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

Friday, 01 October 1999

Match Preview - The Lancashire Evening Telegraph:
Bury manager Neil Warnock reckons that his new Indian International striker Baichung Bhutia will take a month before he is ready for first team action, but such has been the interest in the Shakers' new man's arrival, that he may well get a place on the bench for saturdays visit of Cardiff City. The 22 year old from Calcutta has scored 23 goals in 31 Internationals and is hoping to be a role model for many of Britains Asians, whilst Chairman Terry Robinson will be hoping that Bhutia's arrival will see an increase in attendances from the Asian community. Bury were disappointed to only draw at Bournemouth last week and will be without casualties Sam Collins and Lutel James, whilst Andy Preece, Paul Barnes and Paul Reid will all face fitness tests. squad - Kenny Woodward Redmond Swailes Daws Bullock Reid Billy Lawson Preece Littlejohn Barnes Barrick Bhutia Williams Rocha

Early call for Bhutia - The Bury Times:
Shakers fans won't have to wait too long to see Indian superstar Baichung Bhutia in action - he's straight into the first team squad for tomorrow's Gigg Lane clash against Cardiff. Bury boss Neil Warnock welcomed Bhutia to Gigg Lane yesterday and declared that the club's most high-profile signing will be involved in first team affairs immediately. Gigg Lane hadn't seen a day like it as TV cameras and journalists from national and international organisations gathered in the Starkies Suite to get their first glimpse of the 'Star of Asia'. And what they discovered is that the long-awaited signing can't wait to put the skills and eye for a goal that has made him a household name in his own country to good use in front of the Bury faithful. "I'm just going to work hard and give my best for the club," he said. "When I came on trial I was really impressed with the set-up at Bury as well as the players and coaching staff. "I know I have things to learn about the English game and I will try to improve all facets of my game but I am determined to succeed." Bhutia already has some experience of European soccer after touring Belarus with the Indian Under-21 side and has played against Russian touring teams as well. And he admitted he was glad the protracted problems with his work permit were eventually sorted out to his, and Bury FC's, satisfaction. "It was a difficult time and was all new to me but I just kept focusing on my game. "I think I am the first Indian player to come to Europe but I don't think I'll be the last. Hopefully it will give other players from the subcontinent the confidence to come to Europe." Warnock was understandably delighted to finally get his man but was keen to play down the hype that has surrounded the 22-year-old in recent weeks. "I don't think we should expect too much from Baichung straight away," declared Warnock. "He is just another member of our squad and as far as I am concerned the only reason he is here is because he was better than a lot of former Premier Division youngsters we had a look at in pre-season. "He really unsettles defenders, has a good turn of speed and although he's not a big lad he is strong and I don't think any defenders will fancy playing against him. "He has a lot to learn about the physical aspects of the Second Division but he is a gurkha and he'll need that strength of character this season." Chairman Terry Robinson was quick to dispel any suggestions that the decision to sign Bhutia was anything other than a footballing one. "As far as the club is concerned we signed Baichung for his ability as a player and our view is that he would be an acquisition for the club," he said. "One of the spin-offs from the signing will obviously be the fact that he will be a role model for young Asians if he is successful. "It would be dangerous to put to much emphasis on Baichung's origins because at a football club it is ability that counts it's like the PFA's campaign said a few months ago it's the colour of the shirt that matters." As for tomorrow's game, Warnock looks like relying on the same starting eleven that got a draw at Bournemouth and although Andy Preece (hip) and Ian Lawson (ankle) haven't trained all week both are expected to be fit. The Bluebirds went down 2-1 to Brentford in midweek but Warnock expects a tough game. "Kevin Blackwell saw them on Tuesday and they were unlucky to lose and had a lot of possession and created a few scoring opportunities," he said.

Former football coach dies - The Bury Times:
WALTER Joyce, former youth development officer at Bury Football Club, died suddenly on Wednesday at the age of 62 after a short illness. A hard-tackling full-back in his playing days with Burnley and Blackburn in the Õ50s and early Õ60s, he gained coaching experience with his home town club, Oldham Athletic, and had a spell in management at Rochdale before joining Bolton Wanderers in 1977 on Ian Greaves' coaching staff. He served under five Bolton managers and as an assistant to John McGovern and Charlie Wright before leaving Burnden Park in December 1985 when Wright was sacked. Highly-respected for his youth team work, he held key posts at Preston and with the Shakers before moving to Manchester United, where he was recruitment officer at the Old Trafford Academy. His son Warren now manages Hull City while his other son Wayne works at Gigg Lane on the youth development side.

From Gangtok to Gigg - Buty Times:
BAICHUNG BHUTIA may come from one of the remote corners of India - Sikkim near the Himalayan mountains - but don't be fooled into thinking he's a backwoodsman. The 22-year-old striker is India's captain and star player, played in front of crowds of up to 140,000 for his club East Bengal and speaks perfect English, a result of attending boarding school from an early age. He has a number of endorsements with several multi-national companies, including Reebok and Pepsi and has become one of India's few alternative sporting heroes to its cricketers. He's the star of Indian soccer, the country's first high-profile, endorsement worthy footballer. And, as his representative Jaz Bains says: "Now he has become the first Indian-born footballer to play for a professional club in Europe he is much more marketable." He is likened in his homeland to the Italian ace Paolo Rossi because of his classical opportunist play in front of goal. But that's just one facet of his game. He can also construct goals, dancing and dribbling into the 18-yard box, feinting an opponent with a dip of his hip. He can hustle the opposition too. "He is very strong. He might not look it, but he is. Mark my words, you've got another David Johnson on your hands here," added Bains. In Gangtok, Sikkim, where Bhutia comes from, he is the local hero. He started his career as a 16-year-old when he was spotted playing for a local club side against East Bengal and they quickly moved in for the kill. The rest, as they say, is history as he clocked up 25 goals in 40 internationals for India. He moved to new club JCT and hit 14 goals in six games for them to help them to the inaugural Philips National Football League in 1996-97. In 1997-98 he returned to East Bengal and was voted Player of the Tournament in the 1997 and 1999 Coca-Cola South Asian Football Federation Games. Bhutia had gone about as far as he could go in Asia and it was then that German coach Otto Pfister urged him to try his luck in Europe. That's how he ended up on trial at Aston Villa, Fulham and, finally, Bury last summer and now the football fans of two continents, Europe and Asia, await his debut for the Shakers with eager anticipation. As well as securing Bhutia on a three-year contract there are other spin-offs, and a pre-season friendly against the Indian national side at Gigg Lane next summer could be among them.

Bury's Indian Scalp - The Daily Mirror:
BURY are hoping to double their attendances over-night - after signing the country's first Indian player. Baichung Bhutia last night completed his move to Gigg Lane from East Bengal and is set to make his debut against Cardiff tomorrow. Boss Neil Warnock is hoping the signing will capture the imagination of the local ethnic community. "We will probably get more fans than if we'd signed Ronaldo," he said.

Tuesday, 28 September 1999

Put your name to a piece of club history - The Bury Times:
Shakers fans wanting to see add their names to the definitive book charting the club's history have an extra week to do so! For every paid order received by Wednesday October 6 your name and town/area will be printed on the special "Subscribers Page" in the superb publication written by club historian Peter Cullen. It is the first publication chronicling the complete history of the club and is sure to be a massive seller. Available from November 20, it traces everything from the early beginnings in 1885 right through to the end of the 1998/99 season. Inside the covers you will find a comprehensive written history of the club, statistical match details covering every league, cup and friendly match played since 1885, and a large and varied section of illustrations covering the full period - many not seen before. There's full Lancashire League, Football League and FA Cup line-ups from 1889 onwards and 92 featured team photographs. Every player to appear in league games for the Shakers is mentioned, plus many other features. The book is available from the club by sending a cheque or postal order made payable to Bury FC for £21.95 if the book is to be collected or £26.45 if the book is to be posted. Please include name and forwarding address. Also going on sale from that date is a club video featuring action from as early as the 1920s to the present date. this is priced at £14.95 and further details on either can be obtained by ringing 0161-.

Bhutia to halt drop in gates - The Bury Times:
Indian superstar Baichung Bhutia could be just the man to reverse the depressing drop in gates at Bury Football Club. That's the hope of the Shakers' hierarchy as the 22-year-old skipper of the national side flies into the country this evening (Tuesday). The growing interest in his arrival could give a much-needed boost to Gigg Lane attendances which have disappointed since the start of the new campaign. The current average home attendance, 3,539, is a worrying sign for the Shakers board with the club currently second from bottom of a Division Two league table based on numbers through the turnstiles. It's a similar situation to that of local rivals Bolton Wanderers as the drop in gates following relegation forces clubs to walk a financial tightrope resulting in the departure of their most saleable assets. In Bolton's case the sale of Per Frandsen to Blackburn heralded the departure of manager Colin Todd but despite the shakers having to part with crowd favourites Dean Kiely and Chris Lucketti they have made a steady start to the new campaign and lie handily placed for an assault on the top positions. "Obviously I'd love to be higher in the league but when you think about the quality players we have lost like Dean Kiely, Chris Lucketti and Laurent D'Jaffo it shows just how well the younger players we've brought in have done," said bury boss Neil Warnock. "Apart from the Oldham match we could have won every game and you've got to be pleased with the start we've made under the circumstances." The acquisition of Bhutia, with his undoubted goalscoring pedigree, is a massive boost for Warnock's men who, on Saturday - not for the first time - failed to kill off the opposition after taking the lead. But speaking after the creditable 1-1 draw at Bournemouth the Bury bass had nothing but admiration for the player that denied his side their first away win - Mark Stein. "We don't deserve goals like that against us," he declared. "It was the one piece of quality in the whole match, a fantastic goal from a Premier division player. "Paddy (Kenny) asked me after the game when are we going to concede a sloppy goal because they are all crackers that seem to be beating him at the moment! "But it was always going to take something like that to breach us because I thought we were solid as a rock. "Not many teams are going to take anything off Bournemouth on their own ground and we've broken their 100 per cent record at least. "I think Mel Machin was quite relieved to get a point at the end. that shows how well we did."

Saturday, 25 September 1999
Buryiani Barmy - Indian Superstar ready to spice up Gigg Lane - The Sun: Baichung Bhutia will swap playing in front of 120,000 fans for around 6,000 when he runs out for Bury. Bhutia became the first Indian to play in Europe after a month long battle against red tape when he was granted a work permit last week. It took the Second Division club four week's to arrange the transfer of India's very own Michael Owen. In his native land he is second only to cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in terms of hero worship and is the most famous footballer in Indian history. Officials at East Bengal, the club he led to a record 26th Super Division State League title last year with an amazing 36 goals in 24 games, reckon Bury - or should that be Bury-ani - fans will soon have a new idol. Saapan Ball, a Bengal director, has ben one of Bhutia's closest pals since he was snapped up from hometown club Sikkim six years ago. And he insisted: "Baichung is the most popular and well paid player in India, and the best by a long way. I have known him since he joined the club in 1993 and he is like a brother to me. In that respect I am that he is going to Gigg Lane, but really we are all delighted for him. It is a great chance to prove his worth in England and everyone is praying he will be a big success. But really no one has any doubts about that. He is a fantastic player and the main reason we were champions last year. It was a sad day when he left this club but everyone in India is happy for him personally that he is going to europe. Wherever he goes he is surrounded by fans and after he returned following his first trial at Bury, there were huge crowds to see him at the airport. Having said that, everyone does want him to go and prove himself in Europe, because he is the first Indian player to do so and carries the whole country with him. East Bengal is the most famous club in India and the stadium holds 120,000 - the biggest in Asia. When we have big matches here it is full, and most of them come to see Baichung. I don't know how many fans Bury get, but certainly the crowd does not bother him. He has been the darling of India, and I am sure he will be just as successful in England. We are all praying he is a success and I have every confidence that he will be.
We will be very sorry to see him leave and he was upset when he decided to go, but he is on a mission for Indian Football. He is the best player we have ever had and it is going to be impossible ti replace him." It gives Bury the potential to pull in a few million extraAsian fans, assistant boss Kevin Blackwell revealed: "Wehad a behind closed doors practice match and Baichung stood out. He scored a couple of goals and did more than enough to impress us against senior pros. The interest in him since he came here on trial has been phenomenal. We don't get the biggest crowds but we'll have 400 million more fans now! Members of the Asian population have already been in touch and they will have a focal point in football in this country for the first time now. An Indian player playing in the Football League is unbelievable - it's really caught everyone's imagination."

Friday, 24 September 1999
Tough game at Dean Court - The Official Bury FC Web Site: Bury set off this morning for a rare overnight stay as they take on Bournemouth tomorrow afternoon at Dean Court. The Cherries are in possession of a 100% success rate so far in their four home league matches, beating Cambridge, Colchester United, Luton Town and Reading, whilst they also eliminated First Division Charlton from the Worthington Cup second round in a penalty shoot out in midweek after a goalless draw. If the Shakers are going to collect their first win of the season then, they are therefore going to have to be on top form tomorrow afternoon. Steve Fletcher and Mark Stein are AFCB's current joint leading scorers with three goals each, and as Manager Warnock pointed out, for Andy Woodward it will be a case of being thrown straight into the action once again as his return from injury begins at first team level. "I thought that Andy Woodward was superb last Saturday against Wycombe. To say that he had not played a game for five weeks, not even a reserve game is absolutely incredible. Now he'll have Mark Stein to mark as well on Saturday so it will be a difficult game for him. He's got that glint back in his eyes again though and is glad to be back in the team and involved in things," commented the Bury boss. The Shakers take on Bournemouth with exactly the same squad as last week, with Carlos Roca also travelling after playing and scoring in yesterday's reserve team. One player that won't be travelling to Bournemouth though is loan man lee Richardson, who has now returned to Huddersfield Town after his month with the Shakers. "Lee's loan period has finished now and his last game should have been Bournemouth, but we won't be taking him to Dean Court. He has done well for us but I have got to give one r other players a chance now. He's knows that not quite 100% fit yet and that is what he has gone away to do. I didn't ask the Chairman if I could have signed him permanently because I didn't think that he would improve the existing squad. Overall though his contribution would not be worth the financial outlay that it would cost us." said Neil Warnock. Shakers aim to Cherry Pick - Bury Times (Mike Waring): Bury must dent the best home sequence in Division Two if they are to register their first away win of the campaign tomorrow. Bournemouth boast a 100 per cent record at Dean Court scoring ten and conceding only two from their first four games. And they added to that another success this week when they accounted for First Division Charlton Athletic - Dean Kiely and all - after a penalty shoot-out in the second round second leg of the Worthington Cup. "It's good to get some of these long trips out of the way early in the season," said Bury boss Warnock. "And this game is just the opposite of when we went to Oldham two weeks ago. Nobody will expect us to get anything so we'll just to go out and play our normal game and try and get something out of it. But that Oldham match is the only game that we've let ourselves down in so far and we have nothing to fear as long as we stay organised." One man who won't feature against the Cherries tomorrow is on-loan midfielder Lee Richardson. Warnock has turned down the chance to retain him for another month and he returned to Huddersfield Town this week facing the next few weeks in Town's reserve side. "With the disappointing gates we are getting so far this season there's no way we could afford to bring in any new players. "But while he added something to our play I felt Lee lacked in certain departments and he didn't give us more than what we already have in the squad. At this stage of his career I don't think he was as hungry a player as we want at the club and he knows himself that he is a long way short of his fitness." Scottish Premiership strugglers Aberdeen could now step in to rescue Richardson who enjoyed a fine spell at Pittodrie a few seasons ago. Warnock looks like starting at Dean Court with the Lawson-Preece strike partnership that has shown a promising understanding so far this season. Preece's niggling knee problem is slowly improving and he will keep Paul Barnes on the substitutes bench for another week. Richardson's berth will be taken by Darren Bullock who the manager describes as having a "new lease of life" after recovering from a calf strain. Bhutia's all set to make his Bury bow - Bury Times (Mike Waring): Bury could resemble the centre of Calcutta on market day on Wednesday week when Halifax Reserves come to town. Not the most attractive of fixtures, I grant you - but gracing the Gigg Lane turf could be one Baichung Bhutia, who is set to become the first Indian-born footballer to play professionally in this country. Bhutia has received his work permit and is expected in Bury early next week, if not sooner. The Shakers plan to unveil him to the world's media next Thursday and while Shakers boss Neil Warnock insists it will be a month before Bhutia makes his first team debut, he is likely to get a reserve team outing sooner rather than later. First team football - and place on the bench for the home games against either Cardiff (Sat Oct 2) or Notts County (Sat Oct 9) is not out of the question - may also come quickly after that if Paul Barnes does not maintain his progress following his recent hamstring injury. The signs are looking better for Barnes after his ten-minute spell against Wycombe and a batch of goals for the reserves. Andy Preece too got a welcome boost with a goal and assist against Wycombe after his back and knee problems, but there are question marks still about both players regarding long-term match fitness. That means Bhutia's name is still right in the frame to partner Ian Lawson as soon as he Warnock is satisfied with his ability to cope with the English game fitness-wise. The 22-year-old Indian captain has scored 25 goals in 40 games for his country and while the Football League is a big step up for him, he certainly looked sharp enough in the footage shown of him on a recent BBC News bulletin. Bury chairman Terry Robinson confirmed that the club had received Bhutia's work permit. The club have forwarded it to the player in India. He is expected to make the journey from his home state in Sikkin, close to the Himalayas, within the next few days. On arrival at Gigg Lane he will begin his settling-in period and commence his training programme. Robinson said: "I'm delighted things are moving forward now. We sent the permit out to India on Tuesday and he could be here sometime next week."
Barrick's back and here to stay! - Bury Times (Mike Waring): Dean Barrick's first appearance in the shakers starting line up in nine months may only have lasted 45 minutes - but that doesn't bother him a bit! The versatile Hemsworth born defender is just glad to be back in Neil Warnock's thoughts after an unsettled 12 months when he looked like leaving the club. Barrick was one of Warnock's first signings when he joined from Preston North End in the summer of 1998 and started last season as the number one choice in the left back berth. But as the Shakers' superb start fizzled out, so did Barrick's first team appearances. "I didn't think I was playing too badly when I lost my place, but the manager has to do what he thinks best," he said. "At the time I could see no way back into the reckoning and was completely out of the plans, which was disappointing. Barrick was subsequently transfer-listed then spent three months in the Scottish first division with Ayr United. "I really enjoyed my time up there," he added. And it was a pretty successful time for the club. "We played in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup and at the end of the season they wanted to sign me. But although they made me a generous offer for a club of their size - and I was flattered at that - I couldn't agree terms and I didn't really want to uproot my children's schooling either. Maybe if Ayr had been closer I'd have signed for them, because I certainly didn't foresee me getting back into the first team frame at Bury."
So as the new campaign started Barrick admitted he was expecting along, hard season out of the picture and turned his thoughts to a move away. "I've always considered myself a good professional and a good trainer and when you are out of favour you get to a stage when you are training for your own pride," he explained. "I was basically trying to keep myself fit in case another club came along but, thankfully, the manager recognised the work I was putting in. "The frame of mind I was in, a place on the bench would have been a bonus. So to start last week's match was a big plus." And there was no complaints from the philosophical Barrick at his half-time tactical substitution in last weekend's match against Wycombe. "It was fair enough, in a situation like that it's what's best for the team, not the individual," he said. "The manager said to me that he would have to bring me off even though he didn't want to as I was doing well, but he has to do what he thinks is right and it paid off on the day." Now Barrick just wants to keep himself in the forefront of Warnock's thoughts and help the shakers towards getting their First Division status back as soon as possible. "With a small squad and limited resources we realistically should be looking to get into the play-offs. But if you look at the calibre of players we have at the club we can beat anyone in this division. "We have a superb team spirit and an ability to work hard for each other and they are things that Bury Football Club is all about. "Credit for that must go to the likes of Chris Lucketti, Dean Kiely, Lennie Johnrose and Nick Daws, who is still here. they started the ball rolling and it's up to the rest of the team to carry it on."

Wednesday, 22 September 1999

Club Shop Update - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
Building work on the new enlarged club shop has progressed dramatically over the past week and there is now a roof on the new structure! The planned opening date for the new "Football Superstore" is 1st November. Work on the Cemetery End is at the moment very much at a stand-still, with additional steelwork being awaited to continue the framework of the new stand. It is still hoped however that the new stand will be completed in time for the Boxing Day visit of Burnley.

Bury FC - The Official History - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
The club will be releasing "Bury FC - The official History" on 20th November. A 320 page book covering the entire history of the club in text, photographs and statistics, it is the first such history ever to be produced. We have now negotiated an 'extension' with the publishers that will enable anyone still wishing to have their name include on the special subscribers page in the book to still do so. There is no extra charge for the privilege of having your name included in the book - just fill in a form at the club shop and pay the normal £21.95 cover price of the book.

Tuesday, 21 September 1999

Work Permit Granted - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
The Shakers were delighted this morning when news filtered through that the work permit for Baichung Bhutia had been granted following the club's appeal. It was disappointing when the Shakers first learned that their initial application for a work permit had been knocked back, with the club then being given just a couple of days to launch an appeal. However, the Chairman and Manager got together an impressive appeal, with video evidence of the player's ability and various testimonials form local MP's.

The official club statement this morning read :-
"Bury Football Club had confirmation this morning, Wednesday 15th September, that Her Majesty's Government has granted a work permit for Baichung Bhutia. The twenty-two year old is Captain of the Indian National Team and has played forty games for his country, scoring 25 goals." Anyone who saw Baichung play in the pre-season friendly game at Hyde United back in July under the assumed name of Andrew Jones will testify that he looks to be a very exciting player indeed. Small in stature, but with lots of pace and a definate eye for goal. Following hot on the heels of the recent injury news, the news of Baichung's impedning arrival is a great boost to everyone at the club.

Keeper Keeny keeps it clean - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
A first clean sheet in the league has been long overdue for promising Shakers keeper Paddy Kenny who reached his milestone in Saturdays victory over Wycombe. The 22-year-old Yorkshireman has taken to first team football like a duck to water after being understudy to Dean Kiely last season. Anyone who doubted the wisdom of giving the former UniBond League player his chance at the start of the season must be eating their words after another sterling display. "It might have been nail-biting at times but I just couldnt see anyone getting past Paddy today" said Bury boss Neil Warnock. "He deserved ten out of ten for that performance even though we hasnt really had any saves to make. You can see him growing in confidence in every match and the fans have had a big part to play in that. They love him and hes thriving on it. Im delighted to see him get his first clean sheet and its no mean feat against Wycombe who are a good side". Shakers skipper Nick Daws another product of non-league football knows all about making the step into league soccer and can also see Kenny blossoming. "Paddys learning the game quickly and theres no better place to do it than in the first team," he said. "You can play as much reserve and non league football as you want but theres no substitute for playing in front of big crowds. "Hes going from strength to strength and long may it continue."

Woody Superb - Shakers chief full of praise for 'Mr Reliable'- Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Service beyond the call of duty has earned Andy Woodward rich praise from Shakers boss Neil Warnock. Talented defender Woodward who has been out of action for five weeks with a nagging groin injury was forced into the fray against Wycombe on Saturday and passed with flying colours. An injury to central defender Sam Collins earlier in the week meant Warnock was forced to pitch in the everreliable Woodward earlier than he might have wanted but, par for the course he played a big part in a fine 2-0 victory over the Chairboys. "Under the circumstances I though Andy was magnificent on Saturday" said Warnock. "He hadnt even had a run out in reserves so to come through like that was superb. But I knew he would for thats the kind of lad he is. I said to him before the game that he would be glad to be back and he agreed saying hed been getting under his wifes feet over the past few weeks. But I was worried and feared the worst when he went down injured in the first half but he just got up as he said, its better than sitting on the bench injured." The Bury boss was well pleased with Saturdays result if not the first half performance and even laid a bogey to rest with a win. "Thats the first time one of my teams has beaten Wycombe in all my years as a professional manager," he explained. "The last time I put one over on them was when I was with Burton Albion and they played on their old ground with a sloping pitch. But I always sensed we could score goals even in the first half when we were at sixes and sevens. I felt sorry for Dean Barrick whom I took off at the interval. He was probably our best man in the first half but there was no place for him after we changed things around for the second period." The result was the ideal way to bounce back after last weekends derby reverse at Boundary Park and Warnock believes his side arent far away from challenging the early pacesetters. "Apart from the Oldham match we could have won every game this season," he said. "If we hadnt conceded that goal against Bristol City in the 94^th minute wed only be three points behind the leaders, so were not that far away despite what the odd supporter in the stand might say!"

Gigg gates are cause for concern - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Saturday's disappointing attendance will have sent alarm bells ringing in the Gigg Lane corridors. The 3,293-strong crowd was the lowest home league gate since chesterfield were the visitors on Saturday, March 22, 1997 when 3,060 paid their way through the Gigg Lane turnstiles. No fewer than eight Third Division games attracted more fans and even Doncaster Rovers in the Nationwide Conference drew more on the day. The club will be further disappointed that they currently stand second from bottom of the Second division table on average gates with 3,539. Only struggling Scunthorpe United have a lower average.

Saturday, 18 September 1999

Lutel's Second Big Test - The Pink (Mike Waring):
Don't tell Lutel James that lightening isn't supposed to strike twice. Six years after breaking his left leg while an unknown non-league player, he suffered the same damage last Saturday playing for Bury at Oldham. But just as he rebuilt his career once before, James is doubly determined that this latest unlucky break won't end his brief professional career with the Shakers. James may be down - possibly for up to two months - but he's not out. "I'm going to work as hard as I possibly can to get back into the team," he told the Pink. I had just started to establish myself, and was playing well when this happened. This is the worst thing about breaking my leg again. But I really believe this team can go places and I want to make sure I'm part of it. There is a different atmosphere around the ground this season. And it's not just because the gaffer has brought in new players. Everyone is more relaxed and we're all enjoying our football." James says that manager Neil Warnock's new policy - attack is the best form of defence - has coincided with the new mood of optimism. "Last season we were committed to playing the long-ball game. But now we're allowed to try things off the cuff." James's worst fears were confirmed when he went for X-rays 48 hours after hobbling off at Boundary Park. "It was caused by a tackle from behind," he explains. "I tried to carry on for 20 minutes or so but it was giving me serious pain. I knew I had done something more than badly bruising myself." The former Hyde United man already has a plate and pins in the same leg from the first break while playing for Guiseley. "Fortunately for me it was a clean break. And even if you are not running on the leg there are ways of keeping fit. I'll be on the weights building up muscles so when the break heals I'll be ready to get started on regaining my match fitness. It could be five weeks, it might be eight - but I'm determined to win back my place." James's shirt is set to go to Paul Barnes who scored again in midweek for the Reserves. The former Burnley striker hasn't figured in the first team yet this season but was expected to play some part in today's home game against Wycome Wanderers. Bury's new marksman Baichung Bhutia could arrive in town next week after finally being granted a work permit. The 22-year-old striker is set to become the first Indian to play for an English professional club. Bhutia, who has netted 25 goals in 40 appearances, has received a three-year contract. "Bhutia did well in the trial matches but is far from the finished article," says Warnock. "It will take time for him to get used to the English style of play and that's why we have given him the length of contract we have."

Friday, 17 September 1999

Work Permit Refused - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
It became known a few days ago that there may well be a problem with the issuing of a work permit to Baichung Bhutia, the Indian international striker that Bury boss Neil Warnock was keen to sign after a very impressive few games in pre-season. That was finally confirmed yesterday when the work permit was finally refused and, although Bury now have right of appeal to the decision, that appeal will be held on Friday which does not give the club very long to put forward their arguments as to why Baichung should be granted a permit. Added to this is the problem that club Chairman Terry Robinson is currently ona business trip to Malta - and the fact that such an appeal must be presented in writing by tomorrow at the latest! "It is not that Baichung would even be taking anyone else's place really as we have simply been unable to find anyone else to sign that is anywhere near the quality player that he is," commented Manager Neil Warnock. The appeal process will now get under way and the cloub has been promised the support of the town's two M.P.'s in their fight to obtain a work permit for the player. The news that Baichung Bhutia would be signing for the Shakers has caused massive interest amongst the Indian media and his supporters. And the news of the refusal of a work permit is also likely to stir up another massive amount of interest back in the player's home country.

All hands on Deck - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
The injury crisis which has developed this week at Gigg Lane means that Neil Warnock will have to call up virtually his entire playing squad for tomorrow's tough game against an in-form Wycombe side. The Shakers boss looks likely to bring Andy Woodward and Paul Barnes into the sqad, even though Woody has been out for four weeks and has not had a competitive game and Barnes is also still not fully on the road to full fitness, although he has scored in each of the last two reserve team games. The injury crisis began on Monday when both Sam Collins and Paul Reid picked up knee injuries in training. Collins has since been diagnosed as having medial ligament damage and Neil Warnock predicts that he will now face a lay-off of at least eight weeks, although the player is hoping to return in six weeks! The news on Paul Reid was much better after he too was carried from training with a knee that was black and blue. Tests have since confirmed that Paul, happily, has no permanent damage to his knee and has made such a rapid rate of recovery so far, that he even has an outside chance of being involved in tomorrow's action. The other injury victim of course is Lutel James, who broke his leg last Saturday at Oldham, and with the diagnosis of a clea break, he now faces a lay off until November at least. Andy Preece also continues to struggle with his ongoing knee injury and this week spent a couple of days having tests on a stomach problem that is preventing him from taking anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the obvious pain that he encounters when playing. Wycombe are on something of a crest of a wave at the moment and Lawrie Sanchez' team is unbeaten in away games so far, also knocking Wolves out of the first round of the Worthington Cup and earning a 1-1 draw in midweek against West Brom at The Hawthorns. "Wycombe will come here protecting their undefeated away run and they are a physically strong, very hard side that works well together. I don't think it will be a pretty game at all, it will probably be a bit scrappy and far from a classic, but we need to get back on track after Saturday's setback at Oldham and let's not forget as well that we are also undefeated at Gigg Lane." commented the Bury Boss.

Blackpool Match - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
Match tickets for Bury's all-ticket away game at Blackpool on 16th October go on sale at the Ticket Office before and after tomorrow's game against Wycombe Wanderers. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for Juniors. The away game at Blackpool is always a very popular game with Bury supporters, so make sure that you pick up your ticket.

Injury Time - Selection problems mount as Collins joins James on critical list - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
THE good news of Baichung Bhutia's work permit success was just the fillip Shakers chief Neil Warnock needed after what has been a disastrous week for injuries. No sooner had the Bury boss learned that Lutel James had broken his leg in last Saturday's clash at Oldham Athletic than he received another hammer blow. Dominant central defender Sam Collins will be missing for at least eight weeks after sustaining medial ligament damage during training on Monday morning. And if that wasn't bad enough - in the same session - Paul Reid also took a painful blow to the knee that left him on crutches for a couple of days. Reid's injury, thankfully, is just bad bruising and he may even be okay for tomorrow's visit of Wycombe Wanderers. However, the loss of Collins is a major problem for Warnock who has had to bring long term injury victim Andy Woodward into the squad despite the fact he hasn't had a game in the reserves. "Monday was unbelievable and it had to be the thirteenth of the month," said Warnock. "But whoever turns out tomorrow we'll need the fans to really get behind them. I may even have to throw Andy Woodward in because there's no way he'd let us down. Wycombe will be very difficult to break down and whoever plays our plan will be to attack them as much as we can." It's not all bad news though as striker Paul Barnes is in line for a recall after grabbing a goal in the reserves 3-1 victory over Chester at the Deva Stadium on Wednesday. Tomorrow's opponents are a formidable prospect away from home with only one defeat away from Adams Park since March 23. It was a sequence of five victories in their final seven away games - including a vital one at Manchester City - that saved the Chairboys from relegation into Division Three last season. And this term they have been equally adept on their travels with a win at Scunthorpe on the opening day followed by draws at Gillingham and Oxford, a 4-2 Worthington Cup first round triumph over Wolves at Molineux and in the second round this week they earned a fine draw against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns. Andy Preece spent two days in hospital this week having tests on a stomach problem that is stopping him taking the anti-inflammatory drugs that would ease his knee problem.

Bhutia gets green light - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Bury boss Neil Warnock tried to cool the euphoria over Indian striker Baichung Bhutia's imminent arrival as he began preparations to ease the player towards a first team place with the Shakers. The Shakers' bid to make the 22-year-old the first Indian ever to play in the Football League received a setback when his initial application for a work permit was rejected, but his appeal has been successful. Bhutia is the captain and star player of his international team, having played 40 times for India and scored 25 goals. He was the youngest player to score for India when he hit the net in a game at the tender age of 18. Warnock said: "I'm delighted. It's a victory for common sense as well as for us and Baichung. He's not a world beater. He will take time to settle in, but he has got ability and it's well worth a club like Bury giving him a three-year contract. He has great movement and he is a good finisher." Despite his current injury problems, Warnock is adamant Bhutia will have to undergo around a month's training before he considers him for the first team. "We will play him in the reserves during his training spell, but it will take around a month before he's ready for the first team. With the Auto Windshield Trophy coming up next month, Bhutia may get a first team run-out in that competition - but there's no doubt his debut will be greeted with great interest both here in Bury and around the world. Chairman Terry Robinson said: "I think it's great news. I am happy Baichung has got a work permit. It's great for the club and football as a whole. "He could be a role model for Asian youth in our area and they might get more involved with the game. Hopefully, it will generate some interest and bring more people, both Asian and others, into the game through the turnstiles and on the playing side. We are expecting to receive the work permit within days rather than weeks. We will then send it to Baichung in Sikkim enabling him to get back into England." Bury North MP David Chaytor, who made representations to the Government for the appeal, was delighted with the result. "I am extremely pleased the club has succeeded in its appeal. The club should be congratulated for putting its case extremely well. It is also very satisfying to know that the appeals procedure, which is comparatively new, is working properly. People have had every opportunity to state their case, and there has been a considered judgement. It demonstrates that the appeal panel and the minister who received their recommendation have listened carefully to the recommendations by myself and the arguments put forward by the club. It is a very satisfactory outcome to what has been a difficult period, and I wish Baichung all the best in his career in the Football League." Middlesbrough succeeded in their bid to obtain a work permit for Brazilian star Juninho, but Blackpool's appeal over Estonian striker Indrek Zelinski failed. A decision over a second appeal has yet to be made by the Blackpool board.

Thursday, 16 September 1999

Sam Collins Update - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
The latest injury new regarding the knee injury that Sam Collins sustained in training on Monday is that happily, he did not suffer cruciate ligament damage and therefore will not be missing for the remainder of the season as had first been feared. The injury he did suffer is bad enough though, with damaged to his medial ligament meaning that he will now spend the next six to eight weeks recuperating - and will no doubt get to know the inside of Alan Raw's treatment room very well. Sam's prolonged loss is a big blow for the Shakers and for the player himself, who had settled in so well since arriving at Gigg Lane in July. We wish Sam every success for a speedy recovery.

Tuesday, 14 September 1999

James blow for the Shakers - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Bury boss Neil Warnock has lost the services of Lutel James for at least six weeks after test revealed the striker broke his leg in Saturday's clash at Oldham. The diminutive striker limped out of the action after 32 minutes of the 2 - 0 derby defeat after a heavy challenge aggravated an earlier injury. He was taken to hospital for x-rays where a scan revealed a brake above the ankle. "It's a clean one but as Lutel already has a metal plate in his leg from an earlier injury he won't need a further operation as that's keeping the break together," explained Warnock. But the Shakers chief was disappointed at his former club for the rough treatment meted out to both James and Adrian Littlejohn in the early stages of Saturday's match. "We were told that they were going to rough up our wide players and I thought two early challenges that went unpunished by the referee were diabolical. In the first minutes a challenge by Paul Rickers on Littlejohn should have earned a booking but Ady is so honest he just got up and ran off. But when Sam Collins was booked their player dived around when he'd hardly been touched. It's naivety on our part really." James' injury is a striker problem Warnock really doesn't need with Paul Barnes still short of first team fitness and Andy Preece not training full time due to a niggling knee and back problem. Andy Woodward will have run outs in the reserves at Chester City tomorrow when Warnock also expects to hear the result of Bhutia's work permit appeal which was held on Friday. The Bury boss was unhappy with the team performance at Boundary Park. "I think the only chance we would have had to score was if Gary Kelly had come out of his goal and laid down on the floor," he said. "I was disappointed with our central defenders and what is usually our strength was our weakness. We don't look like keeping a clean sheet at the moment and can improve in a lot of departments."

Saturday, 11 September 1999

ATTACK, ATTACK - Warnock changes route one pattern - The Pink (Mike Waring):
Neil Warnock's teams have been called a lot of things in the past but the tag of 'great entertainers' is well down the list. However, Warnock has been determined to show a leopard can change it's spots by sending out more attack orientated sides. The traditional route one approach has been modified for a subtler, passing game though there are times when the rustic methods are still employed. "I'd had enough." confesses the Bury boss. "The crowd were getting on my back last season so I thought if I'm going, I might as well go out with a bang. And if I'm staying we might as well enjoy the football and try to get the fans on our side. The lads seem to be enjoying it because rather than just being defensive we go out to attack home and away. In the past at Oldham and here we didn't have many options to change the style and everyone said we lost our three best players over the summer in Dean Kiely, Chris Lucketti and Laurent D'Jaffo. But with the three I brought in - Paul Reid, Sam Collins and Ian Lawson - it gave me the opportunity to try a different approach." As a result the Shakers have scored in every second division match bar one and last Bank Holiday Monday stuck five past Colchester. The new attacking philosophy has filtered down into the reserves. They roasted Rochdale 6-0 in a midweek Pontins League game including doubles from Paul Barnes and American Carlos Rocha. Dean Barrick and Danny Swailes also scored. It was Barnes's first outing for three weeks and he'll soon be in contention for a first team recall. More good news for Warnock is the return on Monday of Andy Woodward who has missed recent matches because of an abductor muscle problem. The form of rookie goalkeeper Pat Kenny has also pleased Warnock though he would like a few more clean sheets from the ex Bradford Park number one. Kenny's recent displays have certainly been eye catching but he won't be talking about them. The 22-year-old Yorkshireman has been banned from speaking to the media for the immediate future. "He's done well but we're just trying to keep his feet on the ground," says Warnock.

Friday, 10 September 1999

Bhutia Verdict Awaited - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
The club has new submitted all their evidence, a video of Bhutia playing and various testimonials as today's appeal against the denial of Baichung Bhutia's work permit goes ahead. It is now just a case of sitting and waiting as club officials are not allowed to attend the appeal in person. All data must be submitted by post. "We have done everything the right way. We have tried to obtain British players and have had loads of trialists at the club since the end of last season. We just simply have not seen anyone who can compare to the class of this player. The P.F.A. might think that we would be denying one of their members a job if Bhutia was employed at the club but that simply isn't the case, we have tried to obtain British players," said Neil Warnock.

Admission details for Boundary Park - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
No tickets are required for tomorrow's game at Oldham. Supporters can gain entry into the Rochdale Road Stand by paying cash at the turnstile. Adults £13 and juniors/Oap's £6. The stand holds 4,000 and we are hopeful that there will be a healthy contingent of supporters making the very short journey for Bury's first league game at the ground since September 1967. The Shakers won 2-1 that day with Greg Farrell and George Jones scoring the goals. A repeat of that scoreline would be very welcome indeed.

"A lot of spice" says Warnock - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
The Shakers head into tomorrow's away game against bottom club Oldham Athletic facing a tough ninety minutes according to boss Neil Warnock, who along with four Bury players will be returning to one of their former clubs. "It will be a game that is full of spice with so many of us going back to Boundary Park but I have told all the players tomorrow's game is nothing to do with league tables. Oldham might be bottom but league tables go out of the window tomorrow with it being a derby game and it will be down to which team is up for it most on the day. We will be looking to win the game though, like we have tried to win all the games so far this season," commented Neil. The Shakers will once again be without Andy Woodward and Paul Barnes and there is also a fitness doubt over trialist Carlos Rocha. Woodward is hoping to get back into full training next Monday and so should be back in contention very soon but Neil Warnock is determined not to rush Paul Barnes back into action too soon this time despite the striker scoring twice in Wednesday's 6-0 reserve win against Rochdale. "We are going to do things right this time for Paul. We pushed him back too soon last time and he has now missed another three weeks as a result. We will give him at least a couple of reserve games and a couple of weeks training before considering him for the first team this time," he commented. Another player who also scored twice against Rochdale was Carlos Rocha, but the trialist came off injured in that game and has not trained since. However, it is still hoped that he may be able to take his place on the substitute's bench tomorrow.

Reunion time at Boundary - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
A LANCASHIRE hotpot with added spice is on the menu for the Shakers when they make the short trip to Oldham for tomorrow's derby clash. That's the verdict of Neil Warnock who takes his Bury side to Boundary Park for the first time since he left the Latics hotseat sixteen months ago. With four former Oldham players in the Shakers first team, Paul Reid, Steve Redmond, Adrian Littlejohn and loan ace Lee Richardson, and enough faces still at Boundary Park from Warnock's days as boss, there should be no quarter given or asked come 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Warnock describes the match as a real no-win game, with struggling Oldham without a point from their first five matches, but sure to be fired-up against their former boss. "I've said to the players that they should forget the league table - it's just a case of who wants to win more on the day in games like these," he said. "They may have no points, but I saw them against Preston earlier in the season and they were very unlucky. "One thing's for sure, it will be a very exciting game because we go out to attack teams home and away and up to now haven't kept a clean sheet in the league. It makes games more enjoyable, but I must have our fans biting their nails a bit more!" Warnock will rely on the personnel that ended Luton Town's 100 per cent home record last weekend with striker Carlos Rocha likely to shake off a niggling ankle problem. The American picked up a brace of goals in the reserves 6-0 demolition of Rochdale reserves on Wednesday with Paul Barnes (2), Danny Swailes and Dean Barrick also on the scoresheet. Barnes' appearance was his first major step back to full fitness, but he is still a couple of matches short of a first team call-up. Andy Preece had a scan and saw a specialist on Tuesday about his knee and back problem and he is out of full time training for about three weeks, however, it shouldn't keep him out of the first team reckoning. "I know exactly how hard tomorrow's game will be and if we aren't up for it we will get turned over, it's a big test for a few people," admitted Warnock. I just hope we can take plenty of our fans over there with us and they give us the superb backing they can do in away games."

Fingers crossed for Shakers and Bhutia - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Baichung Bhutia's hopes of playing for Bury increased last night as the Shakers prepared for today's appeal date in Manchester. Bury North MP David Chaytor has given his full backing to Bury's bid to land Bhutia and has written to the Department for Education and Employment urging them to grant the 22-year-old Indian striker a work permit. The Professional Footballers' Association, who are represented on today's appeal panel, are also not totally against Bhutia's application. Their criteria is similar to the DFEE's in that any player being granted a work permit must be world class in order not to block the path of Britain's own youngsters or other home-based players of a similar standard. The DFEE's stance is primarily that a player's nation must be ranked in the top 70 by FIFA - India are currently 114th on the FIFA list. A spokesman for the PFA said: "If Bury do use the argument that Bhutia's signing would help promote the game within the Asian communities over here it would do their case no harm at all. "There are thousands and thousands of youngsters playing the game out there at grass roots level, but for some reason their path into the professional game is being blocked. There isn't an Asian-born player in the game over here. "It is important that we try to redress the balance, while at the same time ensure that it is not preventing our own youngsters coming through. If Bury can prove that Bhutia has made an impact over in India and that they could not find a player of a similar standard over here they are in with a chance." Bhutia IS definitely big news in India. He has scored 21 goals in 31 internationals for his country, including one that made him the youngest player to score for India at the age of 18. He hails from Sikkim, close to the Himalayas and already a hotel has been named after him there and the State Government have honoured him. He has been the centre of attention since returning to Sikkim from his trial with Bury and the Statesman newspaper in Calcutta reported recently that "never before in the history of Indian football has a player received so much attention from the media." The BBC World Service also contacted the Bury Times this week for an interview on the Bhutia situation. Bhutia himself says: "I am confident that I will finally make it as a lot of people in Manchester and the places adjoining Bury have already given me the necessary confidence. The local MP is supporting me and the Bury officials are also trying to see that I get the necessary work permit as early as possible." Bhutia, voted Best Player of the recent South Asian Federation Games, previously played at club level with East Bengal. He has two agents, Raj Prohit and Jas Bines. They held a press conference in India at the weekend and said that Bhutia would join Bury within "four to five weeks." Bhutia also had trials with Aston Villa and Fulham and added: "It is better to raise my standard gradually. As a high school student it is not wise to try to sit in the graduation classes. I feel Bury is the best side to start with. "It is skill that matters and I think that I will be moulded by the Bury coaches in a much more organised manner. After joining them I hope that I will be able to produce a much better brand of soccer than you have seen from me in the last four years." Mr Chaytor, a lifelong Shakers supporter, is right behind Bhutia. He said: "I have urged the DFEE to reconsider their decision as I think Mr Bhutia's presence would not only be good for Bury FC, but would also give a terrific boost to racial harmony. Football would then be seen as a game which truly belonged to the community as a whole. The other ridiculous thing about the current rules is that they lead to a permanent 'Catch 22' situation for countries outside the top 70. International sides that are trying to establish themselves in the footballing world should be given the chance to develop their skills and raise standards through stronger contacts with clubs in top-ranked countries. I've told the Minister that I think the current system is both arbitrary and unfair. Mr Bhutia is precisely the sort of player who, for the sake of football in both this country and his own, should be given the chance to play for a British club. If he loses his appeal today, it will be a bad day for the game and for local race relations."

Supporters' Association - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Bury FC Supporters' Association hold their monthly event at the club's Gigg Lane Social Club next Thursday (September 16) commencing at 7:30pm. The evening will be dedicated to the association membership and will be an informal cheese and wine evening giving members the opportunity to talk to committee members regarding association topics.Only members of the BFCSA will be admitted on the night.

Tuesday, 07 September 1999

Baichung deal hits a snag - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Baichung Bhutia's work permit has been refused and Bury have been given just four days notice of the appeal date. A spokesman for the Overseas Labour Service, which comes under the Department for Education and Employment, contacted the Bury times last night and revealed that the decision had been taken not to grant the 22-year-old Indian striker a work permit, but an appeal has been set for Manchester on Friday. Bhutia would have been the first Indian-born player to play in the football league if the signing had gone ahead. He has been offered a three-year contract by the Shakers, but now the club face a massive task if they are to convince the independent panel which listens to the appeal that they have a case. The panel is made up of representatives from the FA, the Premier League, the Professional Footballers Association, academics, journalists and other interested parties. They can make a recommendation to the Minister for Education and Employment, Margaret Hodge, who will have the final say. However, another appeal is possible if the first one is turned down as was the case with Southampton's Latvian striker Marian Pharvas, who was eventually granted a permit. Latvia though are ranked in FIFA's top 70 countries, the main criteria for a successful application. India are currently ranked 114th. The club are now facing a race against time to finalise their documentation for the appeal - and with chairman Terry Robinson not due back from a business trip to Malta until Thursday at the earliest, efforts were being made to contact him as the Bury Times went to press. They are likely to get the backing of Bury MPs David Chaytor and Ivan Lewis. Chaytor has already called for the regulations governing work permits to be overhauled to enable emerging countries like India to make further progress with moves such as the one arranged by Bury for Bhutia. Meanwhile, Lee Richardson could be on his way to earning a full contract with The shakers - if the price is right! Cash will be the key as Neil Warnock did all his summer recruiting without spending a penny on transfer fees. That, of course, is down to the harsh fact that there is little cash available for transfer fees - and possibly not too much for contracts either. And with Huddersfield likely to be asking a fee of £30,000 or so for the 30-year-old midfield player it will be "fingers crossed time" when, and if, Warnock goes to his board with a request for some transfer spending money. Alternatively, he could of course gamble on Richardson still being available at the end of the season when his current contract runs out. An extended loan spell would only be a short term option as Huddersfield would try to recoup at least some of the £65,000 they paid Warnock for the player in October 1997 when the Bury manager was boss at Oldham Athletic. But with Aberdeen, one of Richardson's former clubs, said to have also been interested in taking him back on loan shortly before he came back to Gigg Lane, playing the waiting game would be risky.

Boss hopes for the best - Bury Times (Mike Waring):
Bury boss Neil Warnock is hoping against hope that the appeal goes in the Shakers favour - even though the odds seem stacked against them. The shakers aren't allowed any representation at the appeal, but simply have to provide all the documentation they can do to support their appeal. That has to be in the 48 hours before the appeal is heard on Friday in Manchester and Warnock said: "I am just hoping they'll see sense. It's a great opportunity for them to push the game amongst the Asian community - and give Asia itself a lift. It's not as if Baichung will be taking somebody else's place by joining us because we simply haven't found anyone else with his ability."

Saturday, 04 September 1999

Trialists Leave the Club - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
Three players that have been on trial at Gigg Lane in recent weeks have now left Gigg Lane. Full-back Jass Juttla, striker Derek McGill and goalkeeper Simon Addy have all been released after their trials but Neil Warnock is still keeping a close eye on the progress of one of the trio. "The players simply were no better than the players we already have at the club although we are still maintaining our interest in the Ghanaian goalkeeper Simon Addy and think that he is worth monitoring him for a while longer," commented the Bury boss.

Third time lucky - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
After the confidence boosting 5-2 win at home to Colchester on Monday afternoon, Bury travel to Kenilworth Road tomorrow to take on a Luton Town side which has enjoyed a great start to the season after the club came within a whisper of being thrown out of the Football League on the eve of the season. The Hatters had been in receivership during the summer and only satisfied the Football league with a rescue package at the very last minute. Lennie Lawrence's young side has responded in magnificent style though and they have been up with the leaders so far. The Shakers will definitely be without Paul Barnes and Andy Woodward tomorrow as they continue their recovery from injury. Barnes actually made a comeback recently in the reserve team's Manchester Senior Cup game against Manchester United and played a full game but found that his knee swelled up after the game. The good news for Neil Warnock is that both players are expected to resume full training once again next week and should be back in continue in the very near future. Also doubtful for tomorrow are Darren Bullock, who is struggling with swollen glands and Andy Preece who has a continuing back problem that required extra treatment this week. Both players remain in the Shakers squad though. After conceding an equaliser at Ashton Gate last Saturday two minutes into injury time, Bury will be hoping that it is third time lucky and that they can come away from Kenilworth Road with all three points as they continue their bold new attacking policy away from home. The Shakers collected a 0-0 draw on their last visit to Kenilworth Road in April 1996 - and that result was sufficient to all but mathematically ensure Bury promotion to Division One. Lets hope Neil's boys can bring home anther memorable result tomorrow.

Reserves lose to Darlington - The Official Bury FC Web Site:
BURY RESERVES 1 DARLINGTON RESERVES 2 - The reserve side are finding the going tough so far in their Pontins League campaign and met with a second defeat this afternoon at Gigg Lane. The visitors were definately the superior side during the first half and took a 37th minute lead when Peter Duffield collected a pass from the right wing, controlled the ball and slid a low shot coolly just inside Hoggeth's left hand post. Darlington played some good passing football during the first period and probably deserved their lead. Bury also had their moments in the first half though and after 22 minutes Avdiu beat two men to find himself one on one with the goalkeeper who managed to get in the way of Kemo's shot. Ten minutes later good work from Carlos Rocha presented Martyn Forrest with a chance, he turned well and hit a volley first time but it went narrowly over the bar. After 42 minutes Kemo sent across a corner kick which Brian Linighan met full on but again the keeper saved well. Mark Donnelly worked tirelessly during the first half and it was the same player who was handed the opening chance in the second period, heading just over from a Forrest left wing cross. Avdiu then had a shot well saved from a narrow angle two minutes late. Darlington grabbed a second goal though after 64 minutes. Peter Duffield passed the ball out to Paul Campbell on the right hand side and he sent in a shot which crept inside Hoggeth's right hand post. Bury almost got a goal back three minutes later when Hoggeth sent a sweeping pass up field for Avdiu to chase. When Kemo eventually crossed from the left touchline it was Donnelly that had raced upfield to send in a header which keeper Samways saved at the expense of a corner. From that corner, Graham Liddle handled and Martyn Forrest crashed home the resultant penalty kick. Bury tried desperately to grab an equaliser and changed things around to play with four forwards in a last gasp attempt but the goal would not come.
BURY: Hoggeth, Hutchinson, Barrick, Challinor, Linighan, Redmond, Forrest, Swailes D., Rocha, Avdiu, Donnelly. Subs: Buggie (69 mins for Donnelly), Barrass (-), Souter (76 mins for Challinor), Borg (81 mins for Forrest).
DARLINGTON: Samways, D'Aseizo, Wells, Brumwell, Liddle, Henry, Kilty, Leah, Carruthers, Duffield, Campbell. Subs: Finch (-) Pepper (83 mins for Wells), Williamson (-), Keegan (-) Carter (90 mins for Kilty)

Woodward could be out for a month - Nationwide Web Site:
Bury defender Andy Woodward looks set to miss Bury's trip to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town. Woodward damaged a groin during shooting practice in training this week and is out of contention for anything up to a month. He said: "It's a real sickener as I was feeling positive about our start, as are the rest of the team." Bury are looking to build on the five points they have already taken from four games in the Second Division.

Goalden Duo - Strikers put end to Warnock nightmare - The Pink:
Neil Warnock's nightmare is over after his teams's goal glut against a Colchester side well past it's sell by date. But the boss knows his team selection problems have only just begun because he'd have to be brave and willing to face the fury of Gigg Lane's notoriously difficult to please fans if he broke up the Ian Lawson - Andy Preece pairing. It's a potential problem the manager is delighted to live with as his in-form squad begin to realise their potential. Warnock said: "It was nice for both of our strikers to get a standing ovation on Monday when I withdrew them simply because they had done their jobs. When I brought Andy off and the fans responded like they did I told him that they would be cheering me next and then we got silly and said they might even get behind Chris Billy!" Lawson, who joined the Shakers on a free from Huddersfield, and much travelled Preece, who moved to Gigg Lane last season from Blackpool, have little in common ... but together they have proved a dream partnership. Lawson hasn't stopped scoring since the beginning of the season, notching a hat trick in an excellent, hard working performance against Colchester. In that game Preece played a key role in two of Lawson's goals and was a grateful recipient when Lawson turned provider to set up a late tap in. Lawson said: "I would not have scored half the goals this season if it were not for Andy. He has great experience and is so clever with his little runs off the ball. He always battles away and things are working out brilliantly. I am learning from him all the time during training where we work a lot together. He is very helpful and now I reckon the whole team is going to start hammering people. We should have won at Bristol and also in the cup." Preece, who at 32 is ten years older than Lawson, added: "The partnership is working really well. We have good understanding and because we are so different in our styles we are creating so many problems. Ian was superb at Bristol when I was not in the team. He battled away but that meant he had to do my job as well. The manager brought us back together against Colchester and everything worked out so well. One player who knows all about Lawson is his best pal Sam Collins, who also moved to Gigg Lane on a pre season free with him. Big Sam said: "It doesn't surprise me that Ian is scoring so many goals. He's been doing that all his career. Everyone has been thinking we would eventually start taking the most of our chances and that is what happened on Monday."

Dean stays to Battle - The Pink:
Dean barrick still beleives he was right to turn down a move across the border - even though he has not been in the Bury first team. Dean, 29, enjoyed a successful three-month loan spell at Ayr United where he made the left back spot his own. It was no surprise when he was offered the chance to move to Scotland with his wife and two children from their Wakefield home. But Dean, who arrived at Gigg Lane from Preston, turned that opportunity down -- opting to continue under his three year contract with the Shakers. He told the Pink: "I really enjoyed it in Scotland. It was a good experience but I did reject a permenent move. I didn't think it was right at this stage of my career. We are settled in Wakefield and I have never asked for a transfer from Bury. The manager has recognised the effort I have made to keep myself in the first team picture and taken me off the transfer list. "It's nice to be back involved with the first team in any capacity. Bury is a great club and it's a case of battling for a place in the team. The lads are playing well at the moment and I am just hoping for an opportunity to get out there and make it impossible for the manager to leave me out. "When I first came to Bury hrom Preston I played 20 games so I have lots of experience. In fact I played over 100 first team games for my last three clubs. When I was with Ayr I was at left back which I feel is my best position." Barrick added: "I am not going to set myself any deadlines about when I hope to get back in the team. I will take every day as it comes and I know the manager will keep me informed if anyone notices I'm not playing regularly as I hope and comes in. My priority is to battle for a place here.