BURY fans putting on a legends game this weekend hope the event will put some smiles back on Shakers faces.

Chris Murray, Dean Mason and Ben Miles have recruited 30 former players for the game at Radcliffe FC on Sunday.

Tickets for the game are sold out with a crowd of around 2,000 crowd expected as fans relive the glory years after a heart-breaking few months for all connected with the Gigg Lane club.

Money raised will be put towards a new Shakers that looks set to emerge in non-league football next season.

“We’ve come together to try and give the fans something to smile about,” said Murray, who works in social media marketing.  

“We’ve all been through the mill and it’s been horrendous. The three of us know all about that.

“Hopefully we can give fans the chance to see their favourite player in a Bury shirt one last time or for them to see a certain partnership again.

“It’s the same for the players who are coming back as well.”

Murray has been overwhelmed by the response of players who are returning, David Buchanan in particular having lent a hand to get things up and running when the project began.

Since then, momentum has gathered to result in a stellar cast for the Legends XI against All Stars XI game.

“The players have been brilliant,” Murray said.  

“We spoke to David Buchannan early on and he got a few in for us. Then every time we would announce someone a few more got in touch.

“They uptake has been great. They are upset about what has happened just like the fans.”

It is hoped the money raised, an auction also taking place to allow fans to buy the shirts worn on the day, will help give a phoenix club a helping hand.

Murray has been present at initial meetings with approaching 200 volunteers already signed up to help the Shakers rise again.

“There’s been some initial meetings taking place,” he said.

“People have been asked about what services and skills they can provide be it media and communications, legal, the ground, whatever. Loads volunteers have put themselves forward.

“There have been meetings about what is needed and it will require a lot of work and money.”

The game kicks off at 1pm but tickets are sold out with no sales on the day.