BURY AFC have announced it will play its home fixtures for the 2020/21 season at the Neuven Stadium, the home of Northern Premier League Radcliffe FC.

While the ultimate aim is to return to Gigg Lane, the phoenix club intends to make Radcliffe home from home for the duration of its stay at the Neuven Stadium.

Fans are being asked to be patient as Bury AFC work on details - especially as Covid-19 is still a major issue to contend with - but it is looking to provide transport to and from Radcliffe to allow pre and post match drinks at the pubs familiar to supporters.

Bury AFC, who will play in North West Counties League First Division North, last week appointed Andy Welsh as their first ever manager.

Chairman, Chris Murray is delighted that the 'worst kept secret' has been finalised and thanked his counterpart Paul Hilton for his support.

"I know that everyone would have been hoping that we would begin at Gigg Lane but at the moment this is not possible, it is however something that we are working on," he said.

"We want to make the Neuven Stadium a ground where our fans can feel at home as we embark on the next chapter of football in Bury.

“It’s the world’s worst kept secret but I’d like to extend my thanks to Paul Hilton for his support on helping us have a home to begin the Bury AFC journey from the 20/21 season.

"Radcliffe FC have plans to grow the club off the pitch and we are happy that we can be part of that, whilst we grow our own club and community at the same time.

Hilton said he is delighted to welcome the Shakers to Radcliffe.

"I have always believed that ‘The Football Family’ is more than just a phrase and I felt from the outset that we as a club had an obligation to step in and assist our nearest neighbours’ fans wherever possible, just like they have done for us over the years," he said.

“We are delighted to work with Bury AFC to bring football back to the Shakers fans.

"I believe that Bury AFC represent the most realistic and stable solution to revive the once great Club and pave the way for an eventual return to Gigg Lane.

"This new partnership also underpins the significant ambitions of Radcliffe FC and will help us to continue grow and shape our own future. We look forward to welcoming our friends and neighbours to the Neuven Stadium."

He added: "We look forward to building a partnership with a great local non-league club in Radcliffe FC during the coming season and we hope we can fill the Neuven Stadium with many Bury AFC supporters, as and when the guidelines allow us to do so."