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Trio agree deals

Dave Lawrenson
29/ 5/2008

BURY manager Alan Knill says that his squad for next year is coming along nicely after agreeing contracts with David Buchanan, Brian Barry-Murphy and a mystery new goalkeeper.

Buchanan and Brian Barry-Murphy are two of six out of contract players to have been offered new deals by the Gigg Lane club with the others being Nicky Adams and Glynn Hurst plus rookies Dale Stephens and Cameron Belford.

Knill was originally hoping to have stay or go decisions from all six before he heads off to Majorca for a four-day holiday today, Thursday, May 29.

But he admits to having hit a few snags.

Knill said: "There have been a few things to iron out and it has taken a bit of time.

"Buchanan and Barry-Murphy have both agreed terms and, after speaking to Hurst, we have decided to offer him an improved second offer which I am confident he will accept.

"Adams has been pretty positive about staying too and I am not as bothered about the two younger guys.

"Stephens is on holiday at the moment and so is the keeper that we have lined up.

"I have done a deal with him and it’s pretty good for us. I won’t reveal who it is as the contract isn’t signed yet. Hopefully, that will be done as soon as he gets back from holiday."

After releasing Jim Provett and Aaron Grundy recently, bringing in a reliable goalkeeper was always going to be Knill’s number one transfer priority this summer.

He originally hoped to sign Charlton Athletic’s Darren Randolph following his encouraging loan spell at the club last season.

But the Republic of Ireland Under-21s international has made it clear that he wants to play at a higher level than League Two football.

Knill said: "I’ll go to Majorca knowing that the squad for next season is coming along nicely.

"I know most of the six out of contract players will be staying. And I have been making good progress with two or three transfer targets. I am hoping to be able to finalise deals for those players when I get back from holiday."

Meanwhile, Knill has made a decision on who will be his assistant manager.

He said: "I had a shortlist of three and I have now made up my mind. But he is still in work and he needs to sort out his departure from his current employers before I can go public with who he is."