Bury FC would still be in League One next season if not for their financial problems, insists manager Kevin Blackwell after Efe Sodje salvaged a draw at Walsall.
Febian Brandy fired the hosts ahead after 22 minutes but the Shakers battled back, equalising through the 40-year-old defender in stoppage time.
However, Bury are already relegated – winning just eight of 45 games this season – and Blackwell praised his players for their continued commitment.
“This team has been good enough to stay up and that’s been frustrating for me to accept,” he told his club’s website.
“We know the finances have killed any real any chances of staying up because we haven’t been able to bring in the players I think would have made the difference.
“I’m delighted with the players, they’ve never stopped and carried on going until the end.
“We all know the situation but they just wouldn’t give in and I’m proud of them.”
Bury are currently seeking £1million of investment to keep the club afloat and sit under a second transfer embargo of the season.
Midfielder David Worrall revealed on Friday that the directors were still yet to address the players about the problems, hinting at a possible summer exit.
And Blackwell admitted he almost left Gigg Lane himself in December after the Shaker’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash with Preston was postponed.
“After that game was called off I was told about the financial problems and not being able to pay wages,” he added.
“So I said ‘look, clearly I’m one of the earners here so I’ll offer my resignation’, but the board said no.
“It’s a massive rebuilding job now, and people need to either back the manager – because there’s going to be even harder times ahead – or they need to get someone fresh in.”
Image courtesy of Bury FC, via YouTube, with thanks
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