Bury's players have issued a statement urging owner Steve Dale to sell the club quickly.

The Shakers, who won promotion to League One last month, are facing a winding-up petition as they owe approximately £277,000 to HM Revenue & Customs.

A High Court hearing scheduled for last week was adjourned until June 19 to allow Dale, who only took over the club last December, time to find a buyer.

But players who say they have not been paid wages by the club for 12 weeks – the Professional Footballers' Association stepped in to cover their March salary – have now stressed the urgency of the situation.

A statement issued by various players via social media read: "From what we understand the chairman bought the club for £1 with a good understanding of the problems it had.

"He openly says this in his first-ever press interview. If it's become too much, all we ask is that you step aside, move on and stop negatively impacting everyone's livelihoods.

"We have been made aware via various sources that offers have been made to Bury FC, which would see him making money after such a short amount of time in control of the club.

"Mr chairman, we know you have no regard or consideration for us as players, our families, or our futures, but please just accept the offer and walk away from our club before you bring it to its knees."

The club were unable to comment on the statement.

Bury finished second in League Two but there are now fears the squad will be broken up while manager Ryan Lowe has been linked with Plymouth.

The statement added: "As players we are disappointed to find ourselves in this position having had such a great season. We have gone from elation to complete and utter dismay.

"As it stands it looks like as players, we may have to start looking at other clubs which is something none of us want to do.

"Right now, we should be spending some well earned down time while we are out of season, instead we find ourselves having to consider the future."