members voting in favour of amalgamation.
The number of Bury fans taking part in the vote demonstrates the level of engagement with the process and shows how much Bury supporters care about the future of football in the town.
The supporters of Bury AFC have a football club which they have worked hard to build and can continue to support. BFCSS have offered assurances that they have a viable alternative plan, it is now their responsibility to share that plan with members and funders.
The FSA continues to encourage both societies to explore ways of working together for the future benefit of football in the town.
