Callum Styles’ Bury debut was a happy affair. The repercussions have taken an edge off that joy.
Born on March 28, 2000, Styles became the first player born in the 2000s to make an English league football appearance when he came on for the final 15 minutes of Bury’s 3-2 win over Southend United.
The teenager is back at the club for preseason and hoping to push on in 2016/17.
It is unfortunate, then, that his appearing in that win has – through no fault of his own – cost Bury three points. The deduction of points by the league has seen their 2015/16 finish revised from 14th to 16th.
Bury striker Callum Styles has become the first player born in the 21st century to feature in the Football League aged just 16.
— Barry O'Mahony (@barryomahony_9) May 9, 2016
A disciplinary commission deemed Styles was not registered in accordance with league regulations and, thus, the points deduction followed.
Bury have held the hand up about the situation. A club statement reads:
‘Callum Styles arrived at Bury FC at the beginning of March and signed ‘trialists’ papers with the club. Following a successful trial spell with the club, Callum signed as an academy player.
‘However, the transfer deadline to register players with the Football League for the run into the end of the season was March 24.
‘Bury FC went into the game with Southend United on 8 May believing that Callum was a registered player and admit all charges set down on the club and accept the punishment of a thee points deduction as Callum completed his registration forms with the club after the deadline date.’
Registration complete, there should be no issues if the teenager appears for the first team next season.
