Bury face a rebuilding project ahead of their League Two campaign, after star man Steven Schumacher departed along with 16 other players.
Fellow fourth-tier outfit Fleetwood Town snapped up the services of Schumacher, who top-scored with ten goals for the Shakers last season.
And the 29-year-old midfielder hopes to impress with the Cod Army, who finished mid-table this season, after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.
“The ambition of the club and where it sees itself in the future was a big attraction to me coming here,” Schumacher told Fleetwood’s website.
Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander is delighted with the signing and believes Schumacher’s experience of more than 300 Football League appearances is vital.
“Steven has come in and will be a great addition to the squad,” he said. “He has great experience of winning at this level and of promotion.
“He scored ten goals from midfield last season and brings leadership qualities as well.”
While Schumacher departed for the coast, Bury released 16 players after their contracts expired at the end of May.
A Bury statement reported the uncertainty surrounding the future of the club led to out-of-contract players missing out on new deals.
Those shown the exit door include Joe Skarz – who signed for Rotherham United – David Healy, veteran centre-back Efe Sodje and Tom Soares.
Loan players such as Nicky Ajose, Ashley Eastham, Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Zac Thompson have also returned to their parent clubs.
The club said they are in advanced negotiations with new investors, but were unable to offer any definite timescale on proceedings.
However, the Shakers have retained the services of eight players, including Trevor Carson, David Worrall, Craig Jones and Andy Bishop.
Image courtesy of Derick Thomas, via YouTube, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
