THERE was a bombshell of the welcome kind for shareholders at Bury Football Club's annual meeting on May 18, when it was revealed that the directors had sensationally re-secured the ownership of their Gigg Lane ground.

But it was what wasn't revealed that will keep followers of the Shakers guessing in the coming months.

The dramatic, and welcome, announcement was read out in a statement by director Ian Harrop after formal business had been concluded.

But the decision to disclose the news at the end of the meeting left everyone in the club's Starkies Restaurant in the dark as to how it has been achieved, as no questions could be asked regarding the acquisition.

The statement read: "The board of directors are pleased to announce that they have successfully negotiated and obtained the ownership of the football ground from the current owner back into the hands of Bury Football Club Company Limited.

"On behalf of the directors, we would like to place on record our sincere appreciation for the assistance and co-operation of both the previous owner, without whom the club would not have survived, and the assistance of Mr Neville Neville."

The Gigg Lane site fell out of the hands of the Shakers three years ago after they failed to honour a short-term mortgage secured on it, plunging the club into a huge financial crisis that threatened its very existence.

After being forced into administration they were saved when former commercial director Neville launched a massive fundraising campaign and a mystery benefactor - believed to be a prominent local businessman - bought the ground, allowing the club to use it rent-free for three years.

Rental on it was about to begin this year and that has to be one of the big reasons why directors have taken the decision to resume ownership of the site.

The meeting was chaired by director Iain Mills who, along with fellow board members Jim Lomas and Mr Harrop, is under no illusions as to the importance of the news.

"It's a great move for Bury FC and will allow us to lay some firm foundations for the recovery of the club," he said.

"We can now start to progress and the paperwork should be finished by June 3.

"Hopefully it will show potential new investors that we are moving forward and that we are on a firmer footing.

"We will be in a better position than other clubs in that we will own our own ground and that leaves a lot of options open to us.

"But the board would like to thank the previous owner and Neville Neville for their help in this, if it hadn't been for them Bury FC would not be here today.

"They have been absolutely superb and we can't thank them enough.

"What we need now is for everyone involved with the club to work together and help take us forward."

However the acquisition has come about, one thing is for certain, it strengthens the club's position immeasurably.

And Mr Mills had a word for those supporters who have frowned on the decision to keep details of the deal under wraps.

"There was a choice, either go ahead and get the ground back bound by a confidentiality agreement, or don't bother," he added.

"I think we've made the right decision for the future of the club."

The Shakers will continue without a recognised chairman for the foreseeable future although Mr Mills doesn't see that as an impediment to further progress.

"We have three chairman in many respects," he said.

"I know people think things would be wonderful if we had a chairman but when the three of us discuss things it's suprising how closely aligned we are in our ideas for the club.

"We work well together, but there is still room for other people to join us, lighten the burden and give the club a bit more impetus."

A number of other points were clarified on the night including the news that Bury will not receive £25,000 for Preston North End reaching the Championship play-offs as part of the deal that took David Nugent to Deepdale as thought.

Rather, the Lilywhites have to win promotion to the Premiership for the club to benefit.

It was also revealed that there was also a sell-on clause in defender Danny Swailes' move to Macclesfield midway through last season and they could be sweating on a big windfall should former goalkeeper Paddy Kenny move from Sheffield United in the summer.

Both Newcastle United and Aston Villa are believed to be interested in the Republic of Ireland international.

Meanwhile, club directors have been in contact with Greater Manchester Police regarding the disgraceful scenes following the Swansea City game on the final weekend of the season.

Criminal proceedings may possibly follow, so no further information could be revealed.

A report was being filed by the club for both the Football Association and the Football Association of Wales.