Bury Football Club can officially announce that Steve Dale is the new owner of Bury Football Club.

Steve is a very successful businessman and will be bringing his vast business experience to the club, as he looks to take us to the next level.

Relegation from League One last season hit the club hard, resulting in cash flow issues off the pitch. This is something that will be addressed by the new owner as he begins the transition process, as he takes up the role of Chairman.

Steve told us about his clear vision for the future: "I'm delighted to have taken over this historic club. My initial plan is to establish Bury as a stable and self-sufficient League One side.

"I want to re-establish the club in the local community by investing time and resources to something that is vitally important to football clubs.

"Due to personal reasons, I want to work more with community initiatives to help people better their own lives, as well as the communities they live in. I have a strong passion to work with those less fortunate and to give them the chances they deserve. Bury Football Club can be that conduit to create working relationships and to let people better themselves. We want the Bury public to come and watch the team and to stand by us as one community."

Joining Steve on the board will be Matt McCarthy, who joins the club as a Director. Matt told us: "I'm excited about the challenge ahead and I echo Steve's comments. I've been working with the club in various forms over the last few years and I've developed a real affinity with it.

"I'm looking forward to working with the people at the club and continuing the good times that we are experiencing. On the pitch, the football is fantastic and exciting to watch and we're keen to ensure that the same is said for non-football activities."

"My remit will be to work closely with Steve. I have a vast experience in marketing and PR with a network of contacts in a variety of positions in the world of media, which is key to promoting the way forward for the club. I can't wait to get started!"

The club would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to outgoing Chairman Stewart Day, who had been in charge at the club after taking the reins on 29th May 2013. During his tenure, Stewart had implemented the hugely successful youth system, which has seen a plethora of players make the step into the First Team, and/or move to prestigious clubs in the football pyramid.

Speaking after leaving the club for the last time as Chairman, Stewart told us: "It is with a heavy heart that I have taken the decision to step down from my role at the club; I have a young family that deserve my attention, so the time is right. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bury Football Club. There have been many ups and downs during my time at Bury and I'd like to thank everyone connected with the club, especially the fans.

"The promotion season, secured on the last day of the 2014/15 season, will be a memory that will last for a lifetime for me; the relegation last season will also be something that will always haunt me.

"I am immensely proud of the progress we have made with the Youth and Academy during my time at Bury. When I took over, I wanted to bring the Academy set-up back under the control of the club. It has been fantastic to see young, exciting players develop and establish a name for themselves. This has been mutually beneficial as they have secured moves to Premier League and Championship teams, which has furthered their careers and brought financial reward to the club.

"I feel I have left the club in a stronger position than it was in when I arrived. We're fourth in the league and with a vibrant, young manager at the helm I have no doubt that the current squad is capable of achieving great things. We have a fantastic training facility and as I've already mentioned, a youth department that is fast establishing a superb reputation throughout English football.

"I will still be attending games as and when I can, and I look forward to seeing you all there. I would like to wish Steve and his Board all the best and once again, thank the fans for all their support."

The previous Board have all stood down from their respective positions, however Glenn Thomas has been asked to remain as interim Vice Chairman. Karl Evans will remain in his position as Chief Executive Officer, with new addition Matt McCarthy taking up the role of Director.