BURY have re-signed left-back Joe Skarz on a two-year deal after his release from League One rivals Oxford United.

The 27-year-old Huddersfield-born defender started his career as a trainee at his hometown club and played under current Shakers boss Lee Clark before being released to join Bury at the start of the 2010/11 season.

He helped the Gigg Lane outfit win promotion from League Two in his first season at the club and made 145 appearances for Bury over three campaigns before being allowed to join Rotherham in March 2013 as financial problems and relegation loomed.

Skarz helped Steve Evans' side to back-to-back promotions, going from League Two up to the Championship before moving back down to the bottom tier to play a part in Oxford's rise from League Two.

Clark is eager to tap into that wealth of experience, as well as the defender's natural affinity with the Shakers fans, who really took to Skarz during his three-year stay at Gigg Lane.

He said: “Joe is another player that has an affinity with the club and I’ve also got a good relationship with him after being his manager at Huddersfield, so I know what we are getting with him.

"He’s a very experienced player having played numerous games, he’s a very accomplished player.

“Joe has played at left-back, but can also play as a left-sided centre-half and, for me, that’s a big factor.

"I want players that can be versatile. We are not going to be carrying the same number of players as last season.

“Joe is accomplished at left-back and he can challenge Greg Leigh, but he can also give us that cover as a left-sided centre-half, which is a big factor.

"He’s done very well with Oxford, with two appearances at Wembley, he understands the pressure.

“Again, Carrington has played a big part in getting Joe here, he arrived to have a look around and was blown away with what he saw.

"He’s another great addition and another piece of what we are trying to do here.”

If the move works out, Bury have an option to extend his contract to a third year.

Leon Barnett, meanwhile, was yesterday released from his contract at Gigg Lane to seal a move to Northampton.

It was thought at the time that his exit would open up the chance to sign Bolton-born centre-back Tom Aldred, whose contract at Blackpool had run out.

Bury Times understands the ex-Accrington Stanley defender has held talks with the Shakers over a potential three-year deal, but he is thought to also be courting interest from Wigan, who yesterday appointed Paul Cook as manager.