In case you missed the news over the weekend, Bury FC manager Michael Jolley stepped down just two days after joining the club following major backlash to his appointment.
The uproar and almost immediate U-turn came in response to his past conviction.
After learning of his history, the club were met with a significant amount of stick from Bury fans and other football supporters, leading Jolley himself to quickly resign. Confirming the outcome by mutual decision, the club revealed his departure on Sunday afternoon.
Bury Football Club can confirm that Michael Jolley has today been relieved of his duties as First Team Manager by mutual consent.
Sharing an official statement, The Shakers wrote: “The Board recognises the strength of feeling expressed in recent days by supporters, staff, partners and players, and the very real impact the Board’s decision to appoint Michael has had on individuals connected to the Club…
ADVERTISEMENT
“We will also be engaging directly with players, staff and stakeholders to listen, learn and ensure that appropriate support is available. Our immediate priority is the welfare of our people and the stability of the Club and our community.
“We believe this step is necessary to help restore confidence, create space for reflection, and allow Bury FC to move forward in a way that reflects our values and responsibilities.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Bury Football Club remains committed to acting with integrity, transparency and respect. Further updates will be shared when appropriate.”
Confirming that the assistant manager, Tim Lees (who helped lead the side to a 2-1 victory over Mossley AFC at home this weekend), will be leading the team as interim head coach for the time being, they also noted that Jolley insists he didn’t want his signing to place unwanted attention on the club.
Wishing them the best in their search for the next man to take them forward, and believe they have a “special connection” with their local community.
ADVERTISEMENT
Jolley states he made higher-ups aware of his past conviction before being interviewed for the job, as he explains in a lengthy statement of his own, which was released before Bury’s own announcement.
Following a period of reflection, I have decided to relinquish the opportunity to become the Manager of Bury FC. Full statement attached. pic.twitter.com/bAHekBfnb5
Addressing the situation on social media, the Sheffield-born former Grimsby and Barrow boss said: ‘After a period of reflection over the weekend, it has become apparent that my appointment at Bury FC has become a distraction for the club and so I have decided to relinquish the opportunity to become first team manager…
“Additionally, I welcome the fact that every investigation into the incident, whether through the legal process, or the subsequent investigations by the UK government, The FA, all established through evidence that I was deceived and at no time did I act maliciously.
“All three organisations concluded that there was no evidence which should prevent me from continuing my career, and that is what I have done, periodically, since that time. I consider safeguarding a critical aspect of coaching and have always delivered safe practice 100% of the time throughout my career.”
As he explains in the full document, “16 and a half years later, [his] CRB check has long since shown as clear, but in the interests of transparency and openness”, he still ensures any prospective employers are made aware of the case.
ADVERTISEMENT
He goes on to say that he has become used to the abuse inside stadiums and online, given the nature of football fan culture, but now that he has a young family, he makes it clear that they are a key factor in the decision as he looks to prioritise their safety and wellbeing before his own.
The local outfit is once again looking for a new steward to steer them back in the right direction and, hopefully, away from any more intrigue and/or controversy. A return to the EFL still seems a way off, but who would you like to see installed as the gaffer at Gigg Lane, Shakers?
Rodri has been fined for his comments about referees following Man City vs Spurs game
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Rodri has been fined a large sum for his comments about recent refereeing following the Blues’ game against Tottenham Hotspur last month.
The Man City midfielder and Spanish international has avoided a match ban, as many supporters first feared, but will still pay £80k as punishment for the remarks.
While perhaps not a huge figure for a Premier League footballer, he still admitted to questioning the officiating on the day, but did submit evidence to the board in arguing his case.
The Euro 2024 winner had already been charged by the FA following the comments a fortnight after the frustrating home draw, but was given until 18 February to respond/appeal.
BREAKING: Rodri has been fined £80,000 and warned about his future conduct over comments made following Man City's draw with Tottenham Hotspur last month. pic.twitter.com/wdP4slCNef
At the time, little detail was revealed about what exactly was said to the ref, with Rodri accusing Rob Jones of not being neutral and acting in an ‘improper manner’, but it was his comments in the post-match zone that shone an extra spotlight on the situation.
Speaking to the media after the game, the 29-year-old said: “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. It’s not fair because we work so hard.
“When everything is finished, you are frustrated. It’s one game and another game and another game – and it’s not possible. Honestly, I never speak about referees; I respect their job massively, but they have to pay attention to these things.”
Rodri was referring to the equaliser by Dominic Solanke, who scored his brace in the 70th-minute to bring his team level, but City and many other football fans believed kicked through defender Marc Guehi’s leg to do so.
As a result, instead of a foul being given, the goal stood, the game ended 2-2, and Pep Guardiola’s side went on to drop crucial points in this year’s title race.
In case you missed any of it, you can see the challenge/controversial goal in question HERE, and listen to Rodri’s response in the immediate aftermath down below.
As you can see, he went on to insist that the incident was “so clear”, as well as intimating that this wasn’t the first time.
He and others around the club believe he and his teammates had been on the receiving end of some incorrect decisions for “two, three games in a row”, adding, “I don’t know why.”
What do you make of the choice to fine Rodri for his comments about referees, or do you think the central Man City cog should have even been punished?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Medlock Square: Manchester’s new £300 million entertainment destination on the Etihad Campus
Danny Jones
Manchester’s newest entertainment destination, located over at the ever-growing Etihad Campus, has finally been given a name ahead of its launch later this year.
Alongside the recently announced and Radisson-run hotel, Medlock Square will see the Manchester City-partnered mini leisure district aim to become a new must-visit part of the city.
Hoping to draw in crowds beyond just matchdays and those heading to concerts across the way, approximately £300 million is being pumped into the project.
With Co-op Live having already brought huge revenues into Greater Manchester, it isn’t just set to be a pricey development, but one that will look to serve as yet another money spinner for the wider City Football Group (CFG) and the City Region.
Credit: CFG (supplied)
Unveiling the first CGIs of the square this week, this new area will essentially see attractions and activities spill out of the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live and the soon-to-open Medlock hotel and on to the campus as a whole.
With other parts of Sportcity already revolving around the footballing epicentre, such as the Manchester Regional Arena and National Squash Centre, this will not only see even more sporting events and supporters brought to the roughly 80-acre plot, but also fans of various other forms of entertainment.
For instance, within the plans that already include the food and drink offerings you would expect – with Radisson Blu backing more of the relaxation and indulgent side of things – other activities include everything from “an adrenaline-fuelled sky walk experience”, as well as zip-wire and abseiling.
We already knew about some of these from the details in Man City’s stadium expansion plans (including the likes of The Medlock and rooftop bar), and glimpses of the impending hotel opening gave us a better idea of the overall look, but there looks to be plenty more in the pipeline.
You can see a trailer for what they have in mind for Medlock Square down below.
Welcome to Medlock Square. Manchester’s newest entertainment destination. A place where mouthwatering cuisine and world class entertainment, experiences and events converge. Coming soon! pic.twitter.com/4bC7NQbMHT
As per an official press release by the fledgling team, more information on further business and employment opportunities has also now been confirmed, centring around the new ‘One Medlock Square’ structure that will be built on the campus.
“Designed to accommodate up to 300 employees, the state-of-the-art workspace will offer high-quality, modern office facilities alongside access to shared event spaces and wellness amenities, uniquely positioned within Manchester’s most exciting new destination”, the statement reads.
There’s certainly some ambitious stuff in the works, put it that way.
And, of course, these will also slot into a renovated club shop turned meagstore, an all-new Man City museum, the Co-op arena, live music and other open-air events, just to name a few. A specific opening date is yet to be scheduled, but you can guarantee it’ll be a big deal when it does launch.
Danny Jones -
15th December 2025 
