Bury owner Steve Dale has put the troubled League Two club up for sale.

The Shakers have been battling serious financial problems for months, a winding up petition in the High Court earlier this month adjourned until May 15.

Dale only took the club over five months ago and in a 1,498-word statement released on Thursday night, laid bare the extent of the problems at the Energy Check Stadium.

In inviting offers for his shareholding, Dale indicated the club needed £1.6 million to cover wages, HMRC bill and pensions until the end of May, not including any money owed to creditors.

He also outlined a projected income of just £180,000 over the same period.

“Over the last few days, I have received some expressions of interest,” said Dale, who has seen manager Ryan Lowe guide the club to the brink of promotion from League Two despite issues off the field.

“Given this, I would like to openly invite offers to me directly, to take over ownership of the club.

“Consideration will be given to prospective buyers who are able to commit the necessary time, money and full, undivided attention that’s needed to build upon the progress we’ve made which is considerable, and secure the future of this great club for many years to come.

“I said from day one I was only a temporary custodian, I would fight to save the club, and I felt confident we would do well on the field, then I would pass it on to a future younger custodian.

“Well six months on, we're still going, despite social media’s predictions of closure daily. Has it been difficult?

“More than you could imagine, and our plans if everyone buys in to reduce the outgoings and staff, will ensure its future.

“Our team have done us proud on the field certainly, and as stated, we're two, perhaps one game away from League One, so job done and given my health, it’s time for me to move on with regret and reluctance, recent events have galvanized this resolve.”

In the statement Dale reiterated that the financial situation was far worse than he imagined when taking over in December

“Even though I was advised by my advisors not to proceed, I decided I could help, given the information we had was true,” he said.

“Whilst not ideal, we took it on. This football club was in serious trouble, and this turned out to be far in excess of what we could have comprehended.

“I can confidently say that had the takeover not gone ahead when it did, Bury Football Club would have been no more.

“I would like to sincerely thank the people who have rallied around the club in such a positive way without agenda, including fans, some who have already purchased their season ticket for next season, assisting cash flow; this goes a long way to ensuring the future of Bury FC.

“I would also like to sincerely thank the players for their dedication and commitment, those members of staff who have remained supportive and resilient, and indeed board members who get paid nothing.”