DAVID Flitcroft believes the new deals signed by Kelvin Etuhu and Rob Lainton have sent out a message to potential targets that Bury mean business.

Etuhu has agreed an extension to his contract which ties the 26-year-old defensive midfielder to the club until the summer of 2017.

And former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Lainton, whose deal was due to run out next month, has signed up for another 12 months.

“With Kelvin now signed until 2017, we know this will alert our potential targets to make the decision to come to us,” he said.

“We are a progressive club and Kelvin has seen, especially with our training complex at Carrington, a place where he can develop his trade.”

Etuhu joined Bury last summer after being released by Flitcroft’s former club Barnsley.

The Bury boss said at the time of signing the former Manchester City graduate that he wanted him to be the fulcrum of his team.

He went on to make 46 appearances for the club last term, despite suffering from a neurological problem.

That has been managed by the Bury medical staff and Flitcroft is clearly happy his midfield general is capable of being an influence yet again next season.

“His capture is a fantastic signing by the club and shows the progress being made. He drives for success and wants that success at Bury Football Club,” added Flitcroft.

“He is a born leader and loves the responsibility in the dressing room and out on the pitch.

“He is a highly respected member of the squad and well loved by all the staff and players. He is a player that we know can progress with the club.”

Lainton, who signed in July 2013 after being released by Wanderers, has played 26 games for Bury in two seasons, 20 of those coming in the most recent campaign.

Despite struggling to nail down a first-team place, playing second fiddle to Trevor Carson, Brian Jensen, Shwan Jalal and more recently on-loan Charlton keeper Nick Pope, Flitcroft has been impressed by the 25-year-old’s mature response.

“Rob is an unsung hero to me, his mind-set and character is second to none,” said the Bury manager.

“Having played almost 50 per cent of a promotion winning season for us, he has proved to me that he is a worthy member of the squad for the new season.

“Despite bringing Nick Pope in on loan, Rob has continued to put 100 per cent into every training session and I was delighted to see the way he supported Nick on and off the field during the course of the season.”

It is likely Lainton will again start the League One campaign as Bury’s second-choice keeper, with the club understood to be interested in bringing back Pope as the number one, either on a season-long loan or a permanent deal.