Bury FC confirm appointment of former Football League manager with ambitious vision

Bury FC confirm the appointment of former Football League manager Michael Jolley with an ambitious vision for them.

Jolley comes into the club with Bury currently sitting 7th for their first season in the Northern Premier League – West Division (8th tier) with 35 points from 20 games played.

He has a UEFA Pro Licence, having also previously coached at the academies of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and managed in Sweden’s Allsvenskan with AFC Eskilstuna, as well England’s League Two sides Grimsby Town and Barrow, then and most recently in Spain’s fourth tier with Vélez CF.

The Shakers say in their statement that his tactical expertise, player-development background, and ambitious vision as key reasons for the appointment, with Jolley stating the passionate Bury fanbase and the club’s growth potential were major draws. Have a read for more below…

👤 Introducing your new manager… Michael Jolley

Welcome to BL9! #BuryFC | #bfc140 pic.twitter.com/zKpFtALE30

— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) December 12, 2025

⚪🔵 Bury Football Club appoints Michael Jolley as Men’s First Team Manager

— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) December 12, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

We’re thrilled to confirm that Michael Jolley has been appointed Men’s First Team Manager at Bury Football Club following an extensive application and interview process.

Michael brings a wealth of coaching expertise and a fresh, ambitious vision to our club. A Cambridge University graduate with an MA in Economics and a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in Europe, he combines tactical insight with a deep understanding of player development.

A Proven Coaching Journey

Michael began his coaching career in 2004 and has worked across some respected academies and clubs, including roles with Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Lincoln City, Crewe Alexandra and a significant spell at Burnley, where he led the Under-23s and helped nurture young talent.

Managerial Experience Across Europe

Michael’s first senior managerial role came in Sweden with AFC Eskilstuna, where he took charge in the Allsvenskan, the top professional division in Sweden. He then returned to England with Grimsby Town, steering the club through tough League Two battles before taking over as First Team Manager at Barrow.

More recently, Michael has broadened his horizons with managerial experience abroad, including a stint with Vélez CF in Spain’s Segunda Federación.

What This Means for Bury FC

As we embark on the next chapter, Michael’s blend of strategic expertise, coaching pedigree, and global management experience makes him the right leader to inspire our squad and unite our supporters. His ambition aligns with our club’s values, building success from the grassroots up and playing football with heart and intelligence.

First Words From Michael

“I’m excited to join. I think it’s a unique opportunity. The journey this club has been on has been well documented, but it’s a club with huge growth potential, with a passionate and loyal fanbase that’s a huge appeal.

“The fans will be central to my thinking, in terms of the choices we make, how we play, and the type of players we sign. They have to represent Bury in the right way.”

Please join us in welcoming Michael Jolley to Bury FC! 🔵⚪

Here’s to an exciting journey ahead! 👏

On the 2nd of December, Bury confirmed that Dave McNabb was to relinquish his role as Men’s First Team Manager to become the club’s Head of Football Operations, with immediate effect.

A statement read: “In this pivotal role, Dave will become the key link between the FSSB Board and football operations, shaping the club’s sporting strategy to drive success for the men’s first team.

“The restructure is a key element in Bury FC’s ongoing strategy of continuous improvement to plan for the short, medium, and longer-term goals of sustaining football at the highest possible level.

“As a Senior Leader in business, Dave’s transferable skillset and track record of generating revenue brings added expertise to the club off the pitch.

“Dave joined Bury at a crucial moment in our modern journey and has played a central role in restoring pride, belief, and momentum throughout his tenure.

“His professionalism, commitment, passion, and love for the club have been evident in everything he has done.

“Under his guidance, the squad delivered a record-breaking North-West Counties Football League title-winning season, achieving standards on and off the pitch that will be remembered for years to come.”

Dave McNabb said: “I’m really excited with the new role and the opportunity to focus on helping to push the football operations forward on and off the pitch with a clear strategy and roadmap of activities to ensure a structured and targeted programme”.

John Woodhead, Chair of the FSSB Board, added: “Dave has been instrumental in stabilising and progressing the football side of the club. Moving him into the role of Head of Football Operations allows us to benefit from his vast experience in football and business, in what we anticipate will be at no additional cost to the club, and we’re delighted he’s chosen to continue this journey with us”.

Here’s how fans reacted after Bury FC confirm appointment of former Football League manager Michael Jolly with an ambitious vision…

@RossendaleWhit1: Got to say in true non league style I’ve never heard of you but having said that I’d never heard of Dave McNabb or the majority of our players who gave us such a brilliant season last season. Well get behind you Michael.. UTFS!!! ⬜🟦⬜🟦 #the12thman

@ben_brumby: I think I speak for us all when I say who on earth is Michael Jolley

@StuartAkister: He managed us (Barrow) interviewed very well apparently, sounded a good appointment etc. Was absolutely horrendous in reality, lasted 8 games before we realised and sacked him

@ben_brumby: Sounds just like the sort of appointment our board would make, having just sacked the guy with a 68% win record

@ICTGodfather: Sheila and I want to welcome you to BL9 and hope you have a successful reign in charge of the Shakers. ⚪🔵

@frankiejhughes: Sounds like a great appointment. 👏🏻

@adamwoodward07: Good CB but zero non league experience 🤷‍♂️ lets hope he hit the ground from the off

@SamHeath2019: I mean, welcome, but, why have we signed someone with no experience of non league? #buryfc

@Sherridan1978: And the moaning continues…….. I honestly give up #buryfc

@JamesMoscrop2: Seems right, sack the manager with 68% win record for a manager who hasn’t done anything anywhere. There’s better options out there. Just because he has his UEFA License doesn’t mean he’s a good coach for god sakes. Need a manager who’s got experience at this level No experience at this level so you know what’s coming next. Another episode of trying to buy the league inbound, or getting a new player every week until end of the season now. Sorry to be so negative but it just isn’t an appointment filling me with joy #buryfc

Well… it’s interesting.

I’m a believer that history doesn’t guarantee the future in many ways.

Just because you ain’t done something previously isn’t a guarantee you CAN’T do something.

Yet, I’ve seen little in 2 #EFL jobs to encourage me he’s a good pick.

Brave. https://t.co/MVGVtnRQsf

— Off The Line Blog (@OffTheLineBlog) December 12, 2025