Tony Cunningham returns to Bury as new club secretary

Tuesday, 13 May 2025 14:04

By David Murphy

Tony Cunningham - Credit: Ramsbottom United

Bury Football Club has appointed Tony Cunningham as its new club secretary, following a competitive recruitment process involving over 20 applicants.

Cunningham brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served nearly 25 years at Ramsbottom United in various capacities, including a decade-long spell as club secretary. He originally joined Ramsbottom as a public address announcer and went on to take up a range of responsibilities at the Riverside Stadium.

Before his time at Ramsbottom, Cunningham held roles at Mossley and Rossendale United. He has also maintained a lifelong connection with Bury FC, having first attended a match at Gigg Lane in 1957. Despite his non-league commitments, he remained a regular at Bury games and was a long time contributor to the club’s matchday programme until its expulsion from the English Football League in 2019.

Speaking on his appointment, Cunningham said: “I’m delighted to be returning to my spiritual home. I had the privilege of writing a column in the Bury programme for 40 years, even when I was involved with non-league clubs. Bury FC has always been ‘my team’.

“Although I loved my time at Rammy, I did turn down a couple of approaches from elsewhere, but as soon as I was offered the position here, it was a no brainer. I’m absolutely delighted to be back, renewing so many old acquaintances, and looking forward to using my experience to help take the Shakers back to where they should be.”

Cunningham’s credentials as a Northern Premier League secretary were key to the board’s decision.

Football Board Chair Gareth Castick said: “We are delighted Tony is joining us as our club secretary. Tony has decades of experience within the NPL, has built up strong relationships across non-league football, and has all the skills and knowledge we were looking for. Everyone on the board is excited to welcome Tony to the club and look forward to the start of the season.”

Cunningham begins work immediately and will play a key role in football operations in preparation for the 2025–26 season.

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