SPECULATION that Glasgow Rangers owner Charles Green was trying to buy Bury and take them North of the Border were dashed by the club in late June, 2012.

A tabloid story claimed Green was looking to take Bury’s League One fixtures up to Ibrox – but both clubs were quick to deny such talks had taken place.

A Shakers statement said: “Whilst investment into Bury Football Club is always welcome, any offer of investment will only be viewed at taking the club forward in its only one guise possible – based in the town of Bury, and as Bury Football Club.

“Bury is a proud historical club and, as such, proudly represents the town, community, people and, above all, supporters of Bury.

“The directors of Bury place the integrity and morality of the club, and football as a whole, way above and beyond any possible financial gain and, as such, wish to reassure all Shakers fans of this fact.”

Richie Barker admitted the rumour had hampered his recruitment plans.

“I stopped making calls because I knew the answers I’d probably get back from agents would be ‘listen, we will speak with you but he doesn’t really want to go to Glasgow!’”

Flashback photo

Bury Times:

There was never a dull moment when this fella was around at Gigg Lane. Jimmy McIlwraith was one of the club’s most enduring characters in the seventies and this picture was taken in his second spell at the club – we believe in 1977. We’re stumped with the opposition and scoreline, though, so if anyone has information to add to our caption contact burysport@nqnw.co.uk

This week in Shakers history

1969: Former Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers boss Jack Marshall was appointed as the successor to Les Shannon as manager at Gigg Lane.

It was his second stint at Bury, having worked as an assistant trainer before moving on to Stoke City and then Wednesday as their chief coach.

Marshall beat former Celtic, Everton and Leeds star Bobby Collins to the Shakers’ top job.

1970: Bury sharpened up their attack with the signing of 30-year-old Scottish centre-forward Tom White from Blackpool.

He was due to join John Connelly (from Blackburn) and Billy Rudd (from Rochdale) when the squad reported for training in early July.

2001: It was announced that hugely-respected Bury coach Billy Ayre had been diagnosed with cancer.

Chairman Terry Robinson exclaimed his “huge regret” at revealing the news to supporters and Graham Barrow was brought into Gigg Lane to help run club affairs.