SHAKERS chairman John Smith claims the shock departure of skipper Michael Nelson will be the last of the summer.

Nelson joined the Gigg Lane exodus this week with a return to his native north east in a £70,000 move to Division Two newcomers Hartlepool United.

The sale is another blow to manager Andy Preece, who has already been forced to release the likes of Chris Billy, Steve Redmond, Colin Cramb, Nicky Hill and David Borley due to the vice-like financial constraints which still haunt the club.

But Smith insisted: "This will be the last one to leave. It's actually the only offer we've had for a player in the close season.

"It's a big blow to lose Michael but he wanted to go."

Preece has moved quickly to boost his squad by snapping up 20-year-old Preston striker Joe O'Neill on loan.

O'Neill, a regular scorer for the reserves, will start a 12-month spell at Gigg Lane on Tuesday.

He missed the end of last season after an Achilles operation, but is now fully fit.