NO football club is a one man team but according to Bury defender Chris Swailes the Shakers almost are.

Swailes has played with a number of top strikers throughout his career, especially at Ipswich, but 22-year-old Jon Newby is the best he's seen.

When the pacey Liverpool forward arrived at Gigg Lane on loan in early February the Shakers were on a terrible run of one win in 16 games.

Newby scored on his debut against Peterborough inspiring Bury to a 2-1 win and since then the Shakers have had an amazing turnaround in form, losing only twice in12 matches.

Impressed

Swailes is impressed and believes the fact that Bury's upturn in fortune has coincided with Newby's arrival is no fluke.

"One man doesn't make a team but I tell you what, since Jon Newby has come here he's done so much," said Swailes.

"He gives us that extra option and I just wish the season could last a bit longer. You always have a chance with the likes of Jon and Cramby up front. Jon is so fast and he gives us a great option.

"It's a pleasure to play behind him."

With Newby signing a three-year deal at Gigg, Swailes - who came to Bury from Ipswich as part of the David Johnson deal in November 1997 - also has one eye on his own future.

He becomes a free agent in the summer when his contract expires and because of the financial difficulties at the club, Bury aren't sure yet whether they can offer a player like Swailes the same wage that he is currently on.

It means Swailes might leave in the summer - though he hinted that the arrival of a player like Newby could make him stay.

"When a player like Jon signs it gives everyone a lift and it makes you want to stay," he explained.

"I'd love to stop at Bury. I've been here three and a half years and I'd love to sign another long term deal.

"But I'm 30 now, I've got about three or four years left and I want to do my best for my family.

"I'm settled at Bury and I'd love to stay but some things change. No one knows what the future of the club is. We're waiting for somebody to step in and takeover and we'll take it from there but hopefully we can sort something out."