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A new dawn

26/ 6/2008

BURY director Ian Harrop has confirmed that Mansfield Town’s Stephen Dawson is the quality midfielder who has verbally agreed to join the Shakers.

Harrop says that he is ‘very hopeful’ of the deal being signed and sealed in time for the 22-year-old Irishman to begin pre-season training with Bury on Tuesday, July 1.

In fact, Harrop says that ‘a few new faces’ should be strutting their stuff on the Bury training ground next week.

But Bury are not as advanced with their summer recruitment mission as they had planned this week due to manager Alan Knill being held up in America by a faulty plane.

The Shakers are hoping that he will finally return from his American holiday today, Thursday, June 26.

Harrop said: "Alan has unfortunately been held up in the airport but we are still very hopeful of having a few new players in for the start of pre-season training. One of those is Stephen Dawson – a quality player who would certainly strengthen the squad.

"David Buchanan will be there on Tuesday after agreeing a new contract. And we are confident that Brian Barry-Murphy, Glynn Hurst and Cameron Belford will be staying too. But the situation with our other out of contract player – Nicky Adams – has yet to be resolved."

Knill stated at the end of last season that he wanted his 2008/09 squad ‘pretty much complete’ by the start of pre-season training. It is looking like he will fail to achieve that goal with only 10 players currently signed up. But Harrop said: "We are quite happy with how the squad is taking shape.

"It is always difficult competing against clubs with much bigger budgets than ours. But we will bring in some new players and I am sure that we will have a good squad for next season."

Meanwhile, the club view Dawson as an ideal replacement for the departed Dale Stephens.

He has been offered a new deal by Mansfield, who were relegated from League Two last season, having netted 14 goals in 114 appearances for the Stags. But he wants to remain in the Football League and would not command a transfer fee as he is out of contract.

Dawson, who came through the ranks at Leicester City having been spotted playing for Portmarnock in Ireland, has represented the Republic of Ireland at under-21s, under-19s, under-18s and under-17s level.

l The Shakers’ Carling Cup first round tie with Burnley will be played at Gigg Lane on Tuesday, August 12, kick-off 7.45pm. Normal matchday ticket prices will apply.

l Bury’s home League Two game against Shrewsbury Town has been moved back 24 hours from Saturday, April 11, to Friday, April 10, kick-off 3pm.

l Fans can buy Bury’s new home shirt at the club shop from 8am this Saturday, June 28.