THE Shakers were scrapping to stay in business back in 2001 but found their uncompromising attitude on the pitch had landed them in hot water with the Football Association.

Bury notched up an amazing 87 yellows and six red cards throughout the course of the 2000/2001 season.

Combative midfielder Paul Reid was the biggest offender racking up a total of 14 yellows dished out by various referees.

The FA sent a letter to Shakers chairman Terry Robinson warning him that they could receive a fine, with a disciplinary hearing due the following month.

It was not the news they wanted to hear at Gigg, where money was increasingly tight and an ongoing share sale issue was proving slow going.

Chris Swailes upset Robinson by signing for Rotherham United on a Bosman free transfer – the chairman swearing that he had offered his defender a “very lucrative” deal to stay at the club.

All efforts were now being put into convincing popular midfielder Nicky Daws to stay – although history would show that he too would follow Swailes to Millmoor.

On the plus side, tickets were selling out fast for a fundraising match against Manchester United.

Flashback photo

The Bolton News:

Who remembers this bizarre goal by Danny Mayor in a 1-1 draw against Wycombe Wanderers in January 2015? The Shakers man just about did enough to force Ryan Lowe’s cross over the line to give Bury the lead. Sadly they couldn’t hold on and Fred Onyedinma snatched a point for the visitors in the second half on an icy winter’s day at Gigg Lane.

This week in Shakers history

1938: Norman Bullock resigned as manager of Bury after the board had rejected his attempt to gain more control over club affairs.

1991: Charlton Athletic made a £400,000 bid for winger David Lee, who was also attracting the interest of top-flight Southampton.

Shakers boss Mike Walsh admitted: “We have had enquiries but we’re awaiting developments on that front.”

1996: Tony Rigby and Lennie Johnrose signed new deals for the promoted Shakers, joining the likes of David Johnson, Lee Bracey, Ian Hughes and David Pugh.

2000: Bury were put up for sale by owner Hugh Eaves, who even took out an advert in the Daily Telegraph offering the club at a knock down price. Tottington-born stockbroker Eaves, was at the centre of a £20 million financial scandal, and keen to recoup some of the millions he’d poured into the Shakers in more than a decade in charge.