Chenery’s plans dealt a blow as Hall leaves Bury Town

Bury Town’s preparations for an assault on the Ryman League Division One North promotion places in 2016-17 have taken a hit with the news that Connor Hall has left the club.

The midfielder returned to Ram Meadow last November following a stint with St Neots Town and went on to make 22 appearances, from which he scored two goals, as the Blues ended the campaign in 13th position.

Bury manager Ben Chenery had hoped to retain Hall’s services for the new season, but following discussions, the 23-year-old has accepted an offer from Biggleswade Town.

“We wanted Connor to stay because he was a big part of what we had planned going forward,” said Chenery.

“It is disappointing because he is a good player that would have really helped us.

“We offered him a deal, but Biggleswade are giving him something that we cannot match.

“There is nothing we can do about that. We have to do things right financially.

“It is closer to Connor’s home and he has taken the offer.

“That is football and now we have to move on and replace Connor, which we will do.”

In more positive news, a number of last season’s squad have committed themselves to the club.

Ollie Hughes, Bradley Barber, Ollie Canfer, Josh Mayhew, Phil Weavers and John Kennedy have all agreed terms, with a few others expected to follow suit shortly.

Goalkeeper Dan Heath has also arrived from Newmarket Town, with Chenery anticipating further new faces as the summer progresses.

“We have to be patient because we perhaps do not have the finances to match some of the other clubs in the area.

“We are talking to players, but those players may also be discussing terms with other clubs at the same time.

“At this time of year, money talks and so a player will join a certain club and then for whatever the reason is, it does not work out for them.

“Like anyone else, we are keen to make additions, but they have to be the right players and we will not be rushing that process.”

n Striker Hughes won two awards at Bury’s presentation evening last Saturday night.

The frontman was voted the Supporters’ Player of the Year and his 18-goal haul was also recognised by Chenery, who picked him as Manager’s Player of the Season.

The Players’ Player of the Season was midfielder Kennedy , while Young Player of the Season went to Dan Hammett.

Charlotte Osbourn picked up the Player’s Player award for the Ladies team, with the Manager’s gong going to Norma Locker.

As for Team Bury, Players’ Player was Jordan Gooch, the Supporters’ Player was Ben Mills and the Manager’s Player was Matt Skevington.

n Meanwhile, Bury Town Ladies have appointed Gavin Stevenson as the team’s new manager.

Stevenson has previously held a wide variety of coaching positions over the last 20 years.

“We had a difficult season last year and are looking forward to having Gavin on board,” said chief executive Michelle Banfield-Curran.

“He has fresh, new, innovative ideas and we are delighted that he has joined our coaching team at Bury Town.”

The team is also on the look out for new players.