Sport

‘Brand new’ Bury look to end poor record at Bristol after big-money stadium deal boosts confidence

By Amy Lofthouse

There is an air of positivity surrounding Bury FC as they head to the Memorial Stadium to take on Bristol Rovers this Saturday.

A high-profile deal earlier this week to rebrand Gigg Lane as The JD Stadium has offered Bury increased financial security and in return has given players and coaching staff alike a much-needed confidence boost.

The team face a big challenge this weekend as they look to end their dismal record at the Memorial Stadium.

In 21 games against the Rovers Bury have emerged victorious on four occasions – and have lost 13 times. The two last met in April 2007, where Bristol claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory.

The returning winger Chris Jones, who has signed a new contract extension, is confident however that Bury are on the right track.

“I think our performances haven’t really reflected on our results in some of the games,” he told Bury TV.

“We feel like we’ve let ourselves down and the fans down in some of the games.

“This weekend is winnable. Every game is winnable. We’ve had a slow start so we need to pick up every point we can.”

Jones also spoke positively of the new face of the club and the route the team has taken under caretaker manager Ronnie Jepson.

“There’s been no period of uncertainty that I’m aware of.

“It was strange for me because I made good friends with a lot of the lads last year who have moved on, but that’s part of football.

“I’m a senior player now, one of the founding members! It feels like a brand new club from when I first came here. We need to get things right on the field as well as off it.”

Jepson was similarly enthusiastic about the future of the club. Despite still being the caretaker manager Jepson’s contract has been extended until the New Year, something which he feels is symbolic of the increased consistency at The JD Stadium.

“The club is on the up and we need to get with them,” he said.

“We don’t leave a stone unturned and consistency is what we want this year. Between me and my staff we try and bring an honesty to the club – what you see is what you get.

“There’s no hidden agenda. We don’t bang walls down. The players will see it’s not about shouting and jumping up and down.

“We are always looking up.”

Image courtesy of BFC via YouTube, with thanks.

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