IT hasn't been male voice choirs that have echoed down the Welsh valleys rather the distant sound of Shakers players scribbling their signatures to new contracts.

In the biggest pointer yet that the long-awaited takeover of the club could be almost upon us chairman Terry Robinson has spent the last three days at the club's Llanelli tour base negotiating and finalising deals.

No fewer than six players have put their names to new contracts - four existing players and two new to the club.

Player of the season Chris Billy and left-sided midfielder Paul Reid, both experienced first team campaigners, have signed extended contracts as have right flank defender Lee Unsworth and young utility man Lee Connell. But the acquisitions of promising young defender Michael Nelson from Bishop Auckland and former RAF striker Gareth Seddon send out a clear message that the drawn out takeover saga could be coming to an end.

The news that squad members have been secured on new contracts will delight Shakers boss Andy Preece who earlier this week told the Bury Times of his - and his players' - frustration at the uncertainty of it all.

Nelson's signing is reward for some impressive displays while on loan from his UniBond League club at the end of last season.

Originally a YTS trainee with Portsmouth he was released by then Pompey boss Alan Ball after two-and-a-half years because of financial restrictions.

From there he joined Spennymoor United before moving to the Bishops were he had been for almost two years.

Fittingly, the former window blind installer, put in a very impressive show in Tuesday evening's friendly at Swansea City and at 21 he has plenty of time to develop. The capture of striker Seddon is a real coup for the Shakers.

The Burnley-born former RAF serviceman who was released by Wigan Athletic as a youngster would have been a Reading player by now if the Royals had been promoted last season.

He made a big impression in a trial period at the Madejski Stadium and boss Alan Pardew was keen to sign him but a deal fell through because of cost cutting.

He scored for Everton reserves against Manchester United reserves at the end of last term during a two week spell at Goodison and when the Toffees failed to show further interest a host of teams including Brentford, Wigan and Chesterfield courted him.

Midfielder Matt Murphy's possible move to Gigg is on hold for the time being and there's a possibility of a further acquisition with a left sided Greek defender due in for a trial period next week.

News of the signings was a real tonic for Shakers boss Andy Preece who said, "It is a massive weight off everybody's shoulders. Now we know where we are going and it allows us to plan properly for the season ahead.

"It gives me a lift and more importantly it gives the players a lift. It has been a difficult time lately but now things are sorted I am delighted and looking forward to the campaign."

THE Shakers drew 1-1 in their latest pre-season match at Swansea on Tuesday.

A late strike from Chris Billy earned them a share of the spoils after former Wrexham striker Steve Watkin had given the Swans a first half lead.

Most impressive for the Shakers on the night were young Nelson and reserve goalkeeper Glyn Garner.

The Welsh custodian had a magnificent game on the ground of his home town club in what was his first full 90 minutes in a first team fixture.

BURY'S Nationwide Division Two clash with Lancashire neighbours Blackpool has been brought forward 24 hours.

The game, originally scheduled for Wednesday, January 23, 2002, will now be played on Tuesday 22 January. Kick off at 7:45pm.

HOPES of an unexpected windfall look to have been dashed.

Reports suggested that First Division Wolves had made a £2 million bid for the former Shakers skipper, now at Huddersfield Town.

Bury chairman Terry Robinson was delighted because he had inserted a 15 per cent sell on clause when Lucketti left Gigg Lane.

However, Dave Jones, manager at Wolves said: "We have not made a bid for Lucketti.

"We've been linked with almost every player this summer so it doesn't surprise me but I can tell you there has definitely not been any money offered for Chris."