Bury FC have bolstered their ranks with a further five signings ahead of the club’s return to Gigg Lane next season.

Midfielder Harry Brazel scored 18 goals in 91 appearances for Bury AFC over the past couple of seasons.

He won four prizes at the club’s End of Season Awards night including Fans’ Player of the Season and Goal of the Season.

“I’m really excited to be representing Bury. It was an easy decision to make knowing the club’s ambition and the direction it wants to go in,” he told the club website.

“Hopefully, I can continue where I left off last year and make the first season back at Gigg Lane both a memorable and successful one.”

Versatile defender Sean Higgins has also made the move from Bury AFC, having scored made 36 appearances under Andy Welsh last season.

Higgins came through the ranks at Wigan and also had a two-year spell at Oldham between 2019 and 2021.

“I think the project that they are building here is massive,” he added. “You look at the stadium and the fans they’ve got now, it was a no-brainer to join and I’m looking forward to a big season ahead. 

“Playing under the gaffer last year was a really good experience in terms of getting me back and I enjoyed every minute playing last year. Fingers crossed, I can do the same here this season and push us to win the title.”

Former Bolton youngster Andy Kellett joins the Shakers following spells at Alfreton Town and Guiseley.

The midfielder had loan spells at Manchester United and Plymouth early in his career and has also played for Wigan and Notts County.

“I’ve always known Bury as a team to be in the Football League,” he stated. “It’s a little bit different now but hopefully we can re-build it back to being that status again. 

“I’ve played with lads before who have said that if you can get down to Bury, get yourself down there because it’s a brilliant club.”

Experienced defender Danny Lafferty has also made the move to Gigg Lane following his departure from Atherton Colls, where he spent six seasons in total.

The centre-back also had a spell at Radcliffe, making 116 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2016.

“It was a difficult decision leaving Colls,” he added. “I have been there for a long time and I never really wanted to leave, I just felt now was the right time.

“I spoke with Andy on the phone and he outlined his aims and the ambitions of the club. I just bought into it straight away.”

Andy Briggs completes the latest round of signings. The 25-year-old striker scored 35 goals for Steeton last term.

Briggs had been with the Yorkshire club since the age of 16, helping them climb from amateur football to the National League system.

“I felt like it was time for a new challenge and when Andy called me and said he wanted me to come down here, it was almost a no-brainer,” the forward explained.

“Just looking at the set-up down here and where this club wants to be, it’s going to be a great experience.”