IF and when Bury FC finally escape their crippling financial troubles the one positive aspect to draw from their near-death experience is the return of power to the people.

Creditors are currently mulling over proposals from club administrators which would install the Save Our Shakers Trust in control of the club.

And the fans look set to get an even greater say in how their beloved Shakers are run as the official Bury supporters association, Forever Bury, bid to buy seats on the board.

The new organisation, backed by the government launched Supporters Direct Trust, will be open for business from May 26 and begin buying club shares in a bid to secure at least one place among the directors.

Forever Bury members would then be elected to take up their spot in the boardroom.

Steering committee secretary and Bury FC press officer Gordon Sorfleet said brighter times were ahead after a nightmare few months.

"There have been loads of times when I didn't think the club would make it," he said.

"Right from the start when the administrators came in and told us we had to raise £400,000 in two weeks. I never thought we would do that in a million years.

"Even as late as last week I kept thinking 'It's not going to happen.' I've even updated my CV because I thought I would have to look for another job.

"But it looks like we've finally got some good news to celebrate and it's a big relief for me personally. Not just because I work for the club. I have been supporting this club since 1967 and I would be gutted if Bury went bust."

Forever Bury membership will cost £10 for adults, £5 concessions and £25 for a family consisting of two adults and two children.