FORMER Bury striker Mark 'Spike' Carter is set to sign on for Radcliffe Borough.

The 40-year-old will be available for an indefinite period as from a week on Saturday.

He is looking to get back into management after his spell at Runcorn, but is coming to help Boro out in the meantime.

Carter helped Bury to win the Second Division championship in season 1996-97 and left Gigg Lane the following summer.

Since then he has played for non-league side Bamber Bridge, who are based near Preston, as well as being player-manager at Runcorn.

Carter said: "I have spoken to another club as well, but I could well be signing for Radcliffe and I am looking forward to it.

"Kevin Glendon asked me to come down and have a chat and we'll take it from there and see how it goes."

Carter's arrival at Stainton Park is sure to spark interest amongst both Boro and Bury fans and the former Shaker said: "I haven't been back to Bury since I left, but they were good times. We had a successful team, particularly when we won the Second Division title."

Aintree-based Carter is also due to turn out for Accrington Stanley next Tuesday night in the benefit match being organised by the Crown Ground club to help Bury's fight for survival.

Stanley dropped out of the Football League in the 50s and are keen to help the cash-strapped Shakers avoid a similar fate.