ALAN Knill released eight players in his first retained list since taking charge at Bury.
There were a few surprise exits too - most notably Bolton-born defender Andy Parrish, who looked to have a promising Shakers career ahead of him after 52 appearances for the club in the last three seasons.
He joined the two longest-serving players, Colin Woodthorpe and Dave Challinor, striker Andy Mangan, keeper Jim Provett and youngsters Ben Leonard, Jordan Stepien and Aaron Grundy on the list of players who would not be offered new deals.
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There was better news, however, for Glynn Hurst, Brian Barry-Murphy, Dale Stephens and Cameron Belford, who have all been handed another contract. Nicky Adams and David Buchanan are also mulling over an earlier offer.
Parrish's exit was the major talking point on a day that confirmed Knill's ambition to clear the decks at Gigg Lane.
The 19-year-old had been a regular in the squad, even after the new manager took over from Chris Casper in early February and started a game at Barnet just over three weeks ago.
Plucked from the club's youth system in September 2005, the versatile defender looked to be enjoying his breakthrough season after making 23 appearances before Casper's departure.
Though he made just one more start for the new boss, unfortunately picking up an ankle injury at Underhill, he was a regular contributor from the bench.
Woodthorpe and Challinor bow out having collectively made over 350 appearances for the Shakers over five seasons.
Former Norwich defender Woodthorpe, now 39, has stated that he will now look into coaching as a future career, while 32-year-old Challinor is looking for only the fourth professional club of his 15-year career.
Mangan will be hoping a groin injury - related to an operation he had at Christmas - will clear in time for him to train pre-season.
The 21-year-old Liverpudlian made some memorable cameos from the bench in his time at Bury, scoring five goals. But after he was loaned out early in Knill's tenure to his old club Accrington, he never regained full fitness.
Provett will be hoping for better luck at his next club after a frustrating time in the North West. The Stockton-born keeper was ever-present before Knill's arrival but was quickly replaced by on-loan Darren Randolph.
Bolton-born Grundy had spent time on-loan at FC United this season and had made six first-team appearances.
Leonard and Stepien had also been on loan at Tamworth and Nuneaton Borough respectively but never made the senior grade.
Posted by: Grant Mcbriar, Knillville on 8:10pm Thu 8 May 08
Well i am not too surprised with the players who have been axed remember if you are constantly on the treatment table you cannot be doing a job for the shakers whether on the field or on the bench, i was a little surprised that Managan wasn't given another year as he is a proven goalscorer and if Hurst doesn't sign then there is only Bish to fire our goals in next season.
Parrish might be a little disappointed and will miss his buddy adams both Bolton born and both came throught the youth ranks there, i think these two might be slightly regretable.
Challinor has lost his way through injuries and age creeping up with him, Grundy was never good enough Jordan was a promising memeber of the youth side 2 seasons a go and never really got the breaks will do well at his next club.
Provett might have improved under the new goalkeeping coach but i guess he saw enough of his liabilities in the stockport home fixture.
The most important thing is to attract a higher calibre of player than what you release and i'm confident AK will do this, Sodge probably has 1 more good season in him and i would like to see him offered a contract but wouldn't pay a fee for him.
Knilly has the nucleus of a good team and whatever happens i think the shakers will finish top 10 next season if they carry on their decent home form next term.
I would have released Brian Barry Murphy and Buchanan too both are liabilities and don't lok like they have a goal in them especially the latter who is inspiring when he plays for northern ireland i hope they reject the offer of a new contract as i don't rate either player.
Well i am not too surprised with the players who have been axed remember if you are constantly on the treatment table you cannot be doing a job for the shakers whether on the field or on the bench, i was a little surprised that Managan wasn't given another year as he is a proven goalscorer and if Hurst doesn't sign then there is only Bish to fire our goals in next season.
Parrish might be a little disappointed and will miss his buddy adams both Bolton born and both came throught the youth ranks there, i think these two might be slightly regretable.
Challinor has lost his way through injuries and age creeping up with him, Grundy was never good enough Jordan was a promising memeber of the youth side 2 seasons a go and never really got the breaks will do well at his next club.
Provett might have improved under the new goalkeeping coach but i guess he saw enough of his liabilities in the stockport home fixture.
The most important thing is to attract a higher calibre of player than what you release and i'm confident AK will do this, Sodge probably has 1 more good season in him and i would like to see him offered a contract but wouldn't pay a fee for him.
Knilly has the nucleus of a good team and whatever happens i think the shakers will finish top 10 next season if they carry on their decent home form next term.
I would have released Brian Barry Murphy and Buchanan too both are liabilities and don't lok like they have a goal in them especially the latter who is inspiring when he plays for northern ireland i hope they reject the offer of a new contract as i don't rate either player.
Posted by: brian forrest, Bury on 8:48pm Thu 8 May 08
Barry-Murphy my be a little lucky to be retained but could be a useful squad player. To suggest Buchanan should not be retained is just ridiculous.Along with Adams and Baker he could help create a true footballing side for some years to come. We have been short of creative influence for years. Stephens is another player who could really make an impact given the opportunity.
Barry-Murphy my be a little lucky to be retained but could be a useful squad player. To suggest Buchanan should not be retained is just ridiculous.Along with Adams and Baker he could help create a true footballing side for some years to come. We have been short of creative influence for years. Stephens is another player who could really make an impact given the opportunity.
Football is a team game. The team are collectively responsible for the team's performance. It is not right that certain individuals should be held responsible for the team's poor performance (which is what I assume is happening by dispensing with the services of certain players). Everyone is entitled to an off day!!
Is it NOT possible to offer contracts on a PERFORMANCE basis??
Is it NOT possible to negotiate a contract which offers a basic rate - but is then enhanced by performance on the field?? Such as a certain amount of extra money for winning a game?? OR drawing a game? and NOTHING EXTRA for losing!! Thus making it beneficial for the players to gain points and not just trot around the field making up the numbers!!
I would be interested to know!!!
Football is a team game. The team are collectively responsible for the team's performance. It is not right that certain individuals should be held responsible for the team's poor performance (which is what I assume is happening by dispensing with the services of certain players). Everyone is entitled to an off day!!
Is it NOT possible to offer contracts on a PERFORMANCE basis??
Is it NOT possible to negotiate a contract which offers a basic rate - but is then enhanced by performance on the field?? Such as a certain amount of extra money for winning a game?? OR drawing a game? and NOTHING EXTRA for losing!! Thus making it beneficial for the players to gain points and not just trot around the field making up the numbers!!
I would be interested to know!!!
Posted by: grant mcbriar, knillvile on 9:12pm Fri 9 May 08
I agree A shaker in an ideal world this might be possible but our Alan has his ideas about players he has inherited and already made up his mind when he arrived and not much has changed since despite improved performances by the players now released.
I agree with most of the players being released apart from Parrish who was coming on leaps and bounds as well as Andy Mangan he had the potential to be the next David Nugent but had complicated injuries.
In Ak we trust and i am not going to question his initial judgement i'm very pleased with the progress he has made, it's rather curious that belford has been offered a contract and not provett despite the latter playing 40 or so games during last season.
I agree A shaker in an ideal world this might be possible but our Alan has his ideas about players he has inherited and already made up his mind when he arrived and not much has changed since despite improved performances by the players now released.
I agree with most of the players being released apart from Parrish who was coming on leaps and bounds as well as Andy Mangan he had the potential to be the next David Nugent but had complicated injuries.
In Ak we trust and i am not going to question his initial judgement i'm very pleased with the progress he has made, it's rather curious that belford has been offered a contract and not provett despite the latter playing 40 or so games during last season.
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