BURY'S famous footballing sons Gary and Phil Neville are urging townsfolk to get down to Gigg Lane on Friday for the Shakers' "Fill The Ground Day."

The Manchester United and England pair won't be able to make Friday's clash against Grimsby Town as they will be training ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland at Old Trafford on Saturday.

But that hasn't stopped them throwing their weight 100 per cent behind the initiative which, apart from celebrating 120 years at Gigg Lane, will hopefully be a massive fundraiser for the club which has been beset by cashflow problems since before Christmas.

Their father, Neville Neville, former commercial director at Gigg Lane, has been called in by the board to help alleviate the trouble, and was quick to sign both his sons up for the newly-formed 100 Club which, in twelve months, will rid the Shakers of the crippling CVA debt that has proved a massive problem.

"Both Phil and I have been big Bury fans since we were children and will always have a great affection for the club," said Gary.

"I was at their last home game when they drew 1-1 with Bristol Rovers and Simon Whaley's equaliser was as good a goal as you'd see anywhere, it's just a pity more people weren't down to see it.

"But Friday is a great chance for people in the town to show they care for their local team, hopefully they will turn up in droves and help celebrate the anniversary while bringing in much needed revenue.

Phil added: "We've been going down to Gigg as long as I can remember as my dad used to take us down and I love going back.

"When you face former Bury players who have played in the Premiership, like Dean Kiely and David Johnson, they have only good things to say about the club, it's that kind of place.

"It's a shame they are struggling this way, but there is light at the end of the tunnel with the 100 Club and events like Friday's.

"If it wasn't for the international preparations both Gary and I would be there to get behind the lads, but hopefully people will respond and there will a big crowd down for the game."

According to Neville, the Shakers still need to raise about £40,000 to £50,000 and get in vital season ticket money by the end of April.

That would give the directors and Graham Barrow the chance to plan for next season and secure the services of players the manager is keen to re-sign for the next campaign.

"With only two players contracted for next season the directors' hands are tied because they don't know what the financial situation is going to be," said Neville.

"We have had a marvellous couple of months with the Forever Bury Beer Festival and the 100 Club bringing in vital funds.

"Hopefully this Friday will be another big moneyraiser, there is no Premiership football, it's a public holiday and we just want people to get down to Gigg Lane between 3pm and 5pm and prove that they want a Football League club in the town.

"Even if you only go to one Bury match a season try and make this one."

Tickets bought prior to the game are priced at a knockdown £10 for adults and £2 for concessions but prices on the day of the game will be normal matchday prices.

They can be bought from the main reception at Gigg Lane from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

And there's a big incentive for the fan or business/organisation that sells the most tickets for the game.

Each hardworking salesman or woman will receive a meal for two at the England v Northern Ireland World Cup game at Old Trafford on Saturday as well as an England shirt signed by Gary Neville.

"Even if we got another 4,000 or 5,000 down it would be equivalent to five extra gates for us," added Neville.

"It would allow the manager to get down to contract negotiations with his squad.

"It's been a nervous time for the players and staff and some difficult decisions have had to be made.

"But, hopefully we will soon be able to start making plans for the future. We are appealing to everyone to show their support for a very special club."