MISFIT striker Nigel Jemson walks out of Gigg Lane for the last time today.

The much-travelled goalscorer who netted only once for the Shakers during his 17 month stay has been released from his contract and is free to find another club.

It's been no secret that Jemson's high wages have been a big drain on the Shakers' stretched resources and his continued lack of first team involvement has made him an expensive luxury in the club's Pontin's League side.

Signed from Oxford United by former boss Stan Ternent for £100,000 just before the 1997/98 season transfer deadline, Jemson soon became surplus to requirements under the old regime, a situation that didn't change once Neil Warnock took over in June 1998. Transfer-listed by Warnock early last season he was unable to agree terms with any interested clubs and chose to sit out his time at Gigg Lane, something the club has now decided to call time on.

"Nigel arrived at Bury on a salary in line with the club he had left and unfortunately wasn't in the future plans of either of our last two managers," said chairman Terry Robinson.

"And the disappointment he faced when an agreed move to West Bromwich Albion negotiated by Stan Ternent collapsed didn't help the situation.

"We decided that Nigel would be allowed to leave the club as from today (Friday) and we wish him well in the future," he added.

Also at the end of his Gigg Lane career is Mark Patterson.

An injury sustained against Tranmere Rovers last season has put paid to the unfortunate midfielder's playing career.

"This has been hard to face for Mark and although he has made efforts to continue playing it has not been possible," said Mr Robinson.

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