Sport

Bury FC manager steps down just two days after appointment following major backlash over history

It relates to an incident over a decade and half ago.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 15th December 2025

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.

Jolley, 48, pleaded guilty to having sex with a 15-year-old girl back in 2009, but maintains the woman never disclosed her true age.

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.

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…

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

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.

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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?

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Featured Images — Sam Hutchinson (via Wikimedia Commons)/Bury FC (via Instagram)

Sport

Marc Skinner leaves Manchester United Women after half a decade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Marc Skinner leaves Man United by mutual agreement

Manchester United Women’s team boss Marc Skinner has officially left the club after half a decade at the helm ahead of the upcoming WSL season.

Spending five fairly fluctuating years in charge of the women’s Red Devils side, to put it mildly, the 43-year-old departs after having led MUWFC to their only ‘major trophy’ in the modern era with their FA Cup win back in May 2024.

He only signed a new two-year deal last summer, with an option to extend by a further 12 months, but a supposed ‘breakdown in relationships’ looks to have cut that commitment short.

Man United announced the news on Monday, 3 August, and it’s safe to say that not everyone is in agreement over his contract being terminated.

Multiple outlets have claimed that Skinner had been pushing for more backing when it came to recruitment, especially with so many teams levelling up and spending a significant amount in the Women’s Super League – and that’s just in this transfer window alone.

Conversely, a good chunk of the former Birmingham and Orlando Pride manager’s tenure involved saying goodbye to big and/or key players who have served the team well, including Alessia Russo, Katie Zelem, Hannah Blundell, Leah Galton, Millie Turner, Melvine Malard and Lucia Garcia.

Meanwhile, under INEOS, United have brought in very limited reinforcements of late – recently reiterating that they wanted to turn to the youth ranks instead, according to reports – and the divisive ownership have been heavily criticised for their treatment of the women’s squad and facilities.

As The Athletic journalist Carl Anka put it on X, it feels like “All change at the club”, adding that “you could feel Skinner was getting frustrated over the relative lack of investment in the team.

Joining the countless reactions online, one user said, “Thanks for the memories but it was time to move on”, while another even went so far as to add, “The best decision done ever.”

That being said, and protest banners at Leigh Sports Village aside, there are seemingly just as many that have come to his defence…

Issuing a passionate response in the comments under the official United post confirming the parting of ways, another supporter wrote: “Fans may have seen so many things wrong with him. But he was an incredible guy, THANK YOU for everything, Marc.

“You gave me so many memories supporting this great club, gave me so much of your time. Made me feel like me again. I will support you always in your next steps.”

So he clearly has had some detractors of late, but there are still plenty of people who have remained behind even during difficult times; whether or not claims of him offering his resignation or counter arguments that he was ‘eventually going to be sacked’ come out in the wash, only time will tell.

How would you assess his time at the club, Reds?

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Featured Images — Katie Chan (via Wikimedia Commons)/MUTV (screenshot via YouTube)

Sport

Greater Manchester’s ‘Stroll for Salford’ walking event returns for its second year in 2026

Danny Jones Danny Jones Stroll for Salford 2026 date

Following its successful debut last year, Greater Manchester’s now much-loved Stroll for Salford (SfS) event is back for 2026 this autumn.

We’d like to think everyone from around here is filled with hometown pride, but you ask anyone from Salford, and they’ll quickly remind you that this place is its own city, and that it quite rightly deserves celebrating all of its own.

And that’s exactly what the SfS is all about: not just toasting it as the region’s so-called ‘second city’, but as the culturally abundant place that it is and has been for more than 100 years.

Yes, with this sophomore edition following on from the borough celebrating its official Centenary, what better time to hail all things Salfordian.

Set up by Salford City FC and the partnered charity arm, Foundation 92, the inaugural walk raised more than £3,000 for charity with its maiden event.

Thousands got behind the cause, be it through volunteering and/or donating, as well as talking on the walking route itself back in October.

It’s actually happening a little earlier this time, with the second Stroll for Salford scheduled for Saturday, 19 September.

Kicking off from 10am, those taking part will be setting out on foot for a six-mile journey across the city, starting at the likes of the Civic Centre in Swinton, before passing through other key towns and finishing, of course, at Salford’s AIG Stadium on Moor Lane in Kersal.

The local League Two side continues to do plenty of important work in and around the community – this is just one of many recent, well-received initiatives.

As mentioned earlier, those getting involved will not only receive a special Salford t-shirt following the event alongside a finisher’s medal, but even a complimentary ticket to go and see ‘The Ammies’ in action at their home ground this season.

Not a bad deal at all.

For anyone uninitiated interested in coming along the journey, the route will also pass several key landmarks and a real sense of local history – all while doing your bit for a good cause.

You can help raise important funds for the local area and sign up for the Stroll for Salford 2026 HERE.

Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, another wholesome all-ages event is fast-approaching this August, too; keep on reading to find out all about it…

Manchester to celebrate National Play Day next week with 100+ FREE activities for families
Another public event to be made the most of.

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Featured Images — Eugene Regis (via Flickr)/Salford City Football Club (press shot via X)

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