A Bury FC fan known for drumming up an atmosphere more than a decade ago will be bringing his instrument back to Gigg Lane tonight, Tuesday, to help inspire his beloved side in a crucial match.

The Shakers take on Charnock Richard in a play-off semi-final as they fight to get promoted from the North West Counties Premier Division.

Shakers supporter Sanny Rudravajhala, who is a broadcaster for a number of media outlets including the BBC, bought a drum on eBay for £20 back in 2007 and took it with him to home and away games.

But the following year, the drum was banned during an FA Cup match at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium after officials ruled that no musical instruments would be allowed at the ground.

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This caused more than 460 Bury fans to sign an online petition demanding the decision to be overturned.

However, now the drum will be making a final appearance at Gigg Lane before Sanny passes it on to the next generation.

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He said: “It feels like the right time for one final go.

"For one, especially as a broadcaster, damaging my ears is the very last thing I should be doing!

“But when we were expelled from the EFL in 2019, I decided I wouldn’t bring the drum again until we were back at Gigg Lane as Bury FC.

I’ve had two kids since then and getting them to games is hard enough let alone with a massive bass drum!”

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The drum was bought mostly for away games and has drummed Bury through promotion at Chesterfield, seen the freezing terrace at Accrington Stanley a few times and has had Bury’s Ryan Lowe nearly smash it to near bits.

Sanny added: “I’ve been told to shove it from Wrexham to Rochdale and had stick from pretty much everyone. It’s time to let someone else take it on, if they like.

“The fans have a great group of noisy and colourful supporters - the ‘White and Blue Army’.

"I’m not actually sure they need it but it’s a piece of our history now and was part of an exhibition on Bury when were in the wilderness and without a team to support.

“Hopefully we can beat Charnock Richard, win promotion and it’ll go out with a bang!”