TO say Carl Grindrod is a Bury FC fan would certainly be an understatement. And taking one look around the 47-year-old’s home will certainly banish any doubts.

The superfan’s Edenfield home is a shrine to his beloved Shakers, packed with memorabilia, relics and souvenirs stretching back decades through the annals of the club’s long and illustrious history.

Mr Grindrod first began attending Bury FC games as a boy and through the ups and downs, triumphs and despair, for him the club has always been about family.

He said: “I have been a Bury FC fan for 40 years since my dad first started taking me to games, and it has been a family tradition to support the club.

“When my dad died a few years back we had his ashes buried on the pitch.”

Week in, week out, through the pouring rain and summer sun Mr Grindrod has followed the team beyond Gigg Lane and across the country amassing quite an assortment of memorabilia.

His collection began with a few vintage Bury FC shirts but over the years has grown to take over an entire room. It now includes photographs, signs, footballs, hats, scarves, countless autographs and even Bury FC carpet on the floor.

Although all the items in the extensive collection are priceless to Mr Grindrod, there are a couple of extra special pieces he treasures, including a signed ball from the 1985 season and programmes from the 1940s.

The news that Bury FC had been expelled from the EFL earlier this year was a bitter blow for Mr Grindrod ­— who has multiple sclerosis and difficulties with his mobility ­— not just depriving him of watching his beloved football team play, but also a vital chance to get out of the house and socialise with friends and fellow fans.

He said: “This club means everything to me and they have taken that away.

“It was my social life going to watch on Saturdays or Tuesday nights. You make friends and you get to know everyone because it’s a small family club."