Bury hit the downward spiral


By Nathan Jackson
June 4 2005

After a good start to the season, Bury eventually wilted and only 6 wins in their final 12 games saved them from a possible relegation. The only former FA Cup winners in League 2 were disappointed with their season that almost completely fell apart after the sale of Dave Nugent.

Team Manager : Graham Barrow

Average Crowd : 3,032 (Highest : 7575, Lowest : 1,866)

Season Review: Bury started the season as a few people's dark horse for the playoffs and after beating Yeovil on the first day, they looked like possible promotion contenders but soon slipped down the table, winning just 2 of their next 9 games and although those two wins were 4-0 and 3-0, a 5-1 hammering at Grimsby proved their frailties. Their foruntes turned for a brief time with 7 points from 3 games but then, only 3 wins between October and March looked like pushing them into the conference but the hit some form at the right time, winning 6 of their last 12 games.

Biggest Wins : Kidderminster (4-0)

Biggest Defeats : Grimsby Town (5-1)

Top Goalscorer : Dave Nugent (13)

Turning Point of the Season - Let's just put it this way, it was no coincedence the goals dried up after Nugent was sold to Preston.

Next Season? : If they can find a replacement for Nugent then you never know. I always through of Bury as one of the quieter teams who always sneak up and you only notice them when it's too late. A safe midtable place at minimum but I tip them for a promotion push.

Interview with the Bury fan

Name : Anthony Berry

In one sentence not exceeding 10 words, describe your season : Massive letdown - i expected a push for the playoffs

Was your season a success or a disappointment? Disappointment. Season was over as early as December

Your Player of the Season : Dwayne Mattis was fairly consistent all year

Best performance of the season : Yeovil at home (won 3-1). First game of season & we tore them apart

Worst performance of the season : Rushden away (lost 3-0). No effort at all from Bury

From what you've seen of the 4 promoted sides, do you feel that they all deserved promotion? Southend looked a class side in both our games against them (we lost both) & deserved it. Swansea didn't look any better than us (Bury won 3-1 away & lost 1-0 at home) & could easily have been a mid-table side. After our first game against Yeovil i'd have said they didn't deserve promotion, although they looked a good side in the 2nd game. Scunthorpe were impressive in both games. I think they deserved it.

From what you saw of the 2 relegated sides, do you feel that they deserved relegation? Definitely. They were both poor in all 4 games & Kidderminster were the worst side i've seen at Gigg Lane for years (we won 4-0)

Best Opposition : Southend

Best Opposition Player : Andy Kirk looked good for Boston

Least Favourite Opposition Player : Matt Tipton - hate the bloke with a passion.

Least Favourite Opposition Manager : Wasn't too fond of Kenny Jackett at Swansea

Finally, how do you believe you will do in 2005/6? I'm expecting a top half finish.

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