Bury Football Club will be kicking off at Gigg Lane next season after receiving backing from the Football Association (FA).

The FA has confirmed that the name Bury Football Club can be used in competitions, and a squad is ready to start the 2023/24 season in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division.

The move follows a vote by borough fan groups Bury FC Supporters Society (BFCSS) and Bury AFC’s Shaker’s Community Society, who voted overwhelmingly in favour of merging together.

The referendum was the second attempt that the groups made to amalgamate as part of an ongoing effort to restore professional men’s football to Gigg Lane, the former home of Bury FC following the expulsion of the historic club from the English Football League in 2019 after ongoing financial issues.

Chairman of Bury AFC,  Phil Young, said he hopes to have season tickets online and available to buy this week.

He said: “I’m so relieved, be we were fairly confident that it wasn't going to be a problem.

“We have so much content to get out to people, season tickets to sell all this sort of stuff that has been pent up waiting for official confirmation that the name had been changed.

“It just puts all the wheels in motion and gets rid of any uncertainty,  there's just tonnes of stuff that we're that we need to get out to people now.”

The club will use its full name, Bury Football Club, and the abbreviated Bury FC where appropriate.

The North West Counties Football League will simply show "Bury" in all fixture lists and league tables, in accordance with their convention.

Phill added that ticket sales will be online but anyone who makes a purchase in June will also receive a card ticket.

The council also welcomed the FA's decision.

Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills at the council, said: “This is great news, and a historic moment in the story of Bury FC as the football club comes back to its spiritual home.

"I’m delighted the FA have confirmed that the name Bury FC can be used too.

“This is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, including the fans and supporters societies, and the council remains committed to working with all parties to ensure Bury FC has a glorious future.”

Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills at the council, added: “This is great news, and a historic moment in the story of Bury FC as the football club comes back to its spiritual home.

"I’m delighted the FA have confirmed that the name Bury FC can be used too.

“This is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, including the fans and supporters societies, and the council remains committed to working with all parties to ensure Bury FC has a glorious future.”

Bury North MP James Daly added: “I said when I got elected that I would do what was necessary to have Bury FC back at Gigg Lane and we've done that.

“This is absolutely brilliant news for our town and I am overjoyed with everyone who has kept football alive in Bury.

“Well done to every single person that has worked so hard to keep that dream alive."

A BFCSS spokesperson added: “We want to thank all the people and organisations that have made this possible and who continue to support us on and off the pitch.

“Please join us on our adventure and become a member to help fund the club and allow you a say on how it is run. Everyone is welcome to join us on our wonderful journey.

“Up the Shakers and see you in July!”