Bury boss steps down after simply TWO DAYS following fan backlash amid little one intercourse conviction previous
Bury are searching for a new manager after Michael Jolley has stepped down of the non-league outfit after just two days in the role amid a backlash against his appointment.
Jolley was hired as Bury boss on Friday – succeeding Dave McNabb who had stepped down earlier this month to become head of football operations – but by Saturday night he had parted ways with the club.
The 48-year-old’s departure is in wake of the Shakers supporters’ displeasure at him joining their club in the first place due to his past criminal record.
In 2009, Jolley pleaded guilty to having sex with a minor, who was 15-years-old. He was sentenced to a year’s probation and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 12 months.
Jolley, who was 32 at the time of the incident, has always maintained that the girl did not reveal her actual age to him – instead telling him she was 19.
He has since been involved in football since then with his managerial careeer including spells at Burnley Under 23s, Grimsby Town and Barrow.
Michael Jolley has left his role as Bury manager after just two days in charge of the club
His departure comes in wake of the Shakers supporters’ displeasure at him joining their club in the first place due to his past criminal record
The 48-year-old was in the stands to watch Bury’s 2-1 win against Mossley in the eighth-tier Northern Premier League Division One West, where fans made their feelings known about their new manager. The away team’s supporters also sang derogatory songs about him during the Gigg Lane encounter.
And on Saturday night, Bury released a statement revealing that the short-lived tenure of Jolley was now over, despite labelled him as ‘the right leader to inspire our squad and unite our supporters’ during his hire a day before.
‘Bury Football Club can confirm that Michael Jolley has today been relieved of his duties as First Team Manager by mutual consent,’ it began.
‘The Board recognises the strength of feeling expressed in recent days by supporters, staff, partners and players, and the very real impact the Board’s decision to appoint Michael has had on individuals connected to the Club.
‘Assistant manager Tim Lees will continue to manage the team on an interim basis while the Board undertakes a wider review of club operations.
‘We will also be engaging directly with players, staff and stakeholders to listen, learn and ensure that appropriate support is available.
‘Our immediate priority is the welfare of our people and the stability of the Club and our community.
‘We believe this step is necessary to help restore confidence, create space for reflection, and allow Bury FC to move forward in a way that reflects our values and responsibilities.
‘Bury Football Club remains committed to acting with integrity, transparency and respect. Further updates will be shared when appropriate.’
Jolley also added to the statement, declaring he didn’t wish to to hurt the club’s ambitions.
‘I do not wish my presence to deter the board from its mission of returning the club to its rightful place in the EFL,’ he said in the statement.
‘I would like to wish the board, the players, and the supporters, the very best for the future, and hope the club can continue its journey back to where it belongs.’
Bury are currently in the eighth-tier Northern Premier League Division One West
In a statement on X, Jolley expanded further writing: ‘I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work at seven fantastic professional clubs since 2009. On joining each of those clubs, I have always proactively raised this incident after being offered employment. All those clubs considered the evidence and reached their own judgement based on the facts.
‘Now in 2025, 16-and-a-half years later, my CRB [Criminal Records Bureau] check has long since shown as clear but in the interests of transparency and openness, I still ensure that any prospective employers have visibility of the issue if I do receive any offer of employment, and I did so once again in my discussions with Bury FC.
‘If prospective employers wish to view the evidence or character references that were heard in court in 2009, I also ensure these documents are made available to them.
‘Football being what it is, I have become accustomed to being abused in stadia and online by people unwilling or unable to accept the facts. Since I have a clear conscience regarding the incident, I have always believed that it is right that I stand my ground in the face of the abuse I have received during my football career.
‘However, now with a young family of my own who wish to attend matches and support the club, I naturally place their wellbeing above my own and take a different perspective on this issue.’
