There is a real buzz around Bury FC ahead of the upcoming NWCFL Premier Division season.

Emotions were high as the Shakers returned to Gigg Lane earlier this month, and the recent open training session further highlighted how much the club means to the local community.

Manager Andy Welsh was delighted with the turnout and believes inspiring the younger generation will be vital as Bury aim to start their climb back up the non-league pyramid.

“It was another amazing night and it was something we wanted to hammer home – we need the kids around the town and community to come and support,” he told The Bury Times.

“If anybody wants to see how much the club means within the community, that was one of those nights.

“Whether I am here for one year, two years or 10 years, I hope it is a tradition the club can carry on to engage the young fans. That has been an amazing night for everybody.”

Football board chairman Marcel de Matas shares the fans’ excitement ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off against Glossop North End on Saturday, July 29.

“It is a wonderful time to be involved,” he added. “Everybody is looking forward to the season.

“Nobody has seen a competitive game at Gigg Lane in the last four years and there is that level of anticipation coming into the new season.

“Seeing football once again here, seeing goals being scored, players interacting and engaging with the fans – there is a massive level of excitement for the season.”

Lots of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to reach this point after a difficult few years.

“Everybody has been working hard to make sure we have a football club within the town and community that we can all be proud of,” De Matas continued.

“Everybody’s energy has gone into that and it is bearing fruit now. The level of excitement we saw with the children and the interest in our friendlies, it is all building up to being a fantastic season.”

Welsh’s side were due to face Stockport Town at Gigg Lane on Tuesday night but the fixture was postponed due to the torrential weather conditions.

The Shakers were beaten 5-2 by Macclesfield in the inaugural Reborn Cup last weekend despite goals from Benito Lowe and Danny Lafferty.

“It is easy to look at results in pre-season and get too excited or a little bit down, but I don’t think anybody is doing that,” Welsh added.

“I think the biggest thing for the fans is the realism of what level we are at and what these players will be putting in to the team.

“They will be sacrificing and sometimes it isn’t going to look pretty, but that is when we really need bums on seats to get behind the lads.”