SHAKERS physiotherapist Alan Raw has spoken about his dream move to Premiership new boys Manchester City.

For Raw, who would have been starting his tenth season at Gigg Lane, is a City fanatic!

But his departure isn't without mixed feelings as he has thoroughly enjoyed his nine years with the Shakers after joining from Southend United.

"It wasn't a decision that came easy but after City contacted me at the end of last season I decided the opportunity was too good to miss," he told the Bury Times.

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"I used to have a season ticket for Maine Road when I was a kid so it'll be a labour of love!"

"But I'd like to wish everyone at Gigg Lane, players, management and fans all the best for the forthcoming season and I'll be making a quick return for the big friendly match on July 31!"

It certainly isn't a case of Raw leaving a sinking ship as the well-respected physio has shown great loyalty to the Gigg Lane men and turned down a number of other clubs.

Rochdale, Preston North End and Aston Villa have all tried to tempt him away in the past and he was also high on Stan Ternent's list of acquisitions when he left Gigg Lane for Burnley a few years ago.

But for Raw, who started with the Blues yesterday, it's a case of going in at the deep end as his new club gear up for their return to the top flight.

"I'll be working with first team physio Rob Harris and it's going to be a busy time.

"As well as first team friendlies against Bury and Preston there's a pre-season trip to Denmark and a big match against Kevin Keegan's former team Hamburg coming up."

Raw's position will be taken up by Lee Nobes who is already at the club and worked with him last season.

"I'd like to wish Lee all the best and I hope he enjoys the position as much as I have.

"The Bury job gave me a fantastic grounding in the game and I'm sure it will do the same for him."

The Shakers have added two more matches to their pre-season friendly programme.

They travel to UniBond First Division side Chorley on Saturday, July 20, kick-off 3pm then take on first team coach Graham Barrow's old team Chester City of the Nationwide Conference at the Deva Stadium on the following Wednesday, July 24.

After that it's the annual trip to Stainton Park to face UniBond League neighbours Radcliffe Boro on Saturday, July 27 (3pm) with the big one - Manchester City's visit to Gigg Lane - coming up on Wednesday, July 31 (7.45pm).