GRAEME Jones has become Bury's fourth summer signing after putting pen to paper on a 12-month deal on Monday.

The powerfully-built 34-year-old striker, who played with fellow Coca Cola League Two outfit Boston United last season, turned down the offer of an extended deal with the Pilgrims to join the Gigg Lane men.

Gateshead-born Jones is seen as just the man to give some much needed muscle to the Shakers' front line.

After starting his career with non-league Bridlington Town he moved to Doncaster Rovers, before joining Wigan Athletic in 1996 where he linked up with Bury manager Graham Barrow.

It was while at Latics that he really made his name in the game and he is still the club's leading scorer for a season with 33 goals.

A £100,000 move to Scottish League St Johnstone followed in November 1999 before he made the long trip down to Southend United three years later.

After eight months at Roots Hall he moved to Boston, scoring seven goals in 33 appearances for them last season.

"Graeme will certainly add competition for the places up front as he's different to the other players we have," said assistant boss Kelham O'Hanlon.

"We've needed a bit of strength and physical presence up front and hopefully we'll have a good mix.

"Graham (Barrow) knows him well from his Wigan days and I'm sure he'll be a great signing for us."

Jones will vie for a forward berth with Jon Newby, Dave Nugent and Chris Porter, all players who would benefit from playing off a big man.

Following the recent signings of central defender Dave Challinor and midfielder Dwayne Mattis, both six-footers, Jones' acquisition will further add to the team's strong spine, a prerequisite that can be a key to success in the basement division.

Barrow's next target is likely to be left-sided player while the two remaining defenders yet to re-sign from last season, Matt Barrass and Colin Woodthorpe are expected to do so in the next few days.

All the first team squad are back in for pre-season training and they can expect a tough time of it according to O'Hanlon.

"It's going to be a busy few days but we are looking forward to it," he added.

"We'll weigh the lads in, give them one or two tests then they'll be straight back into it.

"They've been forewarned and know what to expect. It's not going to be easy.

"The close season is getting shorter every year but soccer's a year round business now.

"Some of the players in the European Championships are only getting two weeks break and you have to be careful they don't burn themselves out.

"That said, the more games you play the more successful you are and we hope to have a few that will be suffering from it in the future."