Bury FC confirm the appointment of former Football League manager Michael Jolley with an ambitious vision.
Jolley joins the club while Bury are currently in seventh place in their first season in the Northern Premier League – West Division (Division 8) with 35 points from 20 games played.
He holds a UEFA Pro license, has also previously coached at the academies of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Burnley and coached in the Swedish Allsvenskan with AFC Eskilstuna as well as with English League Two clubs Grimsby Town and Barrow and most recently in the Spanish fourth division with Vélez CF.
The Shakers say in their statement that his tactical expertise, background in player development and ambitious vision were the main reasons for the appointment, with Jolley citing the passionate Bury fanbase and the club’s growth potential as key attractions. Read below to find out more…
Introducing your new manager: Michael Jolley
Welcome to BL9! #BuryFC | #bfc140 pic.twitter.com/zKpFtALE30
— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) December 12, 2025
Bury Football Club appoints Michael Jolley as men’s first team manager
— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) December 12, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
We are delighted to confirm that Michael Jolley has been appointed Men’s First Team Manager at Bury Football Club following an extensive application and interview process.
Michael brings extensive coaching knowledge and a fresh, ambitious vision to our club. A graduate of Cambridge University with an MA in Economics and a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching qualification in Europe, he combines tactical insight with a deep understanding of player development.
A proven coaching journey
Michael began his coaching career in 2004 and has worked at some prestigious academies and clubs, including roles at Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Lincoln City, Crewe Alexandra and a significant spell at Burnley, where he managed the U23s and helped develop young talent.
Leadership experience across Europe
Michael’s first senior leadership position was in Sweden with AFC Eskilstuna, where he took charge of the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s top professional league. He then returned to England with Grimsby Town and steered the club through tough second division struggles before taking up the position of First Team Manager at Barrow.
More recently, Michael has broadened his horizons with management experience abroad, including a stint with Vélez CF in the Spanish Segunda Federación.
What this means for Bury FC
As we begin the next chapter, Michael’s mix of strategic expertise, coaching experience and global management experience makes him the right leader to inspire our team and unite our fans. His ambition is in line with our club’s values: to build success from the ground up and to play football with heart and intelligence.
First words from Michael
“I’m looking forward to becoming a member. I think it’s a unique opportunity. The journey of this club has been well documented, but it is a club with huge growth potential and a passionate and loyal fan base that has great appeal.”
“The fans will be central to me when it comes to the decisions we make, how we play and the type of players we sign. They have to represent Bury in the right way.”
Please join us in welcoming Michael Jolley to Bury FC!
On an exciting journey!
On 2 December, Bury confirmed that Dave McNabb would leave his role as men’s first team manager with immediate effect and be appointed as the club’s Head of Football Operations.
Read a statement: “In this key role, Dave will become the central link between the FSSB board and football operations, shaping the club’s sporting strategy to drive the success of the men’s first team.
“The restructuring is a key element in Bury FC’s ongoing strategy of continuous improvement to plan for the short, medium and longer term objectives and maintain football at the highest possible level.
“Dave is a senior business leader and brings additional expertise to the club off the pitch with his transferable skills and track record of revenue generation.
“Dave joined Bury at a pivotal moment in our modern journey and played a central role in restoring pride, faith and dynamism throughout his tenure.
“His professionalism, commitment, passion and love for the club were evident in everything he did.
“Under his leadership the team delivered a record-breaking North-West Counties Football League title season, achieving standards on and off the pitch that will be remembered for years to come.”
said Dave McNabb: “I am very excited about the new role and the opportunity to focus on driving football operations on and off the field with a clear strategy and schedule of activities to ensure a structured and targeted program.”
John Woodhead, chairman of the FSSB board, added: “Dave has been instrumental in stabilizing and developing the football side of the club. Moving him into the role of Head of Football Operations allows us to benefit from his extensive experience in football and business, which we expect will not involve any additional cost to the club and we are delighted that he has been chosen to continue this journey with us.”
Here’s how fans reacted after Bury FC confirmed the appointment of former Football League manager Michael Jolly with an ambitious vision…
@RossendaleWhit1: In true non-league style, I have to say that I have never heard of you, but I also have to say that I have never heard of Dave McNabb or most of our players who gave us such a brilliant season last season. Well, get behind yourself, Michael. UTFS!!! #the12thman
@ben_brumby: I think I speak for all of us when I say who in the world is Michael Jolley
@StuartAkister: He obviously managed us (Barrow) very well, conducted the interview very well, announced a good date etc. Was actually absolutely terrible, lasted eight games before we noticed and sacked him
@ben_brumby: Sounds exactly like the type of appointment our board would make, having just fired the man with a 68% win rate
@ICTGodfather: Sheila and I would like to welcome you to BL9 and hope you have a successful tenure as head of the Shakers.
@frankiejhughes: Sounds like a great appointment.
@adamwoodward07: Good CB, but no experience outside of the league Let’s hope he hits it out of the gate
@SamHeath2019: I mean, welcome, but why did we sign someone who has no non-league experience? #buryfc
@Sherridan1978: And the moaning continues…….. I honestly give up on #buryfc
@JamesMoscrop2: Seems right, fire the manager with a 68% win rate for a manager who hasn’t done anything anywhere. There are better options out there. Just because he has his UEFA license doesn’t mean he’s a good coach. Do you need a manager who has experience at this level? No experience at this level so you know what comes next. Another episode of trying to buy the league abroad or bring in a new player every week until the end of the season. Sorry to be so negative, but it’s just not an appointment that fills me with joy #buryfc
Well… it’s interesting.
I am convinced that in many ways history is no guarantee of the future.
Just because you haven’t done something before doesn’t guarantee that you CAN’T do something.
Still, I saw little in 2 #EFL Jobs that encourage me, he is a good choice.
Brave. https://t.co/MVGVtnRQsf
— Off The Line Blog (@OffTheLineBlog) December 12, 2025
