Bury Football Club has been thrown into turmoil less than 48 hours after appointing Michael Jolley as their new manager.
The non-league club confirmed on Saturday night that Jolley had stepped down, bringing an abrupt end to a tenure that lasted just two days.
Appointment Sparks Immediate Backlash
Jolley, 48, had been announced as Bury’s new boss on Friday, succeeding Dave McNabb, who recently moved into a football operations role.
But the news was met with fierce opposition from fans, who voiced strong concerns about Jolley’s past criminal record.
The Controversial Past That Followed Him
The backlash stems from a 2009 incident in which Jolley pleaded guilty to having sex with a 15-year-old.
At the time, he was 32. He received a year’s probation and was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 12 months.
Jolley has consistently stated that the girl misrepresented her age as 19.
Despite this, he has maintained a career in football, including managerial roles with Burnley Under-23s, Grimsby Town, and Barrow.
Yet, the shadow of his past followed him to Gigg Lane.
Fans Make Their Feelings Known
Jolley attended Bury’s 2-1 win over Mossley in the Northern Premier League Division One West, but the victory was overshadowed by chants from home supporters expressing their displeasure.
Away fans also joined in with derogatory songs, making it clear that the appointment had not gone down well in the stands.
Club Moves Quickly to Part Ways
In a statement on Saturday, Bury announced that Jolley had been relieved of his duties “by mutual consent.”
The club acknowledged the strong reactions from supporters, staff, and players, and emphasized that the priority now was the welfare of everyone connected to the club.
Assistant manager Tim Lees will manage the team on an interim basis while the board reviews club operations and engages with stakeholders to restore confidence and stability.
Jolley Expresses Regret but Wishes Club Well
Jolley also issued a statement, saying he never intended to hinder the club’s ambitions.
“I do not wish my presence to deter the board from its mission of returning the club to its rightful place in the EFL,” he wrote.
He extended his best wishes to the board, players, and fans for the future.
Jolley Provides Transparency on Past Incident
Expanding further on social media platform X, Jolley explained his approach to handling the 2009 incident with honesty and openness in all employment discussions.
He emphasized that his criminal records check is now clear and that he always ensured prospective employers had full visibility of the situation.
With a young family of his own now, he said his priorities have shifted, focusing on their wellbeing.
Stability and Reflection Are Now the Focus
Bury FC has made it clear that the club’s immediate priority is to ensure stability and support for everyone involved, while reflecting on the lessons learned from the brief Jolley appointment.
Fans, players, and staff will have the chance to contribute to the review as the club seeks a way forward aligned with its values and responsibilities.
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