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.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

A massive robot with a ‘Dalek voice’ is shouting threats to walkers at a beauty spot

A three-foot tall security ‘robot’ is issuing loud warnings to walkers on a field in Bury. The security unit is close to a public footpath, off Scobell Street in Walshaw.
Feel Good Family Picnic returns with fun-filled summer dates across Rochdale

Free family events will take place in late July and early August across Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale and Littleborough, with each location hosting a full day of activities, performances and entertainment as part of this year’s Feel Good Family Picnic.
Ofcom investigates IX Wireless over controversial broadband mast in Rochdale

The regulator, Ofcom has launched a probe into whether IX Wireless failed to consider visual impact when erecting a 15 metre mast in a residential area.
Final sign off for new housing estate and golf club scheme

A huge plan for a new housing estate and a revamped golf club in Middleton has been given the final sign off.
Moorland fire breaks out near Peel Tower in Ramsbottom

A fire has broken out on the moorland near Peel Tower in Ramsbottom, with residents urged to avoid the area.
Rochdale unveils ambitious programme for Greater Manchester Town of Culture year

Rochdale has revealed more details of its plans for a cultural year in the spotlight, following a visit by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Rochdale school wins backing to build essential skills for pupils and teachers

Students at Great Howarth School in Rochdale are developing key skills for life and work thanks to new funding support from The Guinness Partnership.
Mayor’s Green Spaces Fund reopens with £40,000 grants for local groups

Community organisations across Greater Manchester are being invited to apply for up to £40,000 in funding to help improve their neighbourhoods with green projects, as the sixth round of the Mayor’s Green Spaces Fund opens for applications.
James Frith MP urges government to place new veterans' centre in Bury North

Labour MP James Frith has called on the government to establish one of its new VALOUR Centres in Bury North, arguing the area’s rich military heritage makes it an ideal location to serve the Armed Forces community.
New town centre apartment block approved

A new apartment block in the heart of Heywood will be built.
Rochdale Scout honoured for saving grandad during countryside walk

A young girl from Rochdale has been honoured by the UK’s Chief Scout for her bravery after saving her injured grandad during a countryside walk.
All Rochdale GP surgeries now have patient groups in place

Every GP practice in Rochdale now has an active Patient Participation Group, thanks to support from Healthwatch Rochdale.