Bury FC news: EFL hand League One club extension in bid to sell club and secure future

The Shakers were set to be expelled from the Football League after Friday's deadline, but owner Steve Dale now looks primed to sell the club

Bury have been handed a reprieve by the EFL (PA)

Bury have been handed an extension by the Football League as they bid to sell the club after a meeting with the EFL board this morning.

The Shakers were set to be expelled from the EFL after failing to prove their financial viability, but have now been given time until Tuesday 27th August at 5pm to complete a takeover.

But they have now been granted a reprieve beyond Friday’s deadline, with a statement from the EFL confirming an offer has been accepted and they will now work with the club and owner Steve Dale to ensure the conclusion of the sale to bidders Rory Campbell and Henry Newman’s C&N Sporting Risk.

A statement read: “The EFL Board met this morning in regard to Bury FC.

“Shortly before Friday’s 11.59pm Notice of Withdrawal deadline, the EFL received notification that an offer for the Club had been accepted and a request was submitted to extend for a further period in order to successfully conclude a sale.

Bury fans protest (PA)

“The Board has fully considered the information that has been made available by C&N Sporting Risk and whilst no formal sale has been completed, despite reports to the contrary, enough credible information was presented to allow the Board to agree to work exclusively with the Club and C&N Sporting Risk over this Bank Holiday weekend in an attempt to finalise the change of control and achieve a positive outcome for Bury FC.

“The EFL Board, however, remains firmly of the view that the League cannot be in a position whereby any more of the Club’s 2019/20 fixtures will be suspended due to the integrity of the competition, the impact on other clubs in the League and therefore has stated that matters must be concluded by 5pm on Tuesday 27 August 2019.

(EPA)

“If in the event a successful outcome is not achieved by this point, then Bury FC’s share in the EFL will be withdrawn and its membership in the League will come to an end.

“Executive Chair Debbie Jevans, CBE, said: “The Board has considered the evidence presented and has determined, in a final effort to allow the Club the opportunity to survive, to grant an extension and work exclusively with the Club and C&N Sporting Risk to see if a takeover is possible.

“No one wants to see a Club lose its place in the League and we will now work with the potential purchasers over the weekend and ahead of the Tuesday deadline in an attempt to find the solutions required for a sale to take place.