Lucketti's return may spark a scouting rush - Bury Times - Friday, 05 January 1996
CENTRAL defender Chris Lucketti will return to first team action against Doncaster tomorrow and that could spark a rush of interest from clubs with an envious eye on the talented 24-year-old. Crystal Palace were the first club to make a move for the Littleborough born centre half but they couldn't prise him from Gigg Lane. However, soccer's version of the January sales could yet see more interest in the £500,000-rated Lucketti who will return after a three match ban and
ninety minutes on the bench against Hartlepool. That was a game watched by Tranmere Rovers' chief scout Harry McNally and coach Ray Mathias prompting rumours that they'd come in search of cover for Shaun Teale and John McGreal who are long term Prenton Park casualties. Lucketti's absence was a major disappointment to a plethora of scouts at that game but Bury boss Stan Tement has indicated that he will be back tomorrow. Who he replaces at the heart of the defence remains a secret. Mark Carter and Shaun Reid are also pushing for recalls after recovering from injuries and one or both may make the starting line up. Seven goals in twelve home starts has prompted Ternent to continue his search for additional fire-power but his efforts have been hampered by the high wages of possible loan signings and spiralling transfer fees wanted by higher grade clubs. Meanwhile, leading marksman Phil Stant whose ten match goal-drought is the longest of his career, has received a timely boost from the boss. "He is working hard in training and eventually that will pay off All strikers, even the likes of Shearer and Cole. go through barren spells and Phil will come through his. All we have to do is keep creating opportunities," said Tement."