Bury. Wonderful place for memories if you’re a Saddler,is Bury. It’s a good job we have pleasant promotion memories of the place though, as the only other thing it’s famous for is being the home of the black pudding.

I’ll tell you an old-fashioned story
That grandfather used to relate,
Of a builder and joining contractor
Who’s name it were Sam Oswaldthwaite.

In a shop on the banks of the Irwell
There Sam used to follow his trade,
In a place you’ll have heard of called Bury
You know, where black puddings is made.

Richard Money may have some difficult decisions to make tomorrow night, as his injury problems haven’t cleared up. The latest news suggests that the entire midfield might be disrupted, with Dobson, Keates and Fox all worries.

How that would leave his choices is difficult to say, but Kinsella looks almost certain to start in the circumstances and Anthony Gerrard may even get a chance in the middle of the park, given the lack of bodies. One man who will be pushing for a recall is Craig Pead, now his suspension is over and he, indeed, might fill the midfield berth.

Shakers boss Chris Caspar has fewer worries, as thy are reporting a clean bill of health at the moment, but we will have to wait and see if the pulsating 97 minute long drawn Cup Tie they had with Chester City at the weekend will have any lasting effects.

They will, however, certainly be without Lee Steele, who scored both of their goals in that game, only to be sent off later. Former Saddler Andy Bishop will be replacing him after recovering from a dead leg.

Predictions?

Bury go into the game in 14th place, but it’s their away record that has got them there. Their home record is relegation form, being:-

Played 9 Won 3 Drawn 2 Lost 4, with a goal difference of -1.

This is a difficult one to call, depending as it does on how well Walsall can shore up their midfield. If the centre partnership, whoever they are, can perform, this should be a narrow win for the Saddlers.

Lincoln Game Moved

Meanwhile, the game against Lincoln in February has been moved to Friday the 16th, for Sky TV coverage.

Bury, scene of the greatest 0-0 draw in history is also home to a couple of half decent pubs down Manchester Road, the main Road from the town that takes you to Gigg Lane.

The Waterloo Hotel is a good start for real ale fans heading down from the town or metro link towards the ground, the food is excellent, and the staff and locals generally friendly.

Near the ground two pubs sit side by side, namely The Pack Horse and The Staff of Life.
I would definitely recommend the latter!!

Another very decent option is the Swan and Cemetery which is just off Manchester Road on the other side of the ground. Although mainly a home pub it’s always been away friendly in my experience, and again the food is well worth it.

There is also a large social club at the ground which I vaguely remember gaining access to on that magical night back in 1995, but then most of my recollections of that evening are pretty hazy. I seem to remember having a pint with Alan Knill who now manages Rotherham, but it might have just as well have been dream.