THE takeover of Bury Football Club will not be affected by a £1m lawsuit launched against the Shakers this week writes Steve Canavan of the Bolton Evening News

Alex Tarsus and his consortium already knew about the pending lawsuit when they made a bid for the club and the fact that the court case has become public will not affect their plans.

The BEN understands that they are still fully committed to buying the club as soon as High Court red tape has been sorted out.

Asked whether the takeover would be affected, Bury chairman Terry Robinson added: "All interested parties were told about the mortgage situation when they were invited to make bids for the ownership of the club."

Tarsus and his consortium were aware of the situation almost eight months ago. The only thing that has changed is that the lawsuit has become public knowledge.

In other words, the takeover is still on.

Chairman Terry Robinson is defending the £1 million lawsuit issued by the High Court because of non-repayment of mortgage arrears, which could result in the club losing its ground.

Meanwhile, back on the pitch, the weather has ended Michael Nelson's chances of making his first team return at Cambridge tomorrow.

Vital

Torrential rain led to the postponement of the midweek reserve match against Stoke City, when Nelson - along with Lee Unsworth and Marc Whiteman - would have gained vital match practice ahead of the Cambridge clash.

But without 90 minutes under their belts, manager Andy Preece is unlikely to name any of them in the starting line up at the Abbey Stadium.

"It's a real blow for me that the reserve match was cancelled because I wanted all three to get a match," admitted the boss.

"The Cambridge game is probably a bit too soon for Michael now which is a pity because given the form he was in before he got injured he would have been a straight choice to go back in.

"He's looked good in training and in a match we had between ourselves on Monday but he is lacking a little bit of fitness. He isn't quite ready yet but as soon as he is we will be looking to put him back in."

Preece's main decision will be whether to start with Lawson up front with Newby, or leave the former Stockport man on the bench and field a more defensive line up - a ploy which worked well at Reading (though Lawson did come on as sub and grab a late equaliser).

Main dangerman for Cambridge is top scorer Dave Kitson. He has five goals to his name already this term and has been a revelation since making the step up from non-league.