Bury FC are facing not only a fine but a points deduction from the North West Counties Football League after allegedly fielding a player already contracted to another club in a recent game.
However, with this potential punishment already looming over them so soon after the start of the season, fans will no doubt be frustrated to hear that they may soon be losing three points — and as we all know, they’re all crucial come the end of the season.
As confirmed in an update issued by the club: “Following a North West Counties Football League Management Committee meeting held on 6 September 2023, we have been notified of the League’s intention to fine the club £100 and deduct three points for fielding a player contracted to another club.”
The NWCFL have only proposed a small fine but a points deduction is always bad news.
The statement goes on to insist, “The club disputes this and is in the process of appealing to the Football Association. No sanctions will take effect until the appeal has been heard. We know supporters will be severely disappointed to learn that we might lose hard-earned points, as is Andy Welsh and his team.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We would, however, ask for your patience as we go through the appeals process and will not be sharing any further information at this stage so as not to compromise that appeal. In addition to the appeal, the club has now also made some process changes to mitigate against this risk in future.”
Given the information the club have provided thus far, which is limited given their hopes of avoiding the ruling, the issue looks to have almost been somewhat of a clerical error — the team assured the supporters they were unaware the as-yet unidentified player was still contracted elsewhere.
“The volunteer involved in the transfer is no longer working with the club, and there is no evidence he knew of a problem”, the statement continues. “Neither the player nor any of the management team were aware of any concerns, and we would not play anyone where there was any known problem.
“There is nothing to be gained by blaming individuals given the specifics of this case.
“The points deduction does not alter any of the results achieved to date. They all stand. There are 105 points up for grabs in our league campaign now. The focus is on continuing with our preparations and winning as many of those points as possible until the end of the season.”
One of the biggest and best new beer gardens in Manchester drops just in time for the World Cup
Danny Jones
You heard us right: what could very well be Manchester’s favourite new beer garden has just landed over in St John’s, and all can envision is non-stop sun, suds and sporting action all summer long.
This, my friends, is ‘The Green’.
Capturing a kind of mix between the simple combo of wide open space, booze and hopefully sun on the Stevenson Square we all know and love, with a bit of the Boxpark fanfare that will make it perfect come World Cup, we’re big fans of what they’ve put together here.
It’s also worth noting that this place is significantly bigger than you’ll find in most corners of central Manchester, complete with plenty of room to perch, from the rows of deckchairs to even tiered step seating that runs along the edge.
There’s new artificial turf laid down, complete with fresh wooden borders, lamp lighting, big benches perfect for squeezing plenty of mates on each side, as well as a decent number of small parasols. There are even QR codes to save time ordering at the bar.
Speaking of, the bar is already full up and running with a very solid lineup of summery drinks, for beers and fruity ciders to Aperol and plenty more. You are paying the expected St John’s prices, but when the rays hit just right, the footy’s on and you’re with your mates, you won’t hear us complaining.
Not just batch stuff being proud from the tap either – they’ve got cocktails, creative twists on frozen margs and lots of other stuff still in the pipeline.
But understandably, the instant start of the show is that large screen, which has already got us dreaming of the World Cup and tournament season year in year out, for that matter. And when we say large, we really mean it…
Just picture the scenes…
The lawn itself is plenty long, and the massive monitor is high up enough on the old studio wall that not a single soul will be missing a second of that action.
Be it the footy, Wimbledon, F1, rugby – whatever the discipline happens to be, we can’t wait to find any excuse to watch it all here (weather permitting). Only a short distance from Deansgate, Spinningfields, Castlefield and more, we feel like this spot is about to blow up.
You’ll also be glad to know that while you can’t take food and drink from other venues around the beer garden itself, they’ve got a food lineup all of their own coming very soon, centring around Manchester locals and regional indies. That’s what we like to hear.
It’s just what that Grape Street area needed, and regardless of whatever potential seasonal shifts it might need to make, we hope it stays here for a very long time. Good vibes all-round.
A dozen freebies you can get with a Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal for 2026
Danny Jones
Race day is fast-approaching, but that also means so is the finisher line for you legends taking on this year’s Great Manchester Run, and in turn, so are all the freebies heading your way.
Everyone has their reasons for running 10ks, half marathons and more, but for a lot of people, they just wanna soak in the atmosphere – and all the free suds afterwards…
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of all the free stuff you can get with a 2026 Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal this coming Sunday, 31 May.
12 free things you can get with a 2026 Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal
1. Freebies and carb-loading at Bundobust
What is it: An Indian street food spot beloved here in the North, with plenty of beers on tap and unreal, Gujarati-influenced scran perfect for sharing.
The offer: Two-for-one on their famous vada pav sliders the day before the race upon showing entry confirmation, and a free pint when you show your medal at the bar.
What is it: A stylish bar turned late-night club come the evenings with a big terrace out back and plenty of room to dance the night away (for those with any energy left, that is), famous for its bottomless brunches and party crowd.
The offer: A complimentary drink at multiple venues in exchange for a look at your shiny 2026 medal, including the likes of Impossible.
Expect a good sign this weekend.Decent Sunday roast, too.
The offer: Very much a Ronseal situation this – simply show you finisher’s medal to cop yourself one of their traditional Vietnamese cookies made in the shape of, you guessed it, a medal.
4. Complimentary booze and offers at Electric Shuffle
What is it: An interactive games bar on Deansgate known for high-tech shuffleboard, darts and more, including more brunch and group booking packages.
The offer: A pint of beer, 175ml glass of house wine, 125ml glass of prosecco, or a soft drink on the house when you show your medal or race number; the venue will also be open from 9am on the day itself, serving plenty of GMR specials, including a full breakfast menu.
Right up to the top.If you fancy squeezing in a game afterwards…Sip and play. (Credit: The Manc Group)
5. Free ice cream at Hello Oriental
What is: An underground Pan-Asian food hall located on Circle Square, just off the main Oxford Road Corridor, with multiple vendors available.
The offer: Free cone of soft-serve on sight of your finisher’s medal – you can also upgrade to their deluxe animal-shaped waffle cones for £2 – or you can choose to claim a free drink with any main meal.
What is it: A famous London chop house that’s made its way to Manchester, serving big steaks, pork loins, Sunday roasts and more from a stunning Peter Street site.
The offer: Pick from any of their tap wines, beers or softs to toast to your success. One medal = one tap.
What is it: The on-site bar and restaurant attached to YOTEL Manchester – also located along the Deansgate strip. They’re also launching a new summer menu, too.
The offer: A free pint of the draught Motley Brew, made by Salford icons Seven Brothers, a zero-alcohol ‘Nojito’ or a soft drink.
8. The same goes for Freight Island
What is it: The massive Manc urban market, beer hall and entertainment venue, packed with tonnes of local food and drink traders.
The offer: Claim a free glass of prosecco, pint, glass of wine, or a soft drink – simply show your medal, and you’ll be given a token that you can exchange for the good stuff.
9. Bonus late checkout for those staying at Hotel Indigo
What is it: A boutique city centre hotel operated by the IHG hotel and resorts group, located right near Victoria train station for those travelling into Manchester.
The offer: Show your participation ticket on arrival and receive a complimentary 6pm checkout on Sunday, 31 May 2026. *Offer subject to availability. Management reserves the right to remove the offer at any time without prior notice.
10. Non-alcoholic goodness on the house from Nell’s at Kampus and Common
What is it: Much-loved Manc-born bar and pizza joint, serving New York-style slices, frozen slushie cocktails and plenty more.
The offer: A free pint of Lucky Saint with your medal; same again at Common over in the Northern Quarter, where you can also enjoy some well-earned ‘za.
11. Sunny servings of Aperol Spritz at Courts Club
What is it: Social club and bar centring around a multi-purpose basketball/tennis court and even boules, not to mention a fridge and outdoor stall both serving freshly-prepared grab-and-go scran, as well as plenty of outdoor seating.
ADVERTISEMENT
The offer: Show your finisher’s medal at the bar from 12 noon and receive one Aperol Spritz per person. Simple as that.
12. And finally, your finisher’s pack, of course!
To wrap things up, shortly after you cross the finish line – and you WILL cross that line – you will also be presented with your customary bag of goodies, including your ‘been there done that, got the finisher’s t-shirt (unless you opted out), a bottle of water, and an edible treat.
But that’s not all: there’ll be plenty more freebies to pick up as you exit back through the official event village, such as more snacks and even another 0% beer from Lucky Saint, which tastes even better than the real thing when you’ve completed either 10k or 13.1 miles.
Last but not least, for those of you journeying into the city either to take part or even just to spectate, it’s worth taking a look at the most recent transport updates.
After all, we want to make sure you get here and grab as much of this ‘SWAG’ as possible once you’re done – you’ve earned it, after all.
Danny Jones -
11th September 2023 
