FAN-owned club FC United of Manchester announced plans to move away from Gigg Lane 10 years ago.

Club officials revealed a proposal for the Red Rebels to build a 5,000-capacity stadium in Newton Heath – the birthplace of FC United’s “sister” club Manchester United.

FC United had to raise the £3.5 million needed for the project and gain planning permission from Manchester City Council.

Club general manager Andy Walsh said: “The announcement will be a big boost to the club and we also want the development to be of benefit to Newton Heath.

“The discussions with the council have been very positive and we are grateful for their support.

“The significance of this location is historical while it will also showcase a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement.”

Since forming in July 2005, FC had a rental agreement in place with Bury to play the vast majority of their home games there.

The contract was worth more than £150,000 a year to the Shakers, and businesses near to the ground were boosted, though some fans voiced concern over the quality of the pitch.

Flashback photo

Bury Times:

This Shakers squad from 1975/76 finished 13th in the old Division Three under Bob Smith (not pictured) – who is the club’s youngest-ever manager at 29 years and 280 days. Some of the faces in this picture are well-known to Bury fans even all these years later but some might be more of a challenge. Can you name the line-up? Email burysport@nqnw.co.uk to see how you have done.

This week in Bury history

1928: Bury’s Tom ‘Tiny’ Bradshaw marked the great Dixie Dean out of the game for Scotland as they triumphed 5-1 against England. The team became known as the Wembley Wizards – but sadly it proved to be Bradshaw’s only cap, even after he signed at Liverpool.

1961: Bill Holden scored twice as the Shakers continued their promotion charge in Division Three with a 2-1 victory against Bristol City in front of 12,551 people at Ashton Gate.

1991: John McGinlay scored a hat-trick as the Shakers beat Bolton Wanderers 3-1 at Gigg Lane. The Scottish striker would go on to become a terrace idol down the road but Bolton fans had few words of praise that day.

1999: The Shakers went on an unprecedented run of four consecutive goalless draws from March 13 to April 3, the stalemates including games against Barnsley, Wolves, Watford and Stockport County.