The Exiled Files - The Truth is out there ???

Saturday, 31 July 1999

Total Football Pre-Season Review:
The Gaffer: Neil Warnock 5/10. He never believed the team would do anything but struggle, and proved himself dead right.
Style of Play: Almost as negative at home as away - no forward thrust.
What the papers might say: Bury score three - Pigs seen flying over Gigg Lane.
Player to Watch: New striker Ian Lawson, we hope. Will he be first Shakers goalscorer into double figures since 1997.
Must try harder: Chris Billy. You've heard of a billy can. This is billy can't.
Player of the season: Chris Swailes. From Ipswich reject to a worthy partner for the now departed Chris Lucketti.
Best team played last season: Sunderland, just look at the table.
Team to watch this season: Burnley. Ex-boss Stan Ternant won't stay in the doldrums for long.
High point of 98/99: Beating our artch rivals Bolton, and thinking it would be enough to save us.
Low Point: Losing 3-0 at home to Stockport in the cup after a crap Christmas and New Year.
Most amusing chant: "Staying Up, staying up, staying up!" Well, it was ironic anyway.
How hard is your mascot: Robbie the Bobby. Old style copper, looks like a prat with a leery grin.
Noisiest Away Fans: Bradford City were pretty raucous.
If Bury were a popstar or a band, who would it be: Elvis Presley. William Hill are offering identical odds against either the King or Bury coming back from the dead.
All words by JOHN HUDSON
Predicted finish for 99/2000 - 15th

Friday, 30 July 1999

Boss "Disappointed" with attitude of leading scorer - D'Jaffo Poser - Bury Times:
French striker Laurent D'Jaffo's days at Gigg Lane could be numbered on the eve of the new campaign. Last season's leading scorer has disappointed boss Neil Warnock with his attitude and has told the manager he wantsFirst Division Football. A bombshell off this kind is the last thing the Shakers camp needs at this stage of preparations, but Warnock firmly believes the behaviour of the former Montpellier star is that of someone who wants away. "In the last two friendly games we've had he has only been on the field for minutes," said a frustrated Warnock. "At Weston the referee asked us to take him off after he flared up and the same thing happened against Hull City on Wednesday - even his teammates have felt let down by his attitude. "I believe his agent is working on a deal for Laurent and that is a major influence on his behaviour, the trouble is he won't go on the transfer list even though he has told me that he wants First Division football. "We want Laurent to stay with us and I have told him if he gets 20 goals for us next season he will be writing his own contract. It's a disappointing situation, but I have to look at what is best for the club as a whole." Warnock has also blasted Hull City for their strong arm tactics in Wednesday's Boothferry Park friendly. He was particularly incensed by a bad challenge on Chris Billy by former Shaker Steve Morgan that has the Bury utility man booked in for a scan on medial ligament damage today. "Nobody minds these games being competetive, but I felt at times, they went past what is acceptable. Some of the challenges were disgraceful and we were lucky only Chris Billy came off worse for wear. They were getting away with murder at times." The Shakers drew the game 1-1 with new signing Ian Lawson firing them in front with a well taken first half effort. One good point to come out of the game was the first full 90 minutes action for another new man, Sam Collins. The big central defender has been troubled with Shin Splint trouble, but Warnock said: "Sam was excellent, considering it was his first full match." The Bury boss also revealed that the club may be a step nearer solving their goalkeeping conundrum. They have made an offer for an unamed player and are waiting to see if it is acceptable to his club. A Bury XI take on Unibond Premier League outfit Hyde United at Ewen Field tomorrow. Kick off 3pm.

County, Alex eye D'Jaffo - Manchester Evening News:
First Division rivals Stockport County and Crewe Alexandra are set to compete for the signature of Bury's unsettled top scorer Laurent D'Jaffo. The Frenchman has told Bury Manager Neil Warnock he wants to play first division football. Warnock, who had talks with D'Jaffo last night, is in a strong position with so many forwards on the Gigg Lane books. "I'm concerned about one or two things and enquires have been made," he said.

Thursday, 29 July 1999

4-4-2 Magazine - Pre Season Preview:
An obvious lack of goals was the reason Bury were relegated to the Second Division after finishing level on points with Portsmouth, Port Vale and QPR. Defensively they were at times excellent, although Chris Lucketti has recently been sold to Huddersfield for £1M. In midfield Darren Bullock formed a useful partnership with Nick Daws and this could prove crucial. Essential to promotion is an established strike force; last season manager Neil Warnock rotated between, among others, Laurent D'Jaffo, Adrian Littlejohn, Andy Preece, Nigel Jemson and Paul Barnes. It is still a matter of him finding the magic formula, which, on last season's evidence, may well be quite a task. Player to Watch: Chris Swailes, The central defender impressed with his committed performances if not his class.

A Full 90 for Collins - Manchester Evening News:
Bury new boy Sam Collins played a full 90 minutes against Hull City last night, proving he is over his ankle injury. Collins who signed for the Shakers on a free transfer from Huddersfield, was impressive playing in the backline in the 1-1 draw. His ex-Terriers team mate Ian Lawson notched the Bury Goal.

Wednesday, 28 July 1999

Reserves Draw after error by new boy - Manchester Evening News:
Bury drew 1-1 at Runcorn, now managed by former Shakers star Mark Carter, but trialist Paul Challinor gave away the goal - and felt the wrath of manager Neil Warnock's tongue. Warnock said: "It was a sloppy pass but the lad is still in line for a contract." First choice centre half Sam Collins will be back for the Shakers at Hull tonight and Chris Swailes is in for a return after injury at Hyde on Saturday.

Tuesday, 27 July 1999

Preece's Portugal Pitch - Bury Times:
Wantaway Bury star Andy Preece could be set for a move into Portuguese Soccer. The much travelled striker, who has been the target of the Gigg Lane boo-boys since his transfer from Blackpool last summer, travelled to Portugal this week with a view to securing a contract with newly promoted First Division side Santa Clara. Preece would be the first to admit that he never really won over the Shakers fans during a campaign in which all the strikers struggled to score goals. And the relationship between him and the Bury faithful deteriorated so much that manager Neil Warnock felt a transfer was the only answer to the situation and he was subsequently listed at the end of the season. "The club he has joined are looking for an English style centre forward and he has nothing to lose by going over there," said the Bury Boss. "He is spending a week with them and will just see what the situation is." As one player looks like leaving the club another is arriving as centrl defender Paul Challinor has been offered a contract. The former Birmingham City trainee has impressed since joining the club for pre-season training and the 23 year old midlander is keen to put pen to paper. "He's done really well and I feel after losing Sam Collins (Shin Splints) and Chris Swailes (Hamstring) it's important to have another big defender on the books," Collins is on the mend but won't feature in tomorrow evening's clash at Hull City (7:15pm), however player of the season Swailes should be okay for a run out. Warnock is still looking at more trialists to replace goalkeeper Dean Kiely but has admitted he won't be rushed into a signing. "Paddy is doing all right but I'd like an experienced keeper at around 26 or 27 years of age alongside him," he added.

Weston Affront! - Bury Times:
The Shakers rounded off last weeks West Country tour with a 3-1 victory over Weston Super Mare on Friday evening. Goals from Paul Barnes, Ian Lawson and Lutel James did the trick over the Screwfix League outfit. "It was a very tough, physical game and they really had a go at us," said boss Neil Warnock. "I was just relieved that none of our lads got injured," added the Bury manager.

Rocha needs to impress - Manchester Evening News:
Carlos Rocha, a United States based striker with a portuguese passport, gets his last chance to impress for Bury at Runcorn tonight.

Monday, 26 July 1999

Bury bank on Swailes - The Manchester Evening News:
Bury are hoping player of the year Chris Swailes will overcome his hamstring injury to play in one of two more friendly matches the Shakers have fixed up for this week. They are at Runcorn tomorrow and Hull on Wednesdsay - and manager Neil Warnock is confident he'll be able to bring back Sam Collins for a first choice central defence partnership. Meanwhile veteran Andy Preece is off on trial in Portugal and Telford United's Paul Challinor is likely to win himself a Gigg Lane contract.

Sunday, 25 July 1999

Special note from me: Since the Exiled Files started back in August 98, I have tried to keep the exiles in touch with what is/has been happening at Gigg Lane. I think I have achieved this over the last year, but I could not have achieved this without one persons help. Mike Waring has constantly sent me snippets of news from The Bury Times, The Pink or anywhere he has seen snippets, all of them he has sent, without me asking, without me nagging for them. I know that every Saturday night or every Tuesday night, a couple of E-Mails will wing there way from Mike. To Mike I have to say, Thanks Pal, you are a true star. I owe ya many many beers. He even phoned me after the recent Radcliffe game to tell me the score. I have now moved back to Bury, after 18 long years as an Exile, I am know semi-exiled. I will still be working in Plymouth but will be Bury based. I can only ask that Mike continues his sterling work and sends me as much stuff as possible. Mike, if I am home and able to get the various stories, I will mail you and let you know. It might save your keyboard.

Kevin Keen - New Bury Coach is smiles ahead: - The Pink (Bought by me):
Kevin Blackwell may have all the football coaching qualifications but for him there is inly one thing that really matters....enthusiasm. Bury's newly appointed assistant manager has given an insight to his thoughts as he helps shape the Shakers into a force able to bounce back into the first division. He said: "It's no use coming in to work with a miserable face and going about any troubles you might have. What sort of impression does that give to the lads?" "It's vital you are enthusiastic for this fantastic job we have in football. In fact it's the highest priority to leave your troubles at home and get on with the training. I have a 12 month contract and am flattered that manager Neil Warnock and chairman Terry Robinson have given me this opportunity. It's a privileged position to be working with the lads doing a job I really do enjoy." The 40 year old ex Plymouth assistant manager, who has played at Huddersfield, Scarborough and Notts County, is a qualified UEFA coach. He was the second choice behind Wolves and ex Manchester City captain Keith Curle for the job as Warnocks number two in place of the axed Ron Reid. Blackwell said: "I believe in short sharp training sessions - two hours flat out at match pace, for example. "It's no use taking it easy all day and then suddenly the lads are pitched into match action on a Saturday afternoon and have to up everything. It is no use going on a 10 mile run where they are larking around partway. It is better to keep everyone concentrating and focused for two hours. They are highly trained athletes who need to look after themselves and keep finely tuned. They all know the right things to eat and drink." Following the impressive victory over Manchester City last weekend Blackwell and Warnock have expressed concern that the Shakers may have peaked too early. "We are pleasantly surprosed at the level of fitness our team showed," said Blackwell, who went on: "Two players, Lutel James and Adrian Littlejohn, know now how important it is to tackle back. They worked their socks off." As an ex-keeper himself Blackwell knows more than anyone on the great Gigg Lane guessing game: "Will Paddy Kenny make it as first choice keeper for the new season?" Of the ex Bradford Park Avenue 21 year old, Blackwell said: "He is a lad of natural raw talent. He was unlucky to concede against Manchester City. "He showed hunger in training and has done very well listening and picking up tips. It has not been decided who will start as goalkeeper next month." Blackwell, like manager Neil Warnock, is confident Bury will prove the critics wrong and win promotion again. His number two said: "We all feel very aggreived to have been relegated in the way we were and want to get back in the first division as soon as possible."

Shaker's duo dump junk - The Pink:
Two of Bury's rising stars have found "New Lives" - and it's paying off where it matters on the pitch. Rookie keeper Patrick Kenny and striker Lutel James have been cutting out junk food, replacing it with pasta as part of a more healthy lifestyle. The duo, who have com from non-league football are pushing hard to be first team regulars, impressed during the weekend victory over Manchester City. James, formerly of Hyde United, who scored Bury's first goal, said: I have changed everything. I watch what I eat, cutting out fast food such as Chicken and Chips. I really am looking after myself, choosing Pasta when possible. "I am absolutely determined that I become fitter than ever before. I feel a lot better than I have ever done and I am going to keep this going. "During training the Gaffer has been concentrating on us keeping the ball and providing a quality final pass. During the laps I have been getting better times than before," Keeper Kenny, aged 21, who joined Bury from Bradford Park Avenue said: "I have lost eight pounds since pre-season training began. I have stopped drinking and have started eating pasta's and jacket potatoes instead of chips. "I still don't know whether I will start the season as first choice, But the manager has said he'll need at least two keepers so I expect someone will come in and it will be between the pair of us."

Friday, 23 July 1999

American Gigg-alo! - The Bury Times:
AMERICAN striker Carlos Rocha is the latest trialist to come under the scrutiny of Bury boss Neil Warnock. The powerfully-built Portuguese-born player plied his trade in the Major League for New England Revolution and A League for Boston Bulldogs. He has featured in both friendly matches the club has played on their West Country tour this week and the Bury boss is keen to see more of him. The strapping 24-year-old arrived on the American soccer scene through the college system after graduating from Southern Connecticut State and he is keen to make a name for himself in England. "He hasn't done badly so far," said Warnock. "We'll have a look at him next week and take it from there." Rochas played the final 20 minutes of Monday night's 1-1 draw against Torquay at Plainmoor. The Shakers took the lead through Kemo Avdiu who curled a superb 25-yarder in after 54 minutes but the Gulls levelled 12 minutes later through trialist Mick O'Brien. Warnock used eight substitutes during the match which marked the first appearance in a Bury shirt of Paul Reid. The former Oldham Athletic man played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday evening when the Shakers defeated Taunton Town 2-1. Two goals from French striker Laurent D'Jaffo in the 33rd and 39th minutes gave Warnock's side a 2-0 half time advantage. However Ellis Laight brought the Screwfix Direct Western League outfit back in the game with a goal after 62 minutes. The club round up their five day trip with a match against Ryan Souter's former club Weston-super-Mare tonight. Warnock's search for a goalkeeper continues and next week he plans to have a look at a couple of players, one of them believed to be an Italian. The Shakers' scheduled friendly game at Whitby Town next Friday (July 30) has been cancelled as the UniBond League Premier Division side have a re-arranged North Riding Cup game. Season tickets are now ready for collection from the Bury FC club shop from 10am to 12 noon on Saturdays and 9am to 5pm weekdays.

Coach Kev has Positive Touch - The Bury Times:
BURY'S new managerial number two Kevin Blackwell might not be the best known name to Shakers fans but there can be few more qualified to assist boss Neil Warnock. Blackwell is the holder of a prestigious UEFA 'A' coaching badge and has definite ideas on how work down on the Goshen training ground should be approached. Born in Luton, the much-travelled goalkeeper spent the early part of his soccer career at non-league level with Barton Rovers, Bedford Town, Boston United and Barnet in the Vauxhall Conference. It was from Barnet that the then Scarborough manager Neil Warnock snapped him up in what was the club's first season in the Football League. He was transferred to Notts County in November 1989 where he again teamed up with the Bury boss before moving to Torquay United, Huddersfield and then Plymouth Argyle where he was also Warnock's number two. "It's great to team up with Neil again and I'm flattered that he and the chairman think I'm good enough to be put in, what I consider to be, a privileged position at this club," said the youthful 40-year-old. "I'll give it everything I've got and hope the team can be successful because if they are I've been doing something right." According to Blackwell there's no great secret about how to conduct training sessions, although he admits that he prefers his to be at full pelt. "I personally think that if we train for two hours it should be flat out at match pace. "If you work at any less than that once you go into a game and play speeds up players won't be used to it. "I want the team to be used to playing at a good pace so that when we have to we can step it up a gear which takes us beyond teams. "That's why I like all my training sessions to be nice, bright and sharp. It's also a case of re-creating as many match situations as you can. "That's better than running 10 miles, players get bored and comfortable running at a steady pace." Blackwell also believes that coaches have a duty to keep things positive by lifting players on the training ground. "Why would players want to give everything if you can't show any enthusiasm yourself. "If you're a manager or coach, even if you're having a bad time at home, you must always be bright and bubbly and have things planned. "If the players think things are well organised they will enjoy it, and up to now I think our players have enjoyed working with us. "You could see against City last week that everyone was trying hard, even lads like Dean Barrick who haven't been involved for a while." And the sharpness shown on the field in the first few pre-season run-outs has come as no surprise to Blackwell who paid tribute to the graft the current crop of Shakers players have put in so far this term. "It's no surprise to see the players so lively in the pre-season games because they've worked so hard in training," he explained. "We've tried to go with a lot more short, sharper work. The lads have moaned like hell about it but against Manchester City last week we did look sharp and we've got to maintain that without pushing it over the edge."

And finally today, a picture I have just lifted off Paul "Shaker" Stevens site:-

The Winning eleven from the recent friendly against Man City

Tuesday, 20 July 1999

The New Kit - Paul Barnes on the ball with the new strip.

There's only one Carlos Rocha! - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Shakers boss Neil Warnock will be running the rule over American striker Carlos Rocha on this week's West country tour. Rocha, who has a Portuguese passport and played Major League Soccer for New England Revolution, has been recommended to Warnock who plans to give him a run out against Taunton Town tomorrow evening. The Bury boss welcomes back Sam Collins and Paul Reid into the squad after injury kept both out of Saturday's victory over Manchester City.

Challinors Chance - Former Brummie's defender handed career lifeline - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Trialist Paul Challinor is looking to kick start his Football League career at Gigg Lane. The 23-year-old Telford United centre-half hopes to impress Bury boss Neil Warnock enough on this week's pre-season tour of the west Country to be offered a contract with the Shakers. Challinor began his professional career as a YTS trainee with Birmingham city but a cartilage problem scuppered his chances of making the grade at St Andrews. A short, but unhappy spell at Lincoln city followed, before - disillusioned with the game - he slid into the non-league ranks with Football Conference outfit Telford United. Contract difficulties at the midlands club saw him leave at the end of the season and he played with League of Wales club Aberystwyth in the Intertoto Cup last month. Challinor was invited to train with the Shakers when the season began and admitted that his inclusion in Saturday's team for the Manchester city friendly came as a surprise to him. "I only found out on Friday that I would be playing," he said. "I hadn't been involved with the first team squad since I've been here so I was thrown in at the deep end. "I really enjoyed the game and after doing okay against Manchester City maybe the manager will think I can do a job in the Second Division. "It's just a case of keeping my fingers crossed now, I've been in the game long enough to know that nothing can be taken for granted." Challinor played two games for Aberystwyth in the Intertoto Cup, a 2-2 home draw against Floriana of Malta and the second leg in which they went down 2-1. "I got a phone call from the club at the beginning of June saying they needed a centre half for just two games. "It was a magnificent experience for me even though we went out of the competition." Now he is determined to force his way into Neil Warnock's thoughts as he ponders his starting eleven for the first game of the season against Gillingham at Gigg Lane on August 7. The Shakers were due to play Torquay United at Plainmoor last night before taking on Taunton town tomorrow evening finishing with a game against Ryan Souter's former club Weston-super-Mare on Friday evening.

Sunday, 18 July 1999

Paddy's day - The Pink (Mike Waring):
Rookie keeper Patrick Kenny is in the frame to start the season for the Shakers. The 20-year-old signed from non-league Bradford Park Avenue is a brave shot-stopper but the Bury management are working on other aspects of his game. All week Gigg Lane manager Neil Warnock has been organising trials for other keepers should he decide it is too early to plunge Kenny straight into the fray. Warnock told the Pink: " I have had a lad over from Nigeria and an Australian all looking to be our keeper. I am keeping my options open and there is always the prospect of turning to a premiership club if needs be. Premiership clubs always have at least three good 'uns on their books. "However, Paddy has come on leaps and bounds since he has been with us and has benefited from the coaching of my assistant Kevin Blackwell." The Shakers sold Eire B International keeper Dean Kiely to Charlton for £1m pre-season. He always spoke highly of his understudy who made his Bury debut during the controversial trip to St Lucia last year.

Friday, 16 July 1999

Shakers reject Jemson - Nigel Jemson . . . 'my style never suited Bury' - Manchester Evening News (Mike Waring):
BURY'S £100,000-a-goal striker Nigel Jemson has been released by the relegated club. He has been handed an ``ex gratia'' payment and the remaining 12 months of his Gigg Lane contract cancelled. Jemson bought by the club's previous manager Stan Ternent for £100,000 from Oxford United in February 98 was the highest earner on the Shakers' payroll. The Preston-born player who has been on the transfer list for most of last season made his league debut aged 16 and has played at Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday. During the last two seasons with Bury he's made only 17 starts scoring just one penalty goal. Now the Shakers and the player have agreed to part it will be easier for the 29-year-old forward to find a new club with West Brom, Hull City and neighbours Oldham Athletic reputed to be interested. Jemson told M.E.N. Sport: ``My style has never suited the club. Both managers and the chairman prefer the long ball game. I have taken a settlement and at least it's a clean break. ``I have done pre-season training and have worked hard to lose weight. I could have stayed at Gigg Lane and picked up another 12 months wages but I am not like that. I want to get my career moving again banging in the goals. ``The club have been OK about it. Basically I never got a real chance and now I'm open to offers. I have not suddenly become a bad player just a victim of circumstances.'' Bury manager Neil Warnock said: ``This is good business for both parties. Nigel will get some money to see him through while he gets fixed up with another club. No one will pay the wages that he was on here. When he was bought it was part of a gamble to keep the club in the first division. ``He was never going to figure in my plans with there being so much competition up front. His contract has been cancelled and an ex-gratia payment, which is not being disclosed, has been made by way of compensation.'' Warnock added: ``This parting of the ways means it will save us the equivalent of two players wages.'' Jemson - who was sold for £800,000 by Forrest to Sheffield Wednesay at the height of his stop start career - has also had loan spells at Notts County, Bolton, Preston, Grimsby, Watford and Rotherham. His career-best goal tally was in the 1996-97 season when he was Oxford's top scorer with 23. Shakers' chairman Terry Robinson said: ``Nigel was not part of the manager's plans. We wish him well for the future.''

Blues boost for shakers - Manchester Evening News (Mike Waring):
MANCHESTER CITY'S amazing supporters are guaranteeing a bumper pay day for neighbours Bury - with the new soccer season still three weeks away. For the Shakers are expecting a near 7,000 crowd for tomorrow's pre-season friendly at Gigg Lane against Joe Royle's Blues. The visit of City and their vast travelling army has come as an unexpected - and welcome - bonus for cash-strapped Bury. The Blues were scheduled to kick-off their build-up programme with a friendly against Burnley. But that warm-up game at Turf Moor was scrapped after City and Burnley were paired together in the opening round of the Worthington Cup next month. Rival managers Joe Royle and Neil Warnock are treating tomorrow's friendly as a first-team fixture which means that the Maine Road fans will get their first glimpse of new £1.5m signing Mark Kennedy. Home supporters will be seeing a trio of new signings Paul Reid, Sam Collins and Ian Lawson. There is a slight injury doubt over defender Collins, who has had an X-ray on a shin injury, and there are doubts over player-of-the-year Chris Swailes and striker Paul Barnes. Royle told M.E.N. Sport: ``I'm looking forward to seeing Mark in action as much as our supporters. It is no secret that I tried several times to sign him before we finally managed to get him at Maine Road. ``I am sure our fans will give him a big Manchester City welcome at Gigg Lane tomorrow. ``He has looked very impressive in training this week. He is the type of player who fits in with this club's tradition for playing attractive, attacking football. ``I am sure our supporters will take to him in a big way and hopefully the fans who travel to Bury tomorrow will see exactly why I was so keen to bring him to Maine Road.'' Royle will take his entire senior squad to Gigg Lane and will play two different teams over the 90 minutes. ``I want to give everyone a run-out against the Shakers,'' adds Royle. ``One team will start the match and a different one will play in the second half. ``My instructions to the players will be to go flat-out for 45 minutes. It may only be a pre-season friendly but we are taking it seriously and it could turn out to be a bit of treat for both sets of fans.'' Bury, who will be in their new white kit, will have midfielder Nick Daws as captain for the first time - and he's a City supporter.

New strip unveiled for City friendly - The Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Bury will be sporting their stylish new 1999/2000 Diadora strip when they take on local rivals Manchester City in tomorrow's Gigg Lane friendly clash. The eagerly-awaited kit will soon be available to Shakers supporters and will be officially launched at the Birthdays store on The Mall, Bury on Saturday, July 31, following the club's tour of the West Country. The new kit will be available at Birthdays although until the completion of the new Gigg Lane club shop there will be a provision to purchase the merchandise from the existing shop on match days. A full range of Shakers Diadora leisurewear will be launched on Friday, August 6, also at Birthdays. The Shakers line-up for tomorrow's game could have a decidedly youthful look to it as injuries affect boss Neil Warnock's team selection. Chris Swailes (hamstring), Sam Collins (shin), Paul Reid (thigh), and Laurent D'Jaffo (knee) are all unlikely to figure as the stiff pre-season training schedule takes it's toll. Paul Barnes (hamstring) could return after missing Wednesday's game at Radcliffe Boro and trialist Dave Challinor from Telford could find himself partnering Andy Woodward at the back. Shakers fans have been allocated the south Stand and Family Stand with City Supporters housed in the Manchester Road End and the Main Stand. Prices for the game are £10 adults and £5 juniors and OAPs (all pay). Kick off 3pm. The first team squad head for the South West on Monday morning for a five day trip to face Torquay United (Monday), Taunton Town (Wednesday) and Weston-super-mare (Friday).

Shakers release Jemson - Bury Times:
MISFIT striker Nigel Jemson walks out of Gigg Lane for the last time today. The much-travelled goalscorer who netted only once for the Shakers during his 17 month stay has been released from his contract and is free to find another club. It's been no secret that Jemson's high wages have been a big drain on the Shakers' stretched resources and his continued lack of first team involvement has made him an expensive luxury in the club's Pontin's League side.Signed from Oxford United by former boss Stan Ternent for £100,000 just before the 1997/98 season transfer deadline, Jemson soon became surplus to requirements under the old regime, a situation that didn't change once Neil Warnock took over in June 1998. Transfer-listed by Warnock early last season he was unable to agree terms with any interested clubs and chose to sit out his time at Gigg Lane, something the club has now decided to call time on. "Nigel arrived at Bury on a salary in line with the club he had left and unfortunately wasn't in the future plans of either of our last two managers," said chairman Terry Robinson. "And the disappointment he faced when an agreed move to West Bromwich Albion negotiated by Stan Ternent collapsed didn't help the situation. "We decided that Nigel would be allowed to leave the club as from today (Friday) and we wish him well in the future," he added. Also at the end of his Gigg Lane career is Mark Patterson. An injury sustained against Tranmere Rovers last season has put paid to the unfortunate midfielder's playing career. "This has been hard to face for Mark and although he has made efforts to continue playing it has not been possible," said Mr Robinson.

Chairman "disappointed" at West decision - Bury Times:
SHAKERS chairman Terry Robinson has spoken of his disappointment at losing long-term injury victim Dean West on a free-transfer to Burnley under the Bosman ruling. "It's a crazy situation but in many ways it would have been better for the club if Dean had been injured longer than the 18 months he was," explained Mr Robinson. After a series of pelvic operations West got back to fitness at the end of the season and attracted the attention of his former boss Stan Ternent at Turf Moor and though he was offered new terms 100 per cent better than his existing contract he still chose to go. "We paid his wages while he was injured, made him a good offer then lost him. I wonder if anyone would have wanted him if he was still injured or hadn't proved himself," added Mr Robinson "We would because we had faith in him but in retrospect it was a little misplaced."

Curle turns down player-coach role - Bury Times:
BURY have failed in their bid to tempt Wolves' Keith Curle to Gigg Lane. Neil Warnock had earmarked the former Manchester City captain as the ideal replacement for Chris Lucketti in a player-coach capacity. Curle had been thinking over the move for three months but this week closed the door on a move by signing a two-year extension to his Molineux contract. "It's disappointing because it would have been a great partnership," said Warnock. "I'm sure he would have joined us if we'd stayed in the First Division and Wolves must be paying him a lot to stay there."

Thursday, 15 July 1999

Jemson Leaves Shakers - Nationwide Web Site:
Former Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday striker Nigel Jemson, 29, has reached a settlement to end his current contract at Bury and is searching for a new club.

Tuesday, 13 July 1999

MIke Waring's been busy again - New signings take a bow - Bury Times:
Bury fans get their first chance to take a look at Neil Warnock's summer acquisitions when the Shakers travel to take on local neighbours Radcliffe Boro in tomorrow evening's friendly clash. The annual pre-season encounter against the Unibond League outfit has been brought forward from Friday night due to Saturday's re-arranged clash against Manchester city at Gigg Lane.

Ruled out - Bury Times:
Both defender Sam Collins and striker Ian Lawson, signed from Huddersfield Town two weeks ago, are likely to play some part in the proceedings although the other new man, Paul Reid from Oldham, looks like being ruled out with a slight strain as will Player-of-the -Season Chris Swailes. Warnock is pleased with the progress his side are making although he says one or two players have picked up knocks as training has been stepped up. "I usually like a couple of weeks before playing friendlies so it's come a bit early for us, this game," said Warnock. "But it's always worthwhile playing against Boro. They have a lovely pitch and I believe they have Ashley Neil on their books now who had a trial with us part way through last season. "It should be a good workout for us and I hope most of the lads can get in 45 minutes action at least. "Paddy Kenny will hopefully shake off a strain in time to get in half a game and I may have a look at a trialist keeper too." Boro go into the game after only four pre-season training sessions at Hough End, Manchester and while manager Kevin Glendon would have liked more time to prepare his players he insists everyone is looking forward to the match. "It's a great way to start our pre-season programme and all the players are keen to get to grips with Bury. This has been a good game in recent seasons and although Bury have been difficult opposition they have always shown us respect," he said. "They have done far more pre-season work than us but our players will respond and I don't need to urge our supporters to turn up in numbers to cheer us on," he added.

Debut - Bury Times:
Boro won't be at full strength for top marksman Tony Carroll is facing a minor hernia operation which will keep him out of action for a couple of weeks but another striker will be on view in Radcliffe colours. Making his debut is Darren Washington, a summer signing from Hyde United who snapped him up 12 months ago from Witton Albion where he had been the Unibond League's top goalscorer. Injury reduced his number of appearances for Hyde but the 29 year-old is raring to go for his new club as Boro seek to regain their Premier Division status. A further boost for the Stainton Park outfit is the news that defender David Bean has readily agreed to stay with the club after his playing days with Boro had appeared to be over. He had been unsettled by speculative transfer talk which, it turned out, was never substantiated and following a heart to heart with Glendon he was happy to sign for the season. "I am delighted for I never wanted David to go," said the manager. "I keep telling him what a good player he is and I honestly believe he can do more for Radcliffe Boro." The Radcliffe side will start with the following line-up: Steve Berryman, Jason Astley, Simon Kelly, Andy Thorpe, David Bean, James Price, Simon Cardon, Mark Dempsey, Levi Edwards, Ian Lunt, Darren Washington. Kick off at Stainton Park is 7pm and admission prices are £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Developments - Bury Times:
There will be an official meeting before the popular pairing take centre stage when members will be updated on developments regarding the Grimsby Town trouble, Coalition of Football Supporters, Wildtrack Television and the new Bury FC Supporters Association logo. Doors open at 7pm and with the capacity of the Allen Suite limited to 250, once that number has been reached the doors will be closed. For further details contact secretary Joyce Rothwell on . Joyce would also like the winners of the Player of the Season draw to get in touch with her on the above number.

Shakers 'legends' are back - Bury Times:
There's a blast from the past for Bury FC Supporters' Association members at their next social event. Former Shakers' stars Mark "Spike" Carter and David Pugh are lined up as guest speakers at "An evening with Spike and Pughey" at the Bury FC Social Club this Thursday (July 15) at 7:30pm. With goal ace Carter taking his first tentative steps into management and former skipper Pugh resurrecting his playing career there should be plenty to talk about for the fans' favourites. Organisers are hoping for a big turnout as entry is free for Association members with a £2 charge to non-members who can join on the night with a £2 reduction in their fee.

Friday, 09 July 1999

The Squad in Pre Season Trainig - Bury Times: (Mike Waring and his Scanner)

On the Run - Squad members get Warmed up	John Foster
Darren Bullock, looking for his contact lenses.	Lutel James & martyn Forest

Skipper signs in - Bury Times:
BURY FC chairman Terry Robinson watched Nick Daws put pen to paper on a lucrative new contract and declared: "He's a credit to the club." Daws, who has taken over the club captaincy following the £1 million transfer of Chris Lucketti to Huddersfield, has made himself the best paid player at Gigg Lane but as far as the Shakers supremo is concerned no-one could deserve it more. "This is great news for the club and is a reward for the loyalty Nick has shown to us over the years," said Mr Robinson. "He's never been a player who has wanted to move away from Gigg and he fully deserves his new deal and the captaincy. "Nick's appointment gives us continuity on the field and I'm sure with his will to win he'll be a great influence on the players around him." As for the man himself he's delighted to have brought the "will-he-won't-he sign" saga to an end and admitted that there was really no great obstacle. "I just wanted to make sure that after our relegation that the club was still ambitious to get back into Division One," he said. "And with the quality of players that have arrived at the club this summer it's clear that they are. "I'm still ambitious and want to play at the highest level possible and that means everyone at the club will be doing their best to get off to a great start once the season gets underway." And boss Neil Warnock added: "Nick has a large part to play as skipper for the forthcoming season and from what I can see he's already enjoying it." The manager declared himself well pleased with the first full week's training focusing on fitness and stamina work.

He intends to run the rule over seven or eight trialists over the next few weeks - mostly released from Premiership clubs - and will give them run outs in the pre-season games that start with the trip to Radcliffe Boro next Friday (July 16).

Tuesday, 06 July 1999

Daws to get the leading role - Bolton Evening News:
NICK Daws will be Bury's club captain next season if he is still there. The Shakers have given the classy midfielder the extra responsibility following the £1m transfer of Chris Lucketti to Huddersfield Town. Daws, a midfield inspiration behind Bury's recent glorious spell which included two promotions and a survival season in the First Division, had been tipped to leave Gigg Lane following relegation to the Second Division two months ago. But the incentive of a massively improved contract, the captaincy and assurances from his Bury bosses that the club remains ambitious may have tempted him to stay and spearhead the push for an immediate return to the First Division. Daws still has two years of his current contract remaining meaning Bury can demand a transfer fee and their £500,000 valuation is likely to put off any admirers anyway. But so highly do Bury value his presence in the midfield engine room that they are prepared to exchange his current contract for a much improved fresh one to make him easily the highest paid player at the club. Bury's determination to hang on to him will come as a setback to former Gigg Lane manager Stan Ternent who has made no secret of his desire to add Daws to his other four ex-Gigg Lane stars Dean West, Lenny Johnrose, Gordon Armstrong and Peter Swan at Burnley.

All the following stories and interviews are from today's Bury Times, again they have been sent to me by Mike Waring.

Target keeper blow:
Bury's hopes of securing an early replacement for goalkeeper Dean Kiely have received a setback. Shakers boss Neil Warnock was all set to run the rule over Aberdeen custodian Derek Stille for a trial spell but competition from wealthy Second Division rivals Wigan Athletic looks like closing the door on that move. The job of replacing Eire B international Kiely, who moved to First Division Charlton Athletic in a £1 million deal in May, is a daunting one, but the highly-rated former Notts County and Scottish Under-21 international has been a stalwart understudy to Jim Leighton at Pittodrie and is looking for a move to England to guarantee him first team football. Nevertheless, the shakers can't compete financially with Dave Wheelan's megabucks Latics and it is thought the 26-year-old will set his sights on a move to newly-built Robin Park. "I don't seem to be having much success with the goalkeeping situation at the moment," said Warnock. "I'd have liked to have had Derek down but we just can't compete with the money Wigan have. "But I still have one or two more irons in the fire and will bring in a couple of lads for next week when we start playing warm-up games." Warnock still has the former Bradford Park Avenue 'keeper Paddy Kenny on the books and hasn't ruled out the possibility of bringing in a Premier Division reserve on loan to start the season although he'd prefer to sign someone before the big kick-off on August 7.

Warnock's connections pay off again in transfer market - Tough act to follow:
When Bury boss Neil Warnock proudly unveiled his three latest acquisitions last week, there was a feeling that one in particular was under pressure to succeed. For central defender Sam Collins, to fill the boots of man mountain and inspirational skipper Chris Lucketti is a daunting prospect. But, as one would expect from the ambitious young pro, that challenge is all the motivation he needs. He said: "With Chris joining Huddersfield my first team opportunities were really going to disappear. And there will be more signings on the way there too. There was no point in staying. "With Chris leaving Bury I have a chance to make a real go of it here and I am determined to do it." After continual speculation surrounding his future through the tail end of last season and the summer break, Collins always believed he was destined for Gigg Lane. When ex-Town boss Peter Jackson first bid for Lucketti last season, the 22-year-old was offered as part of a player/cash package which the shakers turned down. In came Steve Bruce and when he renewed the club's interest in the £1m star, Collins new he would eventually be heading over the Pennines. "I always thought I would end up here and I am glad it has happened," he added. "Half way through the close season Bury brought me over for talks and I agreed to sign for three years. "Having played under Neil before, when I was 17 at Huddersfield, he was one of the main reasons why I wanted to come here." Warnock's eye for talent spotting has proved to be as sharp as ever. Four years after giving Collins his big break, he was outstanding for Huddersfield in the opening 17 games of last season, his sound defending helping the club to soar to the top of the Division One table. Fellow new boy, the experienced Paul Reid, believes the youngster will make a massive impact at Gigg. "I was with him at Huddersfield and he is a talented lad. He has two good feet and knows how to play the ball around," he said. "The fans will like him."
Collins, who lives in Wakefield, has decided not to move to Lancashire and will commute from Yorkshire with teammates Ian Lawson, Paul Barnes and Chris Billy.

Old friends' reunion as Reid joins Warnock again:
It was a case of back to the future for Paul Reid when he walked into the Gigg Lane dressing rooms for the first time last week. The tenacious left-sided midfielder who has signed a two-year deal with the shakers, already knew half the staff when he arrived. It was the third time that 31-year-old Reid had signed for Bury boss Neil Warnock and it took him only 10 seconds to decide to put pen to paper after receiving a phone call from his mentor. "I had no hesitation in coming here," he explained. "I know both the other new lads who signed last week from my days at Huddersfield. In fact, Ian (Lawson) used to clean my boots. "Chris Billy was also there when I was, and Ady Littlejohn was a teammate of mine at Oldham. "It's great for team spirit when you go to a new club and know so many of the lads, it really helps you settle." Oldbury-born, Reid came through the youth ranks at Leicester City where, in a twist of fate, he himself cleaned the boots of Bury's Football In The Community officer Andy Freeley. He had difficulty in securing a permanent spot in the Foxes' side and moved to Bradford city for £25,000 in March 1992. Warnock took him to Huddersfield in May 1994 where two goals on his debut against Blackpool guaranteed him a starting berth from that moment on. That season was a superb one for Reid and the Terriers culminating in victory in the play-off final at Wembley thanks to a Chris Billy winner. When Warnock moved to Oldham he brought Reid over the Pennines with him in a deal that saw David Beresford move in the opposite direction. "I had no doubts about coming to Bury," said Reid. "I'm confident that the boss will get it right this season. He knows all about this division and is one of the best managers in the lower leagues.
"You only have to look at the players that are here to see that we have a good chance of doing well." Warnock has a definite job for Reid, that of toughening up the side for what's sure to be an abrasive Division Two campaign. "Paul is exactly what we need at this club right now," he said. "We need toughening up and he's just the man to do it. "He is a 100 per cent player and has a great left foot. I'm sure the fans will take to him, he has a huge will to win."

First team's first for Ian:
One player who has more reason than anyone to look forward to the new campaign is Ian Lawson. the last two seasons have been frustrating ones for the 21-year-old Yorkshireman but he definitely sees the move to Gigg Lane as a chance to kick-start a promising career. A double hernia and ankle reconstruction during the 1997-98 campaign hampered his progress then. Fully recovered last season, he found a first team place hard to come by at the McAlpine Stadium. A two-month spell at Blackpool gave him much-needed league experience and the Seasiders, along with Scunthorpe and Wrexham, were keen to sign him before the shakers stepped in. With the glut of strikers currently on the books at Gigg Lane, Lawson is under no illusions that he'll have to work hard to force himself into the forefront of Neil Warnock's mind. "There's quite a lot of strikers at the club at the moment so I'll have to see what happens, but I'm raring to go," he explained. "I didn't get much of a chance at Huddersfield last season and that's why I went out on loan. "I scored a couple of goals for the first team coming off the subs bench at the end of the season so hopefully I'll carry that goalscoring form into this season." Warnock was delighted to pinch Lawson from under the noses of Division Two rivals and believes this season is a crunch one for him career-wise. "Ian is in a similar position to Sam in that at this stage of his career he needs to stake a claim to a first team place," he said. "I haven't promised him anything so it's up to him to show what he can do. "He's a good finisher, very quick and is very deceptive in the air, a bit like Laurent D'Jaffo. sometimes you don't think he's going to win the ball but he gets there somehow. "He's played a lot with Paul Barnes at Huddersfield and although that didn't influence me in signing him, I was aware they play well together." Lawson, who will continue to travel over the Pennines from his home town Huddersfield, had no qualms about dropping down a division. "Once I heard Bury were after me I had no hesitation in signing, it was the only move I was interested in. "There are so many lads here at Bury that I already know, so it should be no problem settling in. "We have the potential to go straight back and were one of the favourites to do so."

Shakers summer soccer courses:
There's fun for everyone on Bury FC Football in the Community Summer Soccer Courses. They are due to run for six weeks during the schools summer holidays commencing week beginning July 19 until Monday, August 23. Single weeks cost £30 with reduced prices for two, three, four, five and six weeks. The courses are aimed at youngsters from 4 to 14 and are always a great success but booking early is advised as places are limited. Anyone requiring further details should contact the Bury FC Community Offices on .

The Shakers are organising another of their popular all-inclusive VIP matchday packages for the friendly game against Manchester City at Gigg Lane on Saturday, July 17. Included in the £25 price (£15 juniors) is a main stand seat, car park pass, bucks fizz reception and a superb four course meal served in the Starkies pitchside restaurant at 1pm. Half-time refreshments and full bar facilities are available with quizzes and competitions and a complementary programme. Places must be pre-booked and further information can be obtained from Bury Football Club's Commercial Department on 0161-

Fans who wish to sponsor player squad numbers for the forthcoming season should note there are still some available. For the price of £100 there will be an acknowledgement in every matchday programme of the season. For further details contact the Commercial Department on 0161-

Saturday, 03 July 1999

Neils Deviles - Warnock's new look at Gigg Lane - The Pink (Mike Waring):
Neil Warnock has kept to his old formula now he's begun building a squad he hopes will bounce Bury back into the first division. He has sold two Shakers' stars, Dean Keily and Chris Lucketti, to Charlton and Huddersfield - deals that have netted Bury almost £2m. That's money desperately needed at the club, which has never won the support it deserves and has been rocked by the shock of millionaire majority shareholder,Hugh Eaves, being embroiled in a London stock exchange financial scandal. But Warnock has proved himself realistic about the club's plight and kept himself focussed on rebuilding. He's contemplating using untried Patrick Kenny as his first-choice keeper, but has other more experienced players in mind as back-up to fill the void left by the departed Kiely. Replacing Lucketti at the heart of the defence will be big Sam Collins, while Ian Lawson, who has also joined Bury from Huddersfield, has been assigned to pep up the strikeforce. Warnock's third signing is Paul Reid, a tenacious, left-sided midfielder who he has snapped up from neighbours Oldham. Warnock said: "When I'm looking for a new player it's a case of getting the right blend. You obviously need someone with ability, but at this level it's important that they have a will to win. I'm delighted at the quality of the squad that is being built up. "Losing Kiely and Lucketti will have an impact, but I have been able to recruit quality players. As the chairman has been saying, we're not going to lie down and die. We'll be giving it our bast shot." The Shakers' squad has had a lopsided look since the departure of David Pugh. The left side void was filled late last season by classy Carl Serrant, but his loan spell ended and he's now back at Newcastle. Warnock is aware his critics among Bury supporters don't always appreciate him going back to his former clubs to boost the squad. But Warnock's philosophy has always been: "Better the devil you know."

Friday, 02 July 1999

Three for free! - The Bury Times:
BURY'S team rebuilding plans moved into top gear yesterday when Shakers boss Neil Warnock snapped up three new signings. As we confirmed in Tuesday's Bury Times, Huddersfield Town duo Sam Collins and Ian Lawson have moved to Gigg Lane and they are joined by experienced Oldham Athletic midfielder Paul Reid. All three, who arrive on free transfers, signed on the dotted line yesterday with Collins and Lawson putting their names to three year contracts while Reid has signed a two year deal. For strapping central defender Collins, aged 22, and 21-year-old Lawson, a pacy striker with an eye for goal, moving across the Pennines is seen as a great chance to stake a regular first team place after coming through the Terriers' youth system. The former has a good deal of First Division experience with Town and started the first 17 games of last season during which time they roared to the top of Division One. Powerful and dominant, he is seen as an ideal replacement for Chris Lucketti who travelled the opposite direction two months ago. "I almost signed in February when Chris was linked with a move to Huddersfield then," explained Pontefract-born Collins. "I had an idea that Bury would come back in the close season and that's what's happened. "Although I've gone down a division I don't see it as a backward step when you look at what's going on at Huddersfield. "With all the money being spent, my chances were restricted and I really need to play first team soccer at this stage of my career." Those were sentiments echoed by Lawson who spent a successful loan spell with Blackpool last season. The Seasiders, Scunthorpe and Wrexham had all been on the trail of the Huddersfield-born striker who scored two goals for the first team just before the end of the campaign. However, a move to Gigg Lane was the only one he was interested in. "I only found out about the move a couple of weeks ago but had no hesitation in coming," said Lawson. "Neil Warnock gave me my first professional contract when he was the boss at Huddersfield and although a number of teams were interested in me this was the only club I wanted to sign for. "Bury were a First Division club last year and have the potential to go straight back and we will be among the favourites to go up when the season starts." Thirty-one-year-old Reid, a left-footed midfielder who can also play full-back, has a wealth of experience after spells with Leicester, Bradford, Huddersfield and Oldham. Reid was signed by Warnock for both the last-named clubs and he is convinced that his former boss will win over the "boo boys" this season. "He has had a bit of stick wherever he goes but his record speaks for itself. If you look what he's done he has to be one of the best managers in the lower leagues," said Reid. "He knows all about this division and after being relegated last season the only way is up as far as the team are concerned. "We have a realistic chance of bouncing back, without a doubt." Reid is also sure both his new teammates will be successes at Gigg after watching them progress through the youth ranks at the McAlpine Stadium. "Both the lads are only young and are great prospects," said Reid. "Sam has proved himself in the First Division, can play a bit and is a great replacement for Chris Lucketti, while Ian is quick and good in the air for his size." "It's all about getting a good start to the season now and, once you're up, staying there."

I want to play at a higher level, say Clarets new boy - Burnley Telegraph & Citizen:
AFTER suffering the disappointment of relegation last season, Clarets new boy Dean West has backed himself to bounce straight back up by re-joining Stan Ternent at Turf Moor. West won a Second Division championship medal under Ternent's guidance at Bury in 1997. But the defender's two-year stay in Division One ended with the drop last season and with his contract up at Gigg Lane, West has opted to hit the promotion trail with Burnley instead. "Things have been set up for success here. I want to get back into the First Division. "Once you have played there you want to play there all the time, and possibly even higher," insisted West after completing his move to Turf Moor under the Bosman ruling yesterday. "I'm delighted," he added. "It gets my career back on track. "I didn't really enjoy the last few months at Bury. Getting relegated didn't help but I wasn't playing regularly and then not playing in my best position. "I was playing in midfield and I have been a full-back for the last three or four years. "But I shouldn't really grumble too much. I had been out injured and I was back playing so I had to be happy at that." Bury was good for West and vice-versa after Ternent took him to the club from Lincoln City early in the 1995/96 season. His 37 appearances helped the Shakers win promotion from Division Three and he didn't miss a game the following season as Bury won the Second Division title. His luck with injuries then ran out as hernia problems laid him low for a long spell before he returned to the fray mid-way through last season to help Neil Warnock's Bury fight an ultimately unsuccessful relegation scrap. The Shakers tried to keep the Wakefield-born full-back with a new contract offer. But with Burnley beckoning and an attractive deal on the table, West followed a well trodden path from Gigg Lane already taken by Ternent, assistant Sam Ellis and former Bury team-mates Gordon Armstrong, Lenny Johnrose, Peter Swan and Ronnie Jepson. "This is a fresh challenge and playing under the gaffer again was a big incentive," said West, an attacking right-sided defender who will fill the breach left by Ally Pickering's departure from Turf Moor. "There were a couple of other clubs interested but again there was the draw of playing for Stan and this is a big club. It was a good opportunity to play for a big club." And West, who yesterday put pen-to-paper along with Mitchell Thomas, Paul Cook, Tom Cowan and Mark Robertson, is itching to kick-off what he hopes will be another title tilt when the Clarets report for pre-season training next Monday. "Burnley finished last season with a flurry with some good results and performances to give a good base. "I can't wait to get started. I haven't looked forward to a pre-season as much as this in a long time," he said.

Warnock delights at signings - The Bury Times:
SHAKERS boss Neil Warnock was both excited and stunned at landing trio Paul Reid, Sam Collins and Ian Lawson (pictured with Warnock). After watching his latest acquisitions sign on the dotted line at Gigg Lane yesterday, he told the Bury Times: "I can't believe we've got them." The deal for both Collins and Lawson had been on the cards for a few weeks, but Warnock was most surprised at Oldham's decision to let Reid leave Boundary Park. "They only offered him a one-year deal and he wanted more than that," he explained. "When I asked him if he wanted to join us at Bury I got the quickest reply I have ever had - around 10 seconds! He jumped at the chance to come here. "We need toughening up a bit and he is just the man to help us do that. He is tenacious, is 100 per cent committed,

has a sweet left foot, is great at set pieces and has a huge will to win." Of his two younger signings, also on "freebies", he beamed: "These lads have great potential. When you lose a player of the quality of Chris Lucketti that place takes some filling. "But Sam is very similar to Chris when he first arrived at Bury. He has the opportunity to stake a first team place and become a very good player - which is exactly what Chris did. "He has a lot of attributes and a couple of weakness which we will have to work on. "Lawson needs to be pushing for a regular start too. It is up to him to make it happen. He is a very quick striker, a good finisher and very deceptive in the area. "He played together with Paul Barnes at Huddersfield and they worked very well together." Nick Daws is still pondering over an improved Shakers contract. The midfielder, who has also been offered the team captaincy, is expected to agree to stay on. Bury will play Manchester City in a pre-season friendly at Gigg Lane on Saturday, July 17, 3pm. Fans can pay on the day, price £10 adults, £5 juniors. The club is running a superb VIP match day package including main stand seat, bucks fizz reception, four course meal and car park pass; price £25 per person and £15 juniors. Call for more details.

Thursday, 01 July 1999

West joins Bury exodus - Bolton Evening News:
DEAN West completed his long-anticipated move to Burnley today to become the fourth Bury player to follow former boss Stan Ternent to Turf Moor. The 26-year-old full-back, who rejected a new contract offer to stay with the Shakers, has joined the Clarets on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling. He was one of five new signings announced by Ternent this morning and his arrival at Burnley will see him reunited with former team-mates Peter Swan, Gordon Armstrong and Lenny Johnrose. West is the third member of Neil Warnock's senior squad to leave Gigg Lane following the club's relegation from Division One. Goalkeeper Dean Kiely has joined Charlton and centre-back Chris Lucketti moved to Huddersfield, both in deals worth around £1 million. Bury have gone some way to covering their losses with the recruitment of Huddersfield duo Sam Collins and Ian Lawson on free transfers. The Shakers, who kick off their Division Two campaign at home to Gillingham on August 7, will open their pre-season programme with a friendly against newly-promoted Manchester City at Gigg Lane on Saturday, July 17 (ko 3pm).

Terriers Release Duo to Gigg Lane - Nationwide Web Site:
Youngsters Sam Collins and Ian Lawson have left Huddersfield for Second Division new-boys Bury. Collins, a 22-year-old defender, and 21-year-old striker Lawson decided on the move to Gigg Lane because of limited first team chances at the Alfred McAlpine Stadium. The Terriers have refused to disclose the fees involves in the double transfer.