Preview: Bury FC (A)

    We begin our pre-season schedule for 25/26 on Saturday with a trip to face Bury FC at Gigg Lane.

    Calum McIntyre’s side return to action after just 54 days away, a two-month period that has been used to retain and refresh the squad.

    Five new additions have arrived in CH1, including Tom Leak, James Jones and Dion Kelly-Evans in defensive areas.

    Fin Shrimpton has added depth and energy in midfield, while Offrande Zanzala bolsters the attacking unit.

    The Opposition

    The Shakers have been a club on an upward trajectory over the past few years, after financial problems led to expulsion from the EFL in 2019 and a drop to the ninth tier.

    Bury achieved promotion in impressive fashion last term, gaining 109 points to defy their closest challengers in the form of Lower Breck, who also broke the 100 point barrier.

    They now enter the NPL Division One West for the 25/26 campaign, a league that features the likes of Runcorn Linnets and Vauxhall Motors.

    Despite their step five status, the club averaged a phenomenal attendance of 3,315 last season, with a crowd of 8,719 packed in for their final fixture of the campaign against Burscough.

    The Gaffer

    Dave McNabb has been in the dugout at Gigg Lane since September 2023 and led the club to last season’s sensational title win.

    The gaffer brought plenty of managerial experience with him to Greater Manchester, with his most recent stint being a six-month stretch at NPL Premier Division outfit Bootle.

    McNabb’s early coaching outings came in the youth setup at St Helens Town before a move to the reserve manager position at Rainhill Town.

    A title came as joint-manager with Warrington Rylands in the NWCFL Division One South during the 2018/19 campaign before leading the club to further success and a place in the NPL Premier Division for the 2022/23 season.

    A short stint with Macclesfield followed when McNabb replaced Danny Whittaker before he took up the post at Bootle.

    Ticket Details

    Click here to purchase tickets for this fixture.

    Chester FC fans have been allocated seats in the Cemetery end for the game.

    PRICES

    Adult – £8

    Under 18s – £3

    Under 5s – Free

    Please note that an additional fee will be required when purchasing.