A BUCKET collection will be held at the Bury v Port Vale match at Gigg Lane on Saturday in aid of the planned new memorial dedicated to the memory of the 17th Middlesex Battalion—The Footballers' Battalion.

Currently there is no memorial in the UK or on the Western Front recognising the sacrifices made by the Footballer's Battalions—two units of professional footballers almost completely wiped out during the First World War.

Enlisted players included Nottingham Forest and Tranmere Rovers attacking centre-half Joe Mercer, Manchester United and Liverpool winger Jackie Sheldon and Northampton Town's Walter Tull.

Shakers Press Officer, Gordon Sorfleet said:  "Speaking as an ex-serviceman myself, it's great that the club has thrown their weight behind this very worthy cause.  A memorial such as this will show that footballers are real people and have died for their country.   As a club that has lost a player whilst serving his country, it's a fantastic opportunity for football to reflect its feelings."

Former Shaker Phil Stant, now the Football League youth development officer (Midlands), is spearheading the campaign for a memorial, backed by The Football League.  He said: "The men that died in that Battalion have no memorial; there is nothing physical thanking them for the sacrifices they made.  It is important we raise money for this project and I am delighted that Bury have decided to participate."

Players from the Shakers' Youth Setup will be around the ground before and during the game against Port Vale to take donations from fans.