BURY’S head of youth Ian Kendall says the first few weeks of life at Carrington have gone by in a “whirlwind” as he helps prepare the training complex to accept the club’s academy.

The youngest Shakers have not yet joined the first teamers at the club’s new training base, but plans are in place to move them in next month.

“Plans are in hand to make the site operational for the academy from Sunday, April 12,” he said, clearly excited at the prospect of moving the club’s stars of the future into the former home of Premier League champions Manchester City.

“Delays are only being caused in making the site safe from a health and safety perspective and clearing the car park around the rear of the premises to cope with the additional car parking that is required.

“The last few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind at Carrington but it is fantastic and creating a real buzz amongst everyone.

“Time is flying as behind the scenes we are sorting out a whole host of issues.

“Transferring the laundry, installing catering equipment, switching the security system, as well as planning to resolve the six football pitches that need cutting without any equipment is proving to be challenging to say the least.”

Housing Bury’s academy in a 22-acre site may sound pretty straight forward, but the Shakers director has assured his young players and their parents that he wants the site just right before making the switch.

“We are in talks with Servicesport about adding to our current gym provision as well as commissioning the swimming tanks and improving the medical provision,” he said.

“Discussions are taking place to accommodate the youth team school hours at the Carrington site to allow increased time with the first-team and training facilities.

“In addition, we will be looking for additional accommodation in the Carrington area as we are anticipating several extra triallists, who will require overnight accommodation.

“So at the moment it is all systems go as we settle into our new home.”

Kendal is also keeping half an eye on the Under-18s, as they continue their tussle with Wigan Athletic and Rochdale to claim the North West title in the Football League Youth Alliance.

They have a run of four home games remaining to finish their season, beginning this weekend with the visit of bottom club Morecambe.

There was also good news for the U18s young keeper Reece Williams, who has been called up to play for Wales U17s in Russia.