Bury's hopes of being readmitted to the Football League as a League Two club under new ownership next season have been dashed.

The EFL and its members decided instead at a meeting on Thursday to press ahead with a plan to return the league to 72 clubs by relegating only one side from the fourth tier at the end of the current campaign.

A rescue board led by Bury North MP James Frith had put forward a proposal to the league that oulined their case for a return to the Football League fold next season. 

It was backed by Ivan Lewis MP, Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, fans' group Forever Bury and council representatives. 

The plan was rejected however with Shakers supporters now faced with the prospect of building their club from scratch in non-league next season. 

An EFL statement said: "During today's meeting, the EFL and its member clubs considered and debated a number of options, with all clubs given the opportunity to air their views.

"The debate included consideration of the proposal submitted by the Bury FC Rescue Board for the club to be admitted to League Two under new ownership in season 2020-21.

"Following in-depth discussions, it became clear that the proposal did not have the necessary support and that EFL clubs favoured extending the existing principle of a reduction in relegation across all divisions as a means of returning to 72 clubs now and for the future."

Frith posted on Twitter that the fight for the future would go on.

“Devastating to hear self-interest was served cold by many EFL clubs today and their decision to relegate one less from League Two than admit Bury to the league,” he said.

“Thank you to all those who spoke in support of it.

“I’m meeting Forever Bury and others now and we will update on next steps. We’re not walking away.”