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Wing and a prayer

10/ 7/2008

MANAGER Alan Knill is convinced that Wolves’ wing wizard Elliott Bennett will be wearing a Bury shirt in the forthcoming season.

But he is struggling in his bid to sign a striker and a replacement for departed left winger Nicky Adams.

Knill said: "Bennett proved what a good right winger he is on loan at the club last season and he is willing to come back here.

"I’ve spoken to his Wolves manager Mick McCarthy and he says that he wants to have a quick look at Elliott in pre-season and then he’ll let us know.

"That all looks really positive for us. I’m praying that Elliott will be playing here next season and I’m confident that he will be.

"But it’s proving to be very difficult to get a striker and a left winger. Signing players for those positions are my priorities at the minute."

Knill is currently in transfer talks with a young centre back after allowing Paul Morgan to rejoin his mentor Keith Alexander at Macclesfield Town on a year-long loan.

And he has four trialists at the club in former Manchester United striker Phil Marsh, Barnsley forward Nathan Joynes, right sided Huddersfield player Danny Racchi and Tranmere midfielder Michael Jones.

Knill said: "Paul Morgan was one of our biggest earners and I decided to take him off the wage bill so that I can bring other players in.

"He was injured and didn’t feature when I joined the club last year.

"His departure leaves us a bit short at centre back but we have Efe Sodje, Ben Futcher and Paul Scott who can all play there.

"And I am currently talking with a defender. I want a younger centre half who I can work with and develop.

"I also have some trialists at the club, including 21-year-old former Manchester United striker Phil Marsh, who I have seen playing for Blackpool reserves on a few occasions.

"The trialists will train with us and get a chance to impress me in our reserve games."

Bury begin their pre-season programme with a trip to local rivals Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday, July 15, kick-off 7.45pm.

With only 15 players signed up for Bury’s first team, the Shakers are sure to field a strong side.

But Knill has just two targets for the forthcoming pre-season friendly fixtures with Radcliffe, Huddersfield Town, Halifax Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United and Northwich Victoria – to get everyone fit and to avoid injuries.

He said: "Tactics won’t be coming into these games and the results aren’t that important. Pre-season is designed to get everyone fit and that’s the most important thing.

"It’s also important not to pick up injuries. We may get a few but we don’t want any serious ones. Come the start of the season on Saturday, August 9, we want everyone fit."