BURY AFC say they are waiting to find out the impact the premature end of the non-league season will have on their application to play in the North West Counties League.

The Shakers phoenix club were hoping to take their place in the ninth or 10th tier of the football pyramid next season.

But how football will look in the months to come is far from clear due to the coronavirus pandemic, steps three to seven having their campaigns ended and declared null and void last week.

It has caused outrage - with some clubs being denied promotion - and for the ‘new’ Bury it also leaves plenty of questions.

The group behind the club are however carrying on with their plans, the next stage of their development including fans having the chance to buy voting shares, board elections and the search for the team’s first manager.

“There could be changes made to the new league structure proposed for the 2020/21 season,” a Bury AFC statement read.  

“This obviously raises questions about when the new season will start and with so many clubs struggling to survive, how this might impact on our league placing following our application submitted back in December 2019.

“We can confirm that we are in regular dialogue with the Football Association, Football Supporters’ Association and the Manchester Football Association and as soon as we have definitive answers, we will confirm through our various channels.

“Both the FA and the league have been helpful, positive and ready to welcome Bury AFC in every meeting to date, and we believe that our significant fanbase can bring much-needed revenue to clubs in non-league football.

“We will be ready to go whether the season starts in August or later.”

News of the abrupt end of the non-league season came in the week that a consortium’s deal for a solvent takeover of Bury FC from owner Steve Dale fell through.

“We have had regular dialogue with the bidders throughout this period, offering assistance where it was felt it could be needed and letting their process take its course while continuing to work on the details of our plans in the background,” Bury AFC said.

“We wish to place on record our thanks for the hard work, hours of meetings and dedication that this consortium put into their effort to attempt to purchase Bury Football Club.

“Whilst football in 2020 remains up in the air, this will not stop us from getting a team on the pitch for the 2020/21 season, representing the town of Bury.”