BURY'S pre-season preparations have been hit by the news that midfielder Terry Dunfield is set to miss the start of the new campaign.

The little Canadian schemer has once again dislocated his problem shoulder, this time while swimming on holiday in Mexico.

Dunfield, who has returned to Canada for treatment on the injury, was operated on by the surgeon of the national soccer team and while it is difficult to say how long he will be inactive it seems he will be unlikely to be ready until late September.

The injury first reared its head in November and it hastened his return to Manchester City after a three-month loan spell at Gigg. After he joined the Shakers permanently the problem surfaced again.

However, the injury on that occasion was not as bad as had been feared and he was back training days later.

But news that this time the shoulder needed surgery will be a sickener for Shakers boss Andy Preece whose paper thin squad can ill afford any casualties.

All the team are back in training this Thursday and assistant boss Graham Barrow has been busy getting preparations ready with Preece still on holiday.