ONE of the most popular players in the history of the club, Greg Farrell, made a welcome and rare visit to Gigg on Saturday.

South African-based Greg was a massive cult hero in the late 1960s with his Georgie Best-type wing play and stories of his exploits are legendary.

He made the half-time Golden Gamble draw (see picture right) and remarked after the game just how much he enjoys coming back to his old stomping ground.

"I always get a great reception at Gigg Lane and I'd like to thank everyone for, once again, making me so welcome," he said.

"Fortunately the team always seem to win when I visit. The last time was the Division Two championship winning match against Millwall in 1997."

He was staying in town at the Waterloo Hotel on Manchester Road, owned by his friend and die-hard Shakers' fan Keith Freeman.

"It's great staying with Keith and I'm always very well looked after, but I didn't expect to have to help washing up the dishes in the morning," he joked.

Greg revealed that he is considering moving back to England but may keep on his Durban home for holidays.

At 61 he still looks fit but complains about the cold getting to his dodgy knees in this country.

As well as his legs, his eyes might want a good overhauling too if Saturday was anything to go on.

After the game he was heard to remark how well the youngster who was Bury's third substitute had done after entering the fray in the final minutes.

The 'young kid' was, of course, Stuart Barlow, a mere stripling at 37!