Missing Teams

It is normally about the end of September when I look through the manifold leagues that I keep on spreadsheets to try and find the first club to disappear. This year has seen a very high profile club, Bury, disappear from League One. The main advantage of this is that when I search for "Bury" I do not have to go via "Shrewsbury", "Sudbury", "Tilbury" and "Banbury" among others.

The football league issued the following statement about the situation at Bury:

In response to recent commentary about the future of Bury FC, the EFL Board would like to provide clarification on a number of relevant points and address suggestions that the Club should be admitted to EFL League Two for the 2020-21 season.

• The EFL Board reached the decision to withdraw Bury FC’s membership in accordance with the Articles of Association as adopted by the EFL and all member clubs. With regret, this action was taken in the absence of evidence of Bury FC’s ability to meet its financial commitments, whether by the current ownership or any other credible buyer for the Club. Withdrawal of membership was a consequence of severe financial problems at Bury FC over an extended period of time, which had recently led to an insolvency event and a 12-point deduction.

• The Board recognises the efforts being made by supporters’ groups, local authorities and political leaders and their desire for Bury FC to re-enter the EFL from the 2020-21 season. However, the only established procedure for entry to the EFL is through promotion from the National League as part of the wider football pyramid. There is no precedent for a Club to enter the EFL directly through an application for admission or readmission following withdrawal of membership.

• In the current circumstances, the process by which a former EFL Club would obtain re-entry to the league system in England is via an application to the Football Association. On consideration of that application, the FA would determine the appropriate League for entry, subject to them meeting the relevant entry requirements of that League.

• Notwithstanding the above, and in acknowledgement of the extreme nature of the problems at Bury FC, the EFL Board had agreed it is appropriate to discuss the matter with member Clubs. This is a complex situation that raises questions of due process, precedent and fairness as well as financial implications. The EFL will consult with its Clubs over the coming weeks.

• Prior to formal consideration by any league competition of an eventual application from Bury FC to return to league football, clear evidence would be required of the Club’s financial viability and its ability to fulfil its ongoing commitments. 

The EFL hopes that this statement provides clarity for the current efforts being made on behalf of Bury FC.

I have read somewhere that when other football league clubs were contacted the end result is that Bury will not be allowed back into League Two at the start of next season. They will be treated like a new club and be placed according to their resources and club facilities. It is no surprise that other league clubs wanted to deny Bury immediate re-entry. They all think of themselves and having a team capable of challenging them is not something they want. It is also a warning to all other clubs that try to live beyond their means that this will not be tolerated.

So ... depending on the generosity of the Football Association look towards the Northern Premier League or even the North West Counties League for the resurrection of Bury football club.

I have so far not found any other missing clubs which is good for this time of year.