BURY FC's scouting trip to South Wales this week met with mixed fortunes. Chairman Terry Robinson, assistant manager Steve Redmond and youth coach Andy Feeley cast their eyes over the players on show in the Wales v England non-league international at Llanelli.

They were particularly interested in a full back or centre back playing for England and a similar player on the Wales team.

Goalkeeper Glyn Garner, who recently had a trial at Bury, came on for the last ten minutes on his home ground. The defender Bury are particularly interested wasn't put under any great pressure on the night and things have been put on the back burner.

Striker Justin Jackson got England's penalty in a 1-1 draw, but Morecambe FC's 29-goal hitman, the Conference's top scorer, was described as "having some attributes, but didn't show a lot on the night."

Bury are looking at all possibilities and will continue to search for players. However, "they must have the ability to come straight into our team because of our small squad," said a club spokesman.

Bury will have one of the youngest squads in their history, both on and off the pitch. This week's decision to give the Shakers' promising youngsters extended contracts while giving the green light to bosses Andy Preece and Steve Redmond. The pair, both in their early thirties, shows that there will be a distinctly youthful look to life at Gigg Lane. As exclusively revealed this week, it's a case of carry on managing for Preece and Redmond after their sterling work following the departure of Neil Warnock early in December last year.

"Andy and Steve safeguarded our Second Division status and while the season wasn't easy, full credit must go to them for the effort and expertise they gave to what was never an easy task," said chairman Terry Robinson.

"The club has had more than it's share of problems, but, with great effort and reorganisation, we have maintained our position as at the start of the season," he added.

Young striker Lee Buggie, midfielder Lee Connell, defender Steve Halford and full-back Nicky Hill are considering offers of improved terms on their contracts while Matt Barrass, Martyn Forrest, Paddy Kenny and Danny Swailes have all signed new deals.

Meanwhile, five players have been released by Preece. Centre-backs Brian Linighan and Paul Challinor, winger Kemajl Avdiu and utility man Paul Williams are all looking for new clubs.

Mark Donnelly will also been seeking new employers when his loan spell at non-league Workington ends.