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Bury AFC appoint ex-Premier League player as first ever manager

Bury AFC have chosen to appoint an ex-Premier League player as their first ever manager, ahead of their debut season as a new club.

It comes just weeks after they were accepted into the North West Counties League Division One North for the 2020–21 campaign.

The club is set to play home games at Stainton Park after agreeing a groundshare with Radcliffe. The ground has a capacity of 4,000 with 350 seats. They hope that one day, they can return to Gigg Lane.

Bury AFC’s statement via their website, read: “We are delighted to announce Andy Welsh as the first Bury AFC First Team Manager.

“Manchester-born Andy was selected from approximately 750 applicants for the position, impressing the Bury AFC board on interview with his drive to succeed and ability to work within the framework of our fan-owned & community-led club.

“A left-footed midfielder during his 15-year playing career, his +300 appearances were gained across the footballing spectrum. Spells in the Premier League for Sunderland, competing in the MLS for Toronto, as well as a number of English Football League clubs before finishing his playing career in the non-league in 2017.

“Picking up coaching experience from 2014, Andy’s first step into management was at Ossett Albion in 2017, a role which he combined with his running of a local football academy.

“During the summer of 2018, Ossett Albion joined forces with Ossett Town to form a new club – Ossett United. Andy was appointed the club’s first manager and proceeded to guide the team to a fifth-place finish in Step 4 of the National League System and securing the county cup against National League North, Guiseley AFC, in the process.

“During his spell in charge of Ossett United, Andy secured wins in 35 of his 73 games, the team having the second-best defensive record during the 2018-19 season.

“Andy’s performance in his previous roles, knowledge of players across the Manchester and surrounding areas, alongside skills in developing academy structures and players, enables us to make a significant step towards getting Bury AFC competing straight away when the season starts in the coming weeks but also with an eye to the future of developing all aspects of our club as we begin to grow.

“Chairman Chris Murray was thrilled to get the club’s first manager in place: “Andy was someone we saw in the role from the moment that we met him. His enthusiasm for football shone through. He comes with a great deal of experience having played at the highest level. We are looking forward to working with Andy and his team to create a team that the fans can be proud of.”

ANDY WELSH’S PLAYING CAREER:

2001–2004 – Stockport County – 85 games (3 goals)
2002 → Macclesfield Town (loan) – 6 games (2 goals)
2004–2007 – Sunderland – 25 games (2 goals)
2006 → Leicester City (loan) – 10 games (1 goal)
2006–2007 → Leicester City (loan) – 7 games (0 goals)
2007 – Toronto FC – 20 games (1 goal)
2007–2008 – Blackpool – 21 games (0 goals)
2008–2011 – Yeovil Town – 113 games (6 goals)
2011–2013 – Carlisle United – 33 games (0 goals)
2013–2014 – Scunthorpe United – 8 games (0 goals)
2014 – FC United of Manchester – 0 games (0 goals)
2014–2016 – Farsley AFC
2017 – Ossett Albion

WELSH’S MANAGERIAL CAREER:

2017 – Ossett Albion (player-coach)
2017–2018 – Ossett Albion (player-manager)
2018–2020 – Ossett United
2020– Bury AFC

Bury AFC recently unveiled a brand new crest voted by their fans, and it looks very similar to that of Bury FC.

The newest non league club said: “We asked the members of ‘Shakers Community’ to make the selection on the club’s new crest and we are proud to present the result on this vote below.

“The overwhelming feeling from the fanbase was to ensure that this crest reflects the town of Bury in line with those that came before.

“Designed by Bury fan, Nick Hunsley, the crest has been modernised to reflect our club as we head into the new era.

“The coat of arms retains references to the metalwork, textile and paper industries synonymous with the town in the form of the anvil, flying shuttle and papyrus plant.

“The top-right quarter now includes geographical reference to Peel Tower, adorned with two stars. The tower is a prominent monument which looks down on the town from the top of Holcombe Hill and was built as a memorial to Sir Robert Peel – creator of the modern police force and twice Prime Minister – who was born in the Bury in 1788.

“The crest retains the industrious bee between two branches of the cotton plant as well as referencing ‘2020’ as our inaugural entry into the league pyramid.

“Bury AFC is ‘By the Fans, For the Fans’. With respect to the level of dedicated effort from our supporters, volunteers and members in getting Bury AFC to where it is today, we will retain the town motto of ‘Hard Work Conquers All’.

“We hope you will feel the sense of pride in wearing the crest and representing our town.”

Bury said that they were pleased to announce that their application has been accepted by the FA and their place in Division 1 North of the North West Counties Football League for the 2020/21 season is confirmed.

They added: “The hard work from our initial group of volunteers and support from a 500-plus strong membership has enabled this to happen. We thank you for your contribution to date.

“We will now work with the league to be ready in time for the season starting in September. Keep yourself here for further announcements over the coming days & weeks!

“Bury AFC. By the Fans. For the Fans.”

Another new club, Isle of Man FC, will start in the equivalent Division One South.

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