Bury FC reshuffle sees Dave McNabb move upstairs after stepping down as manager

Bury Football Club have announced that Dave McNabb has stepped down as manager to take up a new role as the club’s head of football operations with immediate effect.

McNabb’s move signals a genuine shift in the Shakers’ evolution as they continue climbing the Non-League ladder after their expulsion from the EFL back in 2019.

The club now competes in the Northern Premier League West Division – the eighth tier of English football – following the 2023 merger with phoenix side Bury AFC.

This season, after storming out of the North West Counties League last year, Bury are holding their own at the higher level – sitting fourth after 20 games and firmly on course for a play-off push, even if recent form has been patchy.

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Bemusement

But supporters greeted the call to move McNabb out of the dugout and into an upstairs role with a sense of bemusement.

A statement from the club said: “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.”

Excited

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”.

The club later announced that the search for his replacement has begun. Tim Lees steps up on an interim basis to take charge ahead of Saturday’s trip to Shifnal Town.

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