Parrish lands on his feet

9:30am Wednesday 25th June 2008

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ANDY Parrish is happy to have landed on his feet just a month after being released by Bury.

The Bolton-born defender was a surprise casualty on Alan Knill's retained list at the end of last season, leaving the club for which he made his professional debut three years ago.

But his story had a happy ending when Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy snapped up his services this week on a two-year deal to keep him in the Football League.

"I was delighted when I heard Morecambe were interested," said Parrish, who also turned down League Two new boys Exeter City to sign at Christie Park. From what I remember last season they played some great football and have a good manager in Sammy McIlroy.

"There is a new stadium planned in a couple of years and they have a decent squad, so I can't wait to get started."

Parrish made his Shakers debut fresh from college as a 17-year-old and made over 50 appearances for the club.

He scored one goal - a late equaliser against Grimsby Town last August - and was regarded as a popular figure on the terraces because of his tenacious attitude and work-rate.

"I loved my time at Bury and I owe them a lot," Parrish said.

"This is a big challenge for me and I just hope I can progress to become a better player."

Bury quartet David Buchanan, Cameron Belford, Glynn Hurst and Brian Barry-Murphy are expected at Gigg Lane later this week to sign new contracts.

Manager Knill returned from a break in Colorado yesterday to begin preparations for pre-season training, which begins on July 1.