Bury boss Andy Welsh excited for Bantams friendly

It promises to be an emotional occasion for the Shakers as they step out at Gigg Lane for the first time since being kicked out from League One in 2019.

And there is the added spice for former Premier League player Welsh of facing the club on his own doorstep.

Welsh, who took charge of the newly-formed Bury AFC three years ago, lives in Thornton and runs the Forza football academy in the city.

“I’ve been here 10 years now,” said the 40-year-old, who played for Sunderland during a career that also involved a stint in the MLS at Toronto.

“I moved over to Bradford when I was at Carlisle and just ended up staying.”

City chief executive Ryan Sparks was among the first to get in touch when Welsh took up the challenge of trying to restore a historic name that had been driven to oblivion by mismanagement.

“When we first started up three years ago, Ryan reached out to me and said they would be happy to support us if we needed anything.

“I always remembered that because he didn’t have to do it.

“With me living in Bradford, I know it’s a fantastic club - and I nearly signed for them under Phil Parkinson.

“I went over to Valley Parade and met with him but it didn’t quite work out.

“But living in the city, I know it’s a sleeping giant and my initial thought was the opening game back at Gigg should be Bradford City because they will travel with big support.

“I needed that favour calling in. I dropped Ryan a message after the play-off game and the rest is history.

“Phil Parkinson was trying to get Wrexham over but I thought, ‘no, we want Bradford City’. They have supported it so well.

“I’ve got a lot of friends coming to the game as well as the kids from the academy, who will be ball boys and girls. Just having that link makes me really excited for the weekend.”

Bury have not played at Gigg Lane since their 2019 expulsion (Image: Newsquest)

It has been a long time in the making.

Bury’s expulsion from the EFL caused shockwaves throughout the game and there were genuine fears that Gigg Lane would not see football again.

The reformed club have been ground-sharing with Radcliffe Borough - attracting crowds up to 1,600 in finishing joint-third in the North West Counties League last season.

Bury also reached the final qualifying round of the FA Cup, going down to York in front of almost 2,500, and the quarter-finals in the FA Vase.

Welsh said: “I remember tweeting about what was happening with Bury at the time and I had no affiliation with them at all. But it was an absolute disgrace.

“What didn’t help was that Covid then came into play and the club got forgotten about.

“That’s why we need Saturday to be a big celebration in football being back and Bradford have a huge part to play. We’re thankful to Ryan and Mark Hughes bringing a team over.

“It’s a bit unfortunate that we have to have a lower attendance because there is still on-going work at the ground. But it will be a great atmosphere with 2,500 in there.

“The volunteers have done an amazing job around the stands and we want both sets of fans to bring the noise.

“There’s a real buzz about the town. Even at the pre-season game last weekend at Thackley, there was non-stop singing.

“There are always ups and downs in football and some fans haven’t had the opportunity to sing and chant in the last three or four years.

“Some have and have been watching Bury AFC but now we’re all together and what’s really important is that no matter what, remember those dark moments and support your club through thick and thin.”

Among those who have been working feverishly to bring Gigg Lane back up to scratch is Wayne Heseltine.

The former City left back’s firm have been doing the flooring as part of the ground refurbishments.

Andy Welsh in action for Sunderland against QPR (Image: PA)

Meanwhile, Manchester-born Welsh is ready to rub shoulders on the touchline with one of his heroes growing up.

“I’m a Man United fan and Mark Hughes was my era,” he said. “Fingers crossed, he goes easy on us on the day because I’m sure they will be raring to go.

“I got along to a couple of games last year. Bradford had a great season and unfortunately lost out to one of my former clubs in Carlisle.

“I’ve seen the players that Mark has brought in. I remember Clarke Oduor coming through as a kid at Leeds when I was manager at Ossett United.

“He played against us and I think he’s a fantastic little player who I’m sure will bring quality in the final third.

“I think there were a few chasing (Ash) Taylor, the big centre half, as well and keeping most of the squad together and building on it will stand them in good stead for the season.”

Welsh has added experience among his summer recruits with the capture of former Stoke and Port Vale defender Carl Dickinson.

“First day back he was at the top of all the running, all the drills. That’s what you do as a professional, you set standards.

“Dicko knows that it’s a fantastic opportunity to play here with us. He’s 36 now but still fit as a fiddle.

“We’ve got Bradford on Saturday and then Preston on the Sunday, so it’s going to be a tough weekend.

“We don’t have the money to go away to Spain or Portugal. But we can put a weekend on like this.

“There will be some dark moments for our players at some point in those games but we want to see them come together and fight through it.

“If I’m honest, this is a chance to reset and grow a new fanbase alongside the existing one.

“That’s something we’re really working on at the minute with the local schools around Bury.

“It’s an incredible stadium for the level we’re at. It’s a league stadium and we need to get people in it.”