Michael Jolley Resigns as Bury FC Manager After Controversy
Michael Jolley, former manager of Grimsby Town and Barrow, has resigned from his position at non-league Bury FC just two days after his appointment, following significant backlash from fans.
The controversy stems from a 2009 incident in which Jolley pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. He received a one-year probation sentence and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 12 months.
Jolley has consistently maintained that he was misled about the girl's age, as she had told him she was 19. In a statement on social media platform X, he expressed that subsequent investigations confirmed he was "deceived" and that he did not act with malice.
Despite the incident, Jolley has continued his football career, managing seven clubs since then, including two in the Football League.
Bury FC, competing in the eighth-tier Northern Premier League Division One West, announced Jolley's appointment on Friday. However, the decision faced immediate criticism on social media, and Bury fans expressed their discontent during Saturday's match, chanting for his removal while he was present in the stands for a 2-1 victory against Mossley. Supporters of the visiting team also directed derogatory songs at him.
In response to the backlash, Bury released a statement acknowledging the strong feelings expressed by supporters, staff, partners, and players regarding Jolley's appointment. The club recognized the impact this decision had on individuals connected to the organization.
Jolley stated, "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 later declared that his appointment had become a "distraction" for the club and chose to step down from the role of first-team manager.
Bury FC confirmed that Jolley had been "relieved of his duties by mutual consent." Following his resignation, some fans called for the resignation of board members.
Assistant manager Tim Lees will take charge of the team on an interim basis while the board conducts a broader review of club operations. The club emphasized its immediate priority is the welfare of its people and the stability of the organization and community.
The club stated, "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." They reiterated their commitment to acting with integrity, transparency, and respect.
Samantha Harman, a Her Game Too ambassador for the club's supporters' group, noted that there was no prior notification regarding Jolley's appointment. She shared her feelings about the decision and its impact on volunteers, stating, "This has been an extremely difficult situation to navigate." Harman emphasized that the Her Game Too team at Bury FC aligned with supporter concerns and did not endorse the appointment.
Jolley was appointed after Dave McNabb stepped down as manager earlier this month to assume the role of head of football operations. In the initial announcement, Bury's statement highlighted Jolley's "blend of strategic expertise, coaching pedigree, and global management experience" as qualities that would inspire the squad and unite supporters.
In his statement on X, Jolley expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has had in his coaching career since 2009. He reiterated his transparency regarding the 2009 incident, stating that he has always disclosed it to prospective employers, including Bury FC. He also mentioned his willingness to provide evidence or character references from the court proceedings if needed.
Reflecting on the abuse he has faced throughout his career, Jolley acknowledged the challenges of being in the public eye. However, he stated that with a young family of his own, he now prioritizes their well-being and takes a different perspective on the situation.