'FAMILY DAY' ADMISSION PRICES
MAIN STAND - Adults £10 Senior Citizens/Children under 16 - £5
SOUTH STAND - Adults £10 Senior Citizens / Children under 16 - £5
FAMILY STAND - Adults £10 Senior Citizens £5 Children - Free

MEMBERSHIP CHARGES 1999/2000
Adults £15 Senior Citizens / Children under 16 - £10
Membership renewal forms are now available from the club shop

Kiely makes Valley switch - The Express Sport Web Site, Nationwide Web Site, Sky Sports & Football 365:
Charlton have bought Bury goalkeeper Dean Kiely for £1million as the relegated club take aim at an immediate return to the Premiership. Republic of Ireland squad member Kiely, 28, has signed a five-year deal at The Valley and will compete for a first-team place with Sasa Ilic. Andy Petterson has been released and Addicks keeper Simon Royce, attempting to recover from a serious knee problem, is unlikely to be fit for the start of the new campaign. "Dean was probably the best goalkeeper in the First Division last season and we're delighted to get him," Charlton's plc chairman Richard Murray told the club's official web site. "I hope our fans will take this signing as a clear signal of our determination to get back to the Premiership at the first attempt." Kiely is the third £1million buy at The Valley following last season's purchase of Neil Redfearn from Barnsley and Graham Stuart from Sheffield United.

Daws offered big money deal - Bury Times:
SHAKERS midfield star Nick Daws has been offered a new 'mega-money' deal which will make him the highest paid player at the club. Chairman Terry Robinson and manager Neil Warnock spent a full day hammering out the improved offer in a bid to keep the ever-present 29-year-old at Gigg Lane and have thrown in the club captaincy as an extra sweetener. Daws still has two years remaining on his contract but is wanted by ex-boss Stan Ternent at Burnley. The wealthy Turf Moor club could top anything the Shakers have to offer, however any bid to reunite the player with Lennie Johnrose may collapse over a transfer fee. Bury, working under even tighter financial restraints in the wake of owner Hugh Eaves' problems, are likely to want around £500,000 for the midfield king pin. Burnley, however, will hope to prise him away for a similar figure to Johnrose, who went for £220,000 in February. With the Shakers resigned to losing Chris Lucketti and Dean Kiely after relegation from Division One, Warnock is desperate to keep hold of one of his major assets. "We have offered Nick a good increase in wages to match the responsibility of being captain and we hope he will agree to take on the role," said Warnock. "He would become the top wage earner in the first team squad and he deserves it. "I know there are other attractions around but I hope he decides to give us at least another season. Nick is ambitious and wants to play at a higher level, that is why I don't want him to leave Bury for another Division Two club." Warnock this week released Tony Rigby and John Foster and slapped Nigel Jemson, Andy Preece, Adrian Littlejohn and Brian Linighan on the transfer list. A fee will be required for Littlejohn, whom Warnock has described as a Huge disappointment, with the others allowed to leave on a free. Steve Redmond, Kemajl Avdiu and West have all been offered new deals, although West will almost certainly join Burnley. Of the younger players, Martyn Forrest, Danny Swailes, Matt Barrass and Lee Buggie have also been offered contracts. Chris Swailes was crowned player of the year at Bury Supporters' Association's prize night on Monday. Kiely was second with Lucketti third. The Disabled Supporters' Association winner was Kiely, with Lucketti runner-up. Goal of the season went to Darren Bullock for his wonder strike against Sunderland and there was a special award for Daws for his amazing record of three seasons without missing a game.

The message board on the club's internet site has been temporarily closed down after a barrage of hostile, unprintable attacks on manager Neil Warnock and major shareholder Hugh Eaves.

Captain Fantastic comes to terms with relegation - The Bury Times:
CAPTAIN courageous Chris Lucketti held back the tears as he embarked on his last lap of honour for the Shakers on Sunday.
Still coming to terms with the reality of relegation despite a final day 1-0 victory over Port Vale, he led his teammates back out on to the pitch to a standing ovation from the hundreds of fans who had stayed behind. As he has done in each of his six years at Gigg Lane, Lucketti gave the fans the shirt off his back - literally this time as he tossed his jersey into the crowd, removing the Bury colours almost certainly for the last time. "It was very emotional at the end and was very difficult to take in," he said. "The reception I got from the fans was brilliant." He added: "It is too early to say where I will be next season. I will be speaking to the manager and chairman this week and taking it from there. "It is a fact of life at Bury that, because of limited resources, somebody has got to go every summer to balance the books. I think somebody will go this time too, but it is up to the club to decide who." Burnley, Bradford and Wigan Athletic are among the front runners for his signature. Huddersfield's interest may now be at an end after manager Peter Jackson, a long-time admirer of Lucketti, was sacked this week, while Birmingham's capture of David Holdsworth from Sheffield United could end their pursuit of the central defender. "Obviously, you want to play at the highest level possible and I'll have to wait and see what happens," said Lucketti. "To be honest, I'm still coming to terms with relegation. It's the second time I've been relegated in my career. "When I was at Halifax we dropped out of the Football League which was a bad experience. But this is a bit worse than that because I have been here six seasons and we have built the club up from nothing. When I came here we were fourth from bottom of the Fourth Division, so what we have done has been a fantastic achievement." Lucketti, who was controversially suspended for the last away game of the year at West Brom two weeks ago - which the Shakers cruelly lost in the dying minutes - said the whole team were down. "Everyone is struggling to take in what has happened," he said. "We let ourselves down in the middle third of the season and that has cost us in the end. "Over the full season we haven't scored enough goals. That is not blaming the forwards, that is the team. We attack and defend as a team. "How we have been relegated with 19 clean sheets I just don't know. We have to accept it as a team." The 27-year-old admitted it had been difficult to produce a sparkling end-of-season display as news of Queens Park Rangers' goal feast filtered through. "Maybe events at QPR had an effect on the players. I asked a couple of the lads what the score was at half-time and they said it was 2-0," he explained. "That made it hard for us to lift ourselves for the second half. But I said to the lads that anything can happen in football and we had to make sure we won our game. "We then had to hope Palace could stage a bit of a fightback but they seemed to roll over instead. I don't think they did themselves justice by losing 6-0. "We knew things weren't going for us from the reaction of the crowd. Our fans were very quiet and I think that transferred on to the field. It was the worst win I've ever experienced."

Swailes stunned by fans' award - The Bury Times:
A PERSONAL year to remember was capped the best way possible for Shakers central defender Chris Swailes when he lifted the Bury FC Supporters' Association's Player of the Year Award on Monday evening. Even the anguish of relegation couldn't keep a huge grin off the face of the likeable Geordie who admitted being as surprised as anybody at receiving the accolade. But the award won't come as a shock to anyone who has regularly watched the uncompromising stopper whose sterling work at the heart of the Shakers defence went a long way in securing the 19 clean sheets. "It really is a big surprise for me to get the award," he admitted. "I thought I might make the top five at best. But it's a dream come true to be the fans' choice. "They are the most important people at the club, they keep it alive and for them to vote for me is marvellous, but I suppose my goal against Bolton helped! "I like to think the fans can relate to me," he added. "I know I'm of limited ability but I always give 100 per cent on the pitch and I think the supporters appreciate that. But I'd gladly sacrifice the award for First Division survival." The 28-year-old Gateshead-born defender began his career as a trainee at Ipswich Town but unfortunately didn't make the grade with the Suffolk side and was transferred to Peterborough United in 1991. He subsequently went on to play for Boston United, Bridlington and Doncaster Rovers before returning to Portman Road for a second time in March 1995 for £225,000. Valued at £200,000, he arrived at Gigg Lane in November 1998 as part of the deal that took David Johnson to Ipswich but never really got a crack of the whip under Stan Ternent. "We started off with a back three with Chris Lucketti, Paul Butler and myself but when things weren't going too well on the scoring front he switched to a flat back four with Chris and Paul in the middle and I had to make way. "But then Stan moved to Burnley, Paul went to Sunderland and Neil Warnock took over and I thought if I do my best in pre-season anything can happen," he explained. "I was in the starting eleven for the first game of the season against Huddersfield, we won and I didn't look back from there. "It's all about consistency and getting games under your belt and that's what's brought me on this season." Off the field, Ramsbottom-based Swailes is due to marry his childhood sweetheart Louise in the summer and they have a beautiful five-month-old baby daughter, Harrie Louise, to keep them occupied. "Apart from the obvious disappointment of relegation it's really been a great year for me with the baby arriving and now this accolade," he added. "But although everyone knows the club have to sell to survive, the fans should stick with us as there's more than enough ability and spirit in the squad to be a force next season. "Bury FC thrive on that kind of thing, it's been like that for the past four or five years and nothing will change." At the end of the evening there was no way his trophy and cut glass decanter were going to be prised from his grasp such was his delight at winning. And when asked whether the decanter award was crystal he joked: "I don't know, I'll find out on Ramsbottom market this weekend!"

Neil vows to stay - Bury Times:
NEIL Warnock looks set to stay on as Bury manager next season. After the club's relegation from Division One on Sunday he spoke of his determination to get the club back up at the first attempt. And chairman Terry Robinson has already hinted he does not plan to sack the controversial Yorkshireman. Sunday's final whistle was greeted with chants from the terraces of "Warnock out!" but the Shakers chief says he will not be driven out. "It's bitterly disappointing to taste relegation but I'll be here next season as long as the chairman wants me," he said. "He understands the financial restrictions we are working under but some people don't seem to. They think we should be beating the Sunderland's, Bradford's and Bolton's every week, but it's impossible with the squad we've got. They are on another planet. "We haven't had an ounce of luck all year, but the lads have done very well in parts of the season, especially towards the end. "We need a break now but I'll be having a chat with the chairman in the next few days to see where we go from here." Robinson commented: "As far as the club is concerned we don't want to lose a manager. We have done a lot of groundwork already for next season and I can assure the supporters that Neil has been whole-heatedly behind the club and myself. "He has done the best he can with the resources he has had, which ultimately haven't been enough."

Chairman allays supporters' fears - The Bury Times:
THERE was still no sign of Shakers majority shareholder Hugh Eaves breaking his silence following this week's disclosure of his part in a stock market scandal. The City of London financier has reportedly lost millions of pounds of former colleagues' money after investing in the high-risk derivatives market. However, Bury FC chairman Terry Robinson has allayed fans' fears that the club is in imminent danger of folding following the revelations. Chairman of the newly-formed Bury FC Supporters' Association Brian Rigby who has spoken to Mr Robinson said: "We have been assured that because we are a limited company there should not be any financial repercussions and we are confident that is the case. "But it's vitally important we step up the search for new investors and I know the chairman has been actively trying to do that for the past six months. "We feel sorry for Mr Eaves' predicament and all the people I have spoken to have a lot of time for him and feel no malice." And, looking on the positive side, Rigby thinks the recent adverse publicity the club has received nationally could pay dividends. "I'm hoping that because the club has been pushed into the spotlight it could even work to our advantage with regard to bringing in investors. "Someone might see the predicament we are in and show an interest, you never know!"

Player retention list - Press Release - The Official Site:
Bury Football Club has today released John Foster and Tony Rigby. Dean Barrick is in talks with Ayr United. The club has also transfer listed Nigel Jemson, Brian Linighan and Andy Preece who, though under contract, will be allowed to leave on a free to any interested clubs. In the case of Andy Preece, the club are concerned that although Andy is a valued member of the squad, due to circumstances beyond the control of both the club and Andy, a move would be in his best interest. The club has also listed Adrian Littlejohn but a fee will be required. Of the senior players, terms have been offered to Dean West, Steve Redmond, Kemajl Avdiu and an improved offer to under contract player Nick Daws. Of the younger players contracts have been offered to Martyn Forrest, Danny Swailes, Matt Barrass and Lee Buggie, who has recently been on trial from Bolton Wanderers. In consequence of the club's new circumstances and the Lancashire League reorganisation which has seen the withdrawal of all but two professional clubs, in the coming season the club will not compete in the Lancashire League Division One. The North Western Youth Alliance run by the Football League has increased its age limit to nineteen. It is therefore felt that this change with ongoing changes in reserve football will suffice the club for next season. The club has commenced an in depth appraisal of the Youth Development Scheme. This will be maintained at a reduced but more selective level. This will not affect existing plans but numbers will be reduced and some positions cut back. The moves over the last few days are in response to a change in League status and with it, the need to cut back existing expenditure. The lack of sponsorship within the Youth Development programme has not helped the club's deliberations.

YTS Players Offered Professional Contracts - The Official Site:
Six YTS players have been offered professional contracts and these are Lee Connell,. Steven Halford, Phillip Beal, Nicholas Hill and Dominico Tedaldi. First Year Professionals - Gary Messer is under contract and offers have been made to Robert Debenham, Mark Donnelly, Gary Hoggeth and John Borg.

Player of the season awards - The Official Site:
Despite the club suffering relegation twenty-four hours earlier, Bury FC Supporters' Association last night staged the annual Player of the Season awards to a packed Allen Suite at the Social Club. Despite the obvious disappointment and shadow of relegation that hung over the occasion, the event was well supported and proved to be an enjoyable evening.
The main supporters poll brought the following results:-

PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Chris Swailes
RUNNER-UP: Dean Kiely
THIRD PLACE: Chris Lucketti

Any of the above-named players perhaps deserved to capture the trophy but the award will be most appreciated by the former Ipswich man who came to Gigg Lane in November 1997 as a makeshift in the David Johnson transfer. Having been given an extended chance in the first team as a result of Paul Butler's departure to Sunderland last summer, Swailes is without doubt the most improved player this season and has enjoyed numerous outstanding games at the back or the Shakers. With nineteen clean sheets this season despite relegation, all three players can take much of the credit for that statistic, but especially so to goalkeeper Dean Kiely who has continued to enhance his reputation throughout the 1998/99 season. So much so that Dean looks almost certain to be one of the players who will move on to pastures new during the summer months. Skipper Chris Lucketti relinquished the trophy to Nick Daws last season after three successive awards as Player of the Season but has always featured highly in the voting throughout his career at Gigg Lane. Again, Chris now possibly now looks to have played his last game for the Shakers. The Disabled Supporters Club also collected votes for their own Player of the Season award and named DEAN KIELY as their number one choice. One final vote cast was that for "Goal of the Season" and after viewing a tape of this season's goals, the supporters present chose DARREN BULLOCK'S goal against Sunderland as this season's top strike for the Shakers. Thanks go to all supporters who turned up for the occasion along with the manager, assistant manager and playing staff, who turned out in force.

ReflectionsÊ - The Official Site:
Queens Park Rangers emphatic 6-0 win against Crystal Palace undid all the good work of Dean West's winning goal against Port Vale yesterday and condemned the Shakers to relegation to Division Two after two seasons. Needless to say, to be relegated on 'goals scored' as the bottom of four clubs locked together on 47 points is a great disappointment to officials and supporters alike. And especially in view of the many points that have slipped agonisingly from the Shakers grasp over the past ten months. The management and players have done their utmost to keep Bury Football Club in Division One for a third season but all the hard work and effort put in by everyone has, ultimately, proved unable to bring about a reprieve. "Neil Warnock came here at the start of the season on the understanding that he would have to sell players. He has been wholeheartedly behind the club this season but the resources have been inadequate," commented chairman Terry Robinson. Many supporters chose to stay behind after the final whistle yesterday afternoon to show their appreciation for the players efforts as they made a leg weary and perhaps unwilling re-appearance on the pitch to take a bow. The reception given to the players was much appreciated by them all and, in the circumstances, they were also perhaps a little surprised to see so many fans remain behind. Instead of looking back and thinking "if only" we now must immediately turn our attentions to making plans for an assault on Division Two next season and that is the job that is already underway. There will undoubtedly be much movement of players in and out over the summer months and we will keep our supporters fully informed of all developments as they happen on the official website. Thank you for your support last season. Sorry we didn't quite manage to pull clear of trouble. You can be certain that we will be pulling out all the stops to ensure a successful 1999/2000 season.

Hugh Eaves - Club StatementÊ - The Official Site:
In view of the recent newspaper articles regarding the club's major shareholder, chairman Terry Robinson issued the following brief statement yesterday. "I have no comment to make on the article which appeared in the Sunday Times and other newspapers except to say that the Directors of Bury Football Club will continue running the club, which is a Limited Company."

I'll fight on vows WarnockÊ - The Nationwide Web Site:
Bury boss Neil Warnock is determined to battle on as manager despite his side's relegation to Division Two. The Shakers went down despite a 1-0 win over Port Vale because Queens Park Rangers beat Crystal Palace at Loftus Road. Warnock said: "I've got to stay on, I've got to try to steady the ship. "No doubt there will be names mentioned by the fans etc but you'll get that everywhere and I still think I'm probably the best man for the job at the moment." Warnock thought that everything has conspired against his side this season. "One point has cost us our place in the division. Port Vale manager Brian Horton was glad his side had assured their safety with last week's 2-0 win over QPR. He said: "I've never been relegated, so I don't know the feeling but I must imagine it's not very nice. "I always fancied QPR today so it was out of our hands really as the scoreline suggests. Last week was the major three points for us, we wouldn't have liked to come here looking for a point. "You don't want to have last-day sagas - that's horrible."

I'll fight on vows Warnock - Sporting Life Web Site:
Bury boss Neil Warnock is determined to battle on as manager despite his side's relegation to Division Two. The Shakers went down despite a 1-0 win over Port Vale today because Queens Park Rangers beat Crystal Palace at Loftus Road.Warnock said: "I've got to stay on, I've got to try to steady the ship. "No doubt there will be names mentioned by the fans etc but you'll get that everywhere and I still think I'm probably the best man for the job at the moment." Warnock thought that everything has conspired against his side this season. "One point has cost us our place in the division. "I think with the way we've played this season we should have stayed up. I said to the players that we've all made mistakes. It's not a matter of defenders playing well and attackers not scoring enough goals. We've all made mistakes that have cost us points." The Bury boss thought that his side had done well to compete with some of the big boys this season. Ê He said: "I've had three years at clubs that haven't had two pennies to rub together and at this level it's very difficult to compete with your Wolves' and other top clubs.Ê "Unfortunately for Bury a lot of fans expect you to beat Sunderland and Wolves and I don't really think they're on today's wavelength. "I think the genuine fans know that we're trying our best at an unfashionable club." Port Vale manager Brian Horton was glad his side had assured their safety with last week's 2-0 win over QPR. He said: "I've never been relegated, so I don't know the feeling but I must imagine it's not very nice. "I always fancied QPR today so it was out of our hands really as the scoreline suggests. Last week was the major three points for us, we wouldn't have liked to come here looking for a point. "You don't want to have last-day sagas - that's horrible." minutes they were denied a penalty when Aspin appeared to handle in the box. After 54 minutes Bury thought they had found the breakthrough when Darren Bullock headed home Nick Daws' deep cross but it was ruled offside. The match turned after 64 minutes when Widdrington was sent off for kicking out after being fouled by West.

Shaken not stirred! - "We can bounce back" - Swailes - The Pink:
Bury's newly-crowned player of the season, Chris Swailes, can't wait for next season to start.Ê Despite the misery of relegation still hanging in the air and the on-going financial scandal involving major shareholder Hugh Eaves, the 28-year-old defender is confident the club can bounce back.Ê "I have learned that the club has a habit of meeting trouble head on and coming through to the other side," he said. "There is no reason why we cannot do it this time." Swailes, tipped as a dark horse for the player of the season award in last week's Football Pink, said he was shocked but honoured to have won the prize. "I thought I might sneak into the top five but to win is fantastic, especially as the fans voted for it, "he said. "I think I am probably someone the supporters can identify with and relate to. I am of limited ability but I give blood and guts every time I go out onto the pitch." After a stuttering start to his Gigg Lane career, the North Easterner is now settled in Ramsbottom. He is the proud father of a five-month-old baby girl Harrie-Louise and due to get married next month. "I have two years left on my contract and I hope in that time I can help Bury bounce back into the first division," he said. "I feel settled and although we don't know what is going to happen on the financial side, I'm sure the lads that are left will be all out to make a promotion challenge." "That bid is certain to be made without the services of 'keeper Dean Kiely and skipper Chris Lucketti. The Shakers would hope to net £2m for the pair and so ease their financial burden.Ê Amongst those who could be on their way out are record-breaking, longest-serving player, Nick Daws, who has clocked 180 consecutive appearances over three seasons.Ê "Dean and Chris are certainties to go and whether I stay or not is not entirely in my own hands," he said. "Relegation hit me very hard. I don't know what to do or even what to say to anyone. We have had four or five tremendous seasons when the togetherness of the team and the fans have been superb. Now that dream is over but the club has to keep going. I can understand the fans' frustrations but some of the stick dished out to Chris Billy and Andy Preece in particular has been out of order. To target individuals is wrong. It is not the bury way. No one goes out there and doesn't try. some of the new lads need time to bed in. Look at Chris Swailes, he had a really bad time before he found his way around." Ê Daws pointed to the sale of rob Matthews as a crucial blow to the side's survival chances.Ê "Rob going to Stockport hit me hard and not just because he is a friend," he said. "I thought he had started the season in great form and he had done as well as he had ever done. For me it wasn't the right time to sell him but the manager and the chairman are working under constraints that no one can really appreciate from the outside."ÊÊÊÊ On his own future, Daws confirmed that he had been talking to the chairman for six months about a pay rise, though he has not discussed an extension to the contract that still has two years to run.Ê "No one knows what is going to happen, but if I am hear in August everyone can be sure I will be trying as hard as ever." concluded the midfielder, who will be offered the captaincy should Lucketti leave.

"Captain Marvel" in contention for fourth club gong - The Pink:
It has not been the best of seasons whatever happens tomorrow, when the Shakers face Port Vale in the relegation crunch.Ê But no-one can deny the players have put everything into a season that started so brightly with them reaching a heady third spot in august after they defeated Swindon 3-0. This year, in a break from tradition, the newly founded Bury Supporters Association has taken over the running of the awards for Player of the Year and the winner will be announced at a special ceremony in the social Club on Monday evening.Ê Skipper Chris Lucketti has won the title for three of the last four years but it was his team-mate and best pal Nick Daws who snatched the top prize twelve months ago. Here we assess the players' chances.

DEAN KIELY: Missed only one game all season when he was away on Eire duty and continues to prove himself one of the best 'keepers in the division. Unfortunately, he is likely to be sold in the summer to help balance the Gigg Lane budget.
Rating - 9/10

ANDY WOODWARD: Has become a regular under Warnock. Sometimes concentration lets him down but his tackling can be ferocious and reminds us of Charlie Bishop - remember him?
Rating - 7/10

CARL SERRANT: His cultured left foot is a delight. A masterstroke by Warnock to persuade him to leave Newcastle United on loan. Unfortunately he hasn't been at Gigg Lane long enough to figure.
Rating - 8/10

NICK DAWS: Amazingly has not missed a game for more than three seasons, a total of 180. If only his distribution was as good as his work rate, energy and commitment he would be world class.
Rating - 8/10

CHRIS LUCKETTI: Another immaculate season from the star defender who is as mean and efficient on the pitch as he is affable and friendly off it. A certainty for the top three in the awards and if bury need to cash in to the tune of £1million then he would be first to go.
Rating - 9/10

CHRIS SWAILES: A dark horse for the award. Lost favour early in the season when he scored the winner against Bolton. Deserves a great deal of credit for the way he has battled back after being written off in some quarters.
Rating - 7/10

DARREN BULLOCK: Rank outsider who has not been at Gigg Lane long enough to convince the demanding faithful of his ability. Showed his capabilities when he scored what could be the goal of the season against Sunderland.
Rating - 6/10

LAURENT D'JAFFO: Leading scorer and a firm favourite of the manager. If only he could have bagged half a dozen more goals.
Rating - 6/10

DEAN WEST: Battled back bravely from career-threatening injury and re-established himself in midfield. Has turned down a new contract and is a certain mover in the summer.
Rating - 6/10

ANDY PREECE: Has turned in better performances of late but accepts the crowd is not on his side, probably because of the lack of goals.
Rating - 5/10

ADRIAN LITTLEJOHN: One of many - too many - strikers tried this season. there is nothing worse than an under-performing potential matchwinner.
Rating - 4/10

PAUL WILLIAMS: Not made the impact many would have hoped for and has struggled to establish himself.
Rating - 5/10

CHRIS BILLY: Tireless workhorse who has been played in a variety of positions.
Rating - 6/10

LUTEL JAMES: Plucked from non-league obscurity at Hyde United and plonked straight into Old Trafford Not surprisingly he suffered a culture shock.
Rating - 8/10

It's summit meeting for Warnock and Bury chief - The Pink:
Win or lose tomorrow, Bury manager Neil Warnock will meet chairman Terry Robinson to thrash out a plan for the next season before the end of the week.Ê Warnock has been heartened by the support he has received during the season from Robinson. And that rapport means he's likely to stay and see the shakers through into the new millennium. the boss, who has settled with his family in the Ramsbottom area, told the Pink this afternoon: "All I'm thinking about is tomorrow, but I do expect to sit down and sort things out with the chairman next week."Ê The club has a near £1/2m summer wage bill, and with no revenue coming in it means Bury will have to sell at least one of their star players - probably defender Chris Lucketti or keeper Dean Kiely.Ê Robinson refused to comment, but Warnock said: "Whatever division we play in next season it will be difficult, as the revenue is not coming into the club and that limits budgets. I have been heartened not only by the support from the chairman but from some wonderful letters I have received from supporters. they seem to like our new attacking style of late." ÊÊ It is understood that club officials are worried that Warnock, who has a wheeler-dealer reputation, may walk after tomorrow's relegation crunch against Port Vale at Gigg Lane.ÊÊ But the Pink understands that Warnock and Robinson have built up such a good working relationship, that a plan for the next campaign will quickly be put in place and the pair will continue in the two key positions.

Chop 'n' change - The Pink:
Bury's relegation has brought a swift response from manager Neil Warnock and chairman Terry Robinson. They have released striker John foster and midfielder Tony Rigby, and transfer-listed Nigel Jemson, Brian Linighan and Andy Preece who, though under contract, will be allowed to leave on a free to any interested clubs. Adrian Littlejohn is also available but at a fee. "While we are resigned to star names Chris Lucketti and Dean Kiely moving on. I will need money to wheel and deal, and selling others is the only option," said Warnock. Of the senior players, terms have been offered to Dean West, Steve Redmond, Kemajl Avdiu, and an improved contract to Nicky Daws who will be captain if Lucketti goes. Deals have been put before Martyn Forest, Danny Swailes, Matt Barras, and former England schoolboy striker Lee Buggie who has recently been on trial from Bolton. The club will not compete next season in Lancashire League Division One. Instead as part of a streamlining of the youth set up, they will have an under 19 team, a reserve team and a senior side.

"Wives let premier passion boil over - Sunderland Local Paper - Sent to me by Exiled in Geordieland:
Champions Sunderland FC have been involved in a secret knockout competition.. after two player's wives tried to flatten each other at an end of season bash. The cat fight erupted after one million pound man Paul Butler squared up to teammate Martin Smith just hours after the final game of the season. Drinkers watched stunned as the two women took the field in an amazing brawl punching each other in the head, rolling around the pub and ripping out hair. 1-0 - Paul's wife Caroline was left nursing a blalck eye 2-0 - Martin's live in girlfriend Emma Blake had a clump of hair missing after fleeing the pub. Plum voiced Emma, who runs a communications firm, said, "The Butlers are terrible people. They are from Bury or somewhere like that. I have never come across anyone like them. They are really rough". Paul's wife Caroline was unavailable for comment."

Friday, 30 April 1999

Derby joy for Shakers - The Bury Times:
IT doesn't get much better than this! Revenge for a drubbing, three vital points against relegation, a first home win for over four months all on national television and against deadly derby rivals - what a night! The pre-match script, which had Bolton's artists near certainties to turn over Bury's plucky artisans and send them a massive step nearer Division Two, was ripped up and scattered to the winds as Neil Warnock's men showed the kind of fighting spirit that bosses of their drop zone rivals can only dream of. From one to eleven there were white-shirted heroes all over the park as the traumatic 4-0 mauling at the Reebok back in November became a distant memory. That result had clearly stung the players just as much as the fans and they were never going to allow a repetition on this St George's Day to remember. "We knew we had to battle," said Shakers' keeper and man-of-the-match Dean Kiely after the game. "They are the big boys up the road, with everthing laid on for them, but we knew if we got in their faces and competed we had a chance and that's just what we did." In a nutshell the Wanderers' just didn't have the wherewithal to match a side that seems to be relishing the fight for First Division survival and they were left still searching for their first league win at Gigg Lane since 1929. True enough their slick, incisive passing style caught the eye on a number of occasions but time after time it fell apart when confronted by Chris Lucketti and Chris Swailes who were giants at the centre of the Shakers' back line. And on the odd occasion they did breach the Bury rearguard the profligate Wanderers either failed to hit the target or found Kiely in unbeatable form despite wet, skiddy conditions that made it a horrendous night for goalkeepers. Quality balls into the Bolton box were a constant cause of concern to the Trotters' rocky rearguard and it's no surprise that both Bury's goals arrived that way. As early as they third minute a Nicky Daws cross from the right almost got Dean West in but frustratingly the ball just wouldn't fall for the Bury man and the danger was cleared. At the other end Kiely was called into serious action in the 17th minute when Danish World Cup star Per Frandsen worked his way into the box and fired in a powerful drive that the Eire B international palmed away for a corner. Without both first choice strikers Derek Lilley and Paul Barnes in the starting line-up Warnock paired Andy Preece with leading scorer Laurent D'Jaffo and both put in impressive performances. They consistently won more than their fair share of high balls over South African international Mark Fish and Andy Todd and ran themselves into the ground for the cause. In the 28th minute Daws sent D'Jaffo racing through on goal but his shot on the run was blocked by Neil Cox for a corner. Two minutes later the Shakers crucially broke the deadlock when Carl Serrant's right wing cross was only weakly punched clear by Banks, under pressure from the impressive Darren Bullock, and West was on hand to fire home low past Fish on the line. While the highly-rated Banks will have been disappointed with his attempted clearance he will no doubt point to a notable absence of protection from his defenders, an occurrence that accounted for the Shakers second goal in first half stoppage time. A right wing run by D'Jaffo was abruptly ended by a foul by Cox and when Nick Daws' firmly struck free-kick was delivered into the danger zone Swailes reacted first to powerfully head down past a bemused Banks. It was the big defender's third goal of the campaign and the Shakers still haven't been defeated when he's been on the scoresheet. "That must be my the most vital I've scored and it makes me third leading scorer at the club," said Swailes. "It was vital we got the three points but everyone in the team won their personal battles and Dean pulled off some superb saves. "We know we've still got a hard task ahead of us but this result will do us a world of good!" As might have been expected Bolton enjoyed the lions share of possession in the second period but never looked capable of breaking down a resolute Shakers rearguard that defended as though their lives depended on it. Highlight of the half was a marvellous double save from Kiely who palmed away a fizzing free-kick from Jensen, then when Ricardo Gardner's cross found Bob Taylor, the Shakers' custodian recovered quickly to block the second attempt. When Kiely was eventually beaten in the second minute of injury time it was a wicked deflection off Swailes that diverted Cox's 20-yard effort past him. And the only downer on a great night for the Bury keeper was a booking after he clashed with the Wanderers goalscorer when both raced into the back of the net to claim the ball. However even that was soon forgotten with a smile and a handshake when the whistle went a minute later. Delighted Shakers boss Neil Warnock understandably had nothing but praise for his battling charges: "On paper we didn't stand a chance against Bolton with their £1 million players but sometimes it's what's under your shirt that matters," he said. "Anybody who saw that performance would have to be impressed because we've had to work four times harder than them. "All you can ask for is commitment and we've rolled our sleeves up and tried to go out with a bang. "We tried to do it against Sunderland but made mistakes at the back but this time we were magnificent throughout the team and I'm proud of them."

I'm no shirker - Preece - The Bury Times:
IT'S taken nearly a year, but Shakers striker Andy Preece finally won over the 'hate-mob' in the 2-1 victory over Bolton. And after producing his best performance yet in a Bury jersey, the out-of-favour marksman declared: - don't know why the fans dislike me!Õ The 32-year-old, who had not started in nine matches, took his chance with both hands and rolled back the years with a workaholic display. Much to his surprise, he even received a standing ovation when walking to the touchline for treatment. "I think the stick I have had has been a little bit unjust. Crowds take to some people and don't take to others," he said. "I don't know why the Bury fans haven't taken to me. In my first 10 games here I played as well as I ever have. I just can't put my finger on it." The fact that Preece has found the net only four times this campaign - the last in September - might well be the reason, but the former Blackpool star is adamant he has always given his best. "Every one has struggled to score goals this year," he added. "Sometimes it is the way we play. You look at the likes of Tony Ellis, who didn't score that many at Bury and is now knocking them in for Stockport. "At clubs like Crystal Palace the fans really took to me, but I didn't score that many goals for them - in fact we were relegated - but I still get a fantastic response when I go there. "At Blackpool they took to me, eventually. I have two years left at Bury to do the same here. I will sacrifice the personal things for the right results. "The position we are in, you have to put the work in, although I felt I was doing that at the start of the season." Preece was widely regarded as one of Bury's star men in last week's derby victory. After running himself into the ground, he crashed to the ground in the second half with cramp. "It was only my second game since Christmas and I think I was getting a bit tired," he said. "I didn't expect to be sitting on the sidelines for so long this year. To be fair, I am not used to playing reserve team football, I am used to 40 first team matches a season. You have to maintain your fitness or you let yourself down when you get the chance. "I enjoyed the game and think myself and Laurent D'Jaffo worked well together." Preece is now determined to make his mark in the remaining two games of the season against West Brom tomorrow and Port Vale a week on Sunday to keep the Shakers in Division One. "We wanted to have it in the bag before Port Vale, but that isn't going to happen," he said. "It is vital we win at West Brom. Losing Chris Lucketti is a massive blow and upsets the balance of the team but we will put 11 players out there and give everything for three points."

Skipper ban angers Warnock - Bolton Evening News:
NEIL Warnock is fuming that Bury will be without inspirational skipper Chris Lucketti at West Brom tomorrow. The Shakers go to the Hawthorns in search of at least a point to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation high. And they must do it without key defender Lucketti who Warnock believes should not have to miss the match through suspension. "We all know the importance of tomorrow's game and I think the system totally stinks when it can allow other players on 14 bookings to get a warning. "But we have to forget about it. We haven't got Chris although he will be there with us encouraging the players as a good captain does." Warnock's side goes into the final two matches in a relegation place but on the same points as three other clubs who are in the safety zone for the moment. Bury's awful goals-scored record means they must be looking for four points from their final two matches - their last game being against one of those three relegation rivals on equal points, Port Vale. Lucketti's replacement is likely to be the only change from the side which beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 in the last game seven days ago. And Warnock will wait before deciding who gets the nod. Andy Woodward and Carl Serrant look favourites although Serrant's class down the left flank may make Warnock decide against switching the on-loan Newcastle player. The manager adds: "Carl played as a central defender for England B when I was at Oldham so I'd have no qualms about putting him in there. "Alternatively I can play Woody there as we do have options at full-back with Paul Williams or Dean West able to fill in. "It's the lesser of the two evils and I've got one or two options that I'm keeping open for now."

Suspended Lucketti Misses Vital Clash - Nationwide Web Site:
Bury will be without experienced defender Chris Lucketti for the crucial trip to Port Vale through suspension after he collected five yellow cards. Manager Neil Warnock has blasted the decision to ban a key member of his side at such a crucial stage of the season. He said: "It's a disgrace. There are all these players getting 11 and 14 bookings and getting let-off. For Chris to be suspended for five bookings is a disgrace." Striker Paul Barnes trained this week after a hamstring injury and should be fit to return, while Lutel James and Paul Williams are also added to the squad. Derek Lilley (hamstring) is once again ruled out but has an outside chance of playing in the last game of the season. Warnock added: "Four points will guarantee safety for us. "If you look at West Brom's team and how many goals they have scored we know it's going to be difficult, but the lads are very positive at the moment."

Sunday, 25 April 1999

Friday, 23 April 1999