BURY today splashed out a huge six-figure fee for Rochdale's highly-rated defender Paul Butler.

The Shakers, who have been strangely quiet over the summer, finally got their man when they agreed the massive price tag with their Third Division neighbours.

The two clubs have been involved in extensive negotiations over the 23-year-old centre half and the deal at one stage looked like going to a transfer tribunal.

Butler will join Bury's hot defensive properties Chris Lucketti and Michael Jackson when the Shakers return to training tomorrow.

The deal will also add to the speculation that £500,000-rated Lucketti could be on his way out of Gigg Lane.

Bury would love to hang on to their prized asset but would not stand in the 24-year-old twice player of the season's way if a big club came in with the right offer.

The Shakers, who have been boosted by midfielder Lenny Johnrose's decision to sign a new two-year contract, are also continuing to talk to Jackson over an extension to his current deal.

Manager Stan Ternent is back at Gigg Lane this week following a two-week holiday and is hoping for a successful conclusion to new contract negotiations with midfielders Gary Brabin and Nick Daws and goalkeeper Gary Kelly.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.