Woody proud of Shakers legacy after final Gigg

2:50pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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COLIN Woodthorpe said he was proud of the legacy he left at Gigg Lane after being released by the club last week.

The veteran defender was one of eight players not offered new terms and is now looking into a career in coaching.

He will join David Buchanan and former team-mate Terry Dunfield on a UEFA B coaching course over the next fortnight before deciding whether to keep his playing career going into his 40th birthday.

But after five years and more than 200 appearances at Bury, Woodthorpe said he was proud of the work he had accomplished in one of the most turbulent times in the Shakers' history.

"I've played more games for Bury than any other in my professional career," he said. "I made my debut for Chester at Gigg Lane and it is nice to come a full circle and end my Football League career here too.

"There have been some dark times off the field. People maybe don't realise how close the club came to going right out of business, but I'd say on the field I have rarely had any hardship at all.

"I've seen some great young players come through who will go on to have wonderful careers.

"I have worked with some good people and even though it has come to an end, I'll always look back on my time at Bury with fondness."

Woodthorpe is considering a year in non league football while earning his full quota of coaching badges and said he would like to work within a youth academy.

"I have had 20 years of experience as a professional footballer so I would like to give that back," he said.

"My young lad is going through the system at Liverpool and Everton and I have seen the way the academies work.

"There are things I think I could improve on, so I can honestly see myself going down that route in a few years."