By Paul Holland
July 2 2002

Bury FC have received written confirmation that Manchester United reserves will no longer be playing at Gigg Lane. One of the Shakers joint chairmen, John Smith went on to say that this decision will decision will cost the Third Division club around £35,000 per term. "We had heard verbally United might not be coming back, but now we’ve had a letter confirming it," said Smith. £35,000 is a tidy sum to find for a club like ours."

It is thought the threadbare condition of Bury’s pitch last season, caused by overuse, was a contributory factor in United’s decision. Ironically, club officials have worked tirelessly throughout the summer to restore the once-immaculate surface to its former glory.

And the departure of Swinton Lions rugby league club means fewer matches being played at the ground. Manchester United director of communications Paddy Harverson said: "From next season we have decided to play our reserve games at Altrincham’s Moss Lane ground. The state of the Bury pitch was a problem for us.

"We played some matches at Altrincham last season that went well. We had good crowds there and the ground is also nearer to our training complex. Altrincham did well for us and we felt Moss Lane was better suited to our needs."