BURY enjoyed a busy final day of the transer window, as three players left Gigg Lane and two arrived.

Manager Kevin Blackwell brought in experienced defender Carl Regan and Cameroon midfielder Valéry Mézague, while youngsters Andrai Jones and Lenell John-Lewis were released and centre-back Mark Hughes was loaned out.

Right-back Regan, aged 33, has been given a four-month deal after impressing in a reserve match this week, while Mézague, aged 29, has joined on non-contract terms after training with Bury for the last few months.

“We have needed a right-back since Matt Doherty went back to Wolves so I am happy to secure Carl on a short-term contract,” said Blackwell.

“He has played a number of games for Notts County this season, so he knows the league.

“Valéry is coming back from a hamstring injury at the minute, but I think he will be needed later on down the line.”

Regan has played at 10 different clubs over a 16-year career, with his longest spells at Macclesfield and Bristol Rovers.

Mézague, a French-born former Cameroon international had a spell in the Premier League at Portsmouth under Harry Redknapp and has also played for French Ligue 1 sides Montpellier and FC Sochaux.

Considering Bury’s well-documented struggles with their finances, it was perhaps no suprise that Blackwell also moved to trim his wage budget.

Jones – a 21-year-old right-back – has signed an 18-month contract at Championship side Barnsley, while 22-year-old striker John-Lewis has penned a similar deal at Blue Square Bet Premier side Grimsby Town.

“Both lads have struggled for first-team football here, so I just felt it was a time they had a change of scenery,” said the Bury manager.

“They were also offered long-term deals elsewhere and we have not been able to give them anything past the end of this season.”

The biggest surprise of the window was the departure of Hughes, who has joined League Two side Accrington Stanley on loan until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old centre-back joined Bury on their return to League One in August, 2011, and has played 48 times for the Shakers.

However, he has been unable to nail down a regular starting place under Blackwell.

His departure may well have been linked with the decision of fellow centre-back Efe Sodje to refuse two offers to leave the club.

Blackwell confirmed the 40-year-old defender turned down permanent deals at Blue Square Bet Premier sides Macclesfield and Luton.