I AM one of the people campaigning to remove the non-Bury FC merchandise from the club shop. I am doing so because it attacks the independence, identity and integrity of Bury FC.

Various people have made public statements to the effect that we are "a small minority" or "a fringe element" of Bury FC fans.

To test this theory we organised a petition which was launched at the game at Huddersfield on August 24. We thank people for their support and we listen to the views of those who disagree.

I would like to address these points while emphasising that I have no objection to Man United items being sold on the evenings when Man United Reserves play at Gigg Lane.

1 "Bury get money from the club shop".

Yes, but how much ? No amount is enough to sell out our identity and just how much money is the club losing from those fans who are currently boycotting the shop? 2 "It will cost jobs at Birthdays".

My sympathies are with those employees of Birthdays whose jobs are already under threat. However, any financial difficulties which Birthdays may have will not be addressed by selling a couple of hundred pounds worth of trinkets at what is a very small branch of their huge chain. In any case, they could sell the items at an alternative store and still pass on any profit to Bury FC ?

3 "Who will sponsor us if Birthdays pull out?"

I don't know but I believe it's likely that pulling out may be their intention anyway. What I do know is that no sponsor has the right to dictate to a football club on an issue which goes against the will of the fans.

4 "It's just bits and bobs so I'm not bothered".

For the moment it appears to be "bits and bobs" but how long before Bury FC merchandise is in the minority? The MUFC "bits and bobs" already have the most prominent display in the shop.

5 "I'm not bothered as long as it's not Bolton stuff".

For the moment it is only MU "stuff", But if Birthdays see this as a success how long will it be before Bolton, Manchester City, Rochdale and the rest make an appearance?

6 "You should use your energy raising money for Bury FC".

I do. I have a season ticket, I attend every game (home and away), I buy a programme and two Golden Gamble tickets and I am a Lifeline member. I also raised £230 on the sponsored walk to Oldham and I give to the bucket collections. How many others can say the same?

7 "Where else will we buy our Manchester United merchandise?".

The answer is on any high street in any town!

Finally, I remember the outcry a couple of years ago when Ian Stott suggested that Bury, Rochdale and Bolton should form one club. This issue is no different. They each attack the integrity, identity and individuality of our club.

Now is the time for Bury fans to stand up and be counted and not to see Bury as their "second team" as a "second team" mentality will get us nowhere!

BESSES SHAKER