Shaken up

Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 21 January 2016


WIND-UPS, winding-up orders and FA Cup shoot-outs have all featured in an eventful week for Bury.

Shakers manager David Flitcroft’s call to Southend concerning ex-Athletic loan winger David Worrall was rebuffed by his opposite number Phil Brown — who responded with a cheeky question about star Bury player Danny Mayor.

“There’s been no actual bid from Bury as far as I’m aware, but they are certainly interested in David Worrall,” Brown was quoted as saying this week. “I spoke to David Flitcroft who was enquiring about Dave so at the same time I enquired about a swap deal for Danny Mayor. I thought he might be interested in coming to a club higher up the table and hoping to be in the Championship next season.

“But I’ve since found out Danny is from the North-West and my enquiry fell on deaf ears.”

Player dealings aside, the Shakers overcame their poor league form by securing a place in round four of the FA Cup on Tuesday night with a 0-0 replay draw at Bradford, which they won 4-2 on penalties.

That got them a home tie against Hull City, plus a useful financial boost.

Flitcroft has admitted he must sell players to alter the shape of his squad. Striker Tom Pope, who has been in and out of the side this season, was rumoured to be heading back to his old club Port Vale only for Pope to say he was “mystified” by the rumours.

Other assets include Cameron, full-back Chris Hussey Mayor, the subject of Brown’s poser and last season’s League Two player of the year.

“We have had quite a few enquiries,” Flitcroft said. “We are going to have to work on getting a few players shipped out to get some recovery on wages.”

Bury has been hit with a winding-up petition from HM Revenue and Customs due to an unpaid £156,000 tax bill. The club was set for a hearing in February, but has cleared the arrears and is expected the order to be cancelled.