Thursday 26 February 2015 12:01, UK
Bury owner and chairman Stewart Day says he is overjoyed that the League Two club have been allowed to use Manchester City’s old training ground at Carrington.
The Shakers have secured a five-year deal with the Premier League champions to use their old training facilities and Day has told Sky Sports News HQ that his long-term vision of leading Bury into the Championship is more than just a pipe dream.
I can’t take the smile off my face
Talking about his club’s surprise move into state of the art facilities, Day said: “We knew the complex was going to become available so I sold City my dream and vision for our football club and thankfully Manchester City believed in that as well.
“It’s fantastic to get these facilities and it makes a real statement of intent about ourselves.”
'Astonishing coup'
The training ground covers 22 acres and includes six pitches, and Bury’s astonishing coup means they can now put down roots at Carrington following many changes of training venues in recent years.
Day added: “Up until now we’ve been using facilities up and down the country, hiring pitches and looking at weather reports to see if we have to use astroturf or grass on any particular day and getting equipment to and from venues.
“It’s been difficult for the first team and the youth team but from now on they will all be based here and that’s a big help. It’s a massive fillip to use these facilities because it helps with recruitment and the plan is to extend that five-year deal.
“We’ve laid down a code of conduct so that our staff respect what we have here and be proud of the premises – keep it clean and tidy – so hopefully we can extend the lease with Manchester City.
“The Championship is something that has always been my vision. I think the Premiership maybe a step too far for us. But it’s exciting times ahead and coming here I can’t take the smile off my face.”
