FOREVER Bury backed down on plans to block contentious proposals put forward by the Shakers directors at this morning’s annual general meeting.

The supporters group had sent an email to all its members urging shareholders to vote against changes to the club’s articles.

There was particular concern over plans to stop the rotation of directors and restrict the future sale and purchase of shares, which Forever Bury had alleged would “marginalise shareholders”.

But after meetings on Tuesday with club chairman Stewart Day and chief executive Glenn Thomas, the Forever Bury board decided it was in their best interests to perform a u-turn.

“Voting against would have blocked it at this juncture but would probably be just a delaying tactic if the directors accrued enough shares to pass it at January’s meeting,” read a statement issued by the Forever Bury board.

“We had constructive meetings on Tuesday with club chairman Stewart Day and chief executive Glenn Thomas, and they did go through all our concerns as well as the long term business plan they are pulling together, which they aim to put to shareholders in January.

“If we had voted no we would have burned our bridges with the club and probably need to move our cabin and other equipment away from Gigg Lane.

“We could also lose the shares that we have as our portion of the SOS shares as they need to be passed back to the club if we no longer work in their interest.

“This would have left us with less than 10 per cent and in no position to call an EGM if needs be.

“After being taken through their business plan and gaining certain assurances over the future share issue to the trust, as well as a promise to work more closely with Forever Bury in the future, we felt it would no longer be in our long-term interest to oppose the proposals.

“We do apologise to any of our members who feel let down by this but we think it is in the best interests of Forever Bury.”

The Bury Times understands that all proposals put forward at today’s AGM were voted through, with a further meeting set for January, when the board will give a full update on its current financial situation and plans for future redevelopment of the JD Stadium, along with news on future training facilities.