Today I was lucky enough to go and watch @OfficialBuryAFC’s first game. Here’s a thread on some thoughts. [1/n]

As a collective, Bury fans have been stiffed by the authorities and an owner who, while we may not know what his endgame is, has made it clear he doesn’t care a jot for us. [2/n]

The formation of AFC has created a rift and split in the fanbase. Some thought it was premature before the original club formed in 1885 was liquidated, some thought it was a pragmatic, necessary course of action. [3/n]

Some simply wavered. I’d have put my dad and I into that camp. He’s been watching since the 60s when he went with my great-grandad. I’ve been watching since the late-80s when he took me. I was offered two tickets today and I accepted for us. [4/n]

Pre-match it was just like being at a game at Gigg. Familiar faces not seen since May 2019, familiar conversations with that same extended family (“Is your dad ok? Tell him I was asking for him”) with whom you’re on nodding terms. [5/n]

The standard of football wasn’t that which we saw from @rlowe15’s incredible promotion squad of 18/19. Of course it wasn’t. But it was honest endeavour, and when AFC scored their first, wondrous goal, I was out of my seat. [6/n]

It soon became apparent that this club is just as ‘Bury’ as the one formed in 1885 because it’s all about the spirit of those watching. Your ancestors, my ancestors, just wanted to watch football. [7/n]

It wasn’t a friendly so it mattered. There was an outcome. I’m typing this with a hoarse voice from shouting “COME ON BURY!” so much. [8/n]

One of the key games I’ll always treasure as a Bury fan was Darlington away in 2006, the Chris Brass one goal afternoon. This afternoon was incredibly similar as Bury won 3-2 in stoppage time. [9/n]

The crowd as one was bouncing as we left the ground. I felt like I’ve rediscovered what it is to be a football fan after more than a year in the wilderness, marooned like a rudderless boat. [10/n]

We’ve got something back in our lives that was wrenched from them through no fault of our own. The authorities didn’t care but a group of fans who cheered when Bury got promoted at Watford/Chesterfield/Tranmere (twice) did. [11/n]

I know this thread won’t make a blind bit of difference to those who are 100% anti Bury AFC. But if you’re anywhere on the fence, give it a try. It’s what you’ve been missing and it’s what won’t be forthcoming from Steve Dale. [12/n]

Today could be the start of a journey that ends like AFC Wimbledon or it could level out in the upper reaches of the pyramid like at Chester or Darlo. But I loved it and feel like I’ve got something back at my core.

We’re on our way.