BURY boss Neil Warnock has rubbished claims that striker Lutel James is about to join Hull City.

Press reports on the east coast have linked the Third Division club with the former Hyde United ace but the Shakers chief categorically denied receiving any bids from Tigers manager Warren Joyce.

"It's the first I've heard about it," he said. "I know Hull are interested in Lutel but we certainly do not want to sell him."

Warnock rates 26-year-old James highly and likened him to a "new David Johnson" when he made the move from the UniBond League club to Gigg Lane in October.

He made an immediate impression on his high-profile debut in Bury's Worthington Cup tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford and bridged the four division gap from the UniBond League to Nationwide Division One with ease.

Warnock also believes that the diminutive striker's game will benefit greatly from the professional pre-season training he won't have experienced in his non-league career.

James' rise to prominence earned him a call-up to the St Kitts national side towards the end of the season and he is set to play for them in a Caribbean tournament next week.

It's been all quiet on the Gigg Lane front according to the Bury boss with no concrete offers received for any released personnel.

None of the players who have been offered new contracts have yet put pen to paper and Nick Daws' hesitance in signing his much-improved deal won't have gone unnoticed at Burnley whose boss Stan Ternent would love to be reunited with the Shakers midfielder. Meanwhile, Warnock's hopes of bringing in his number one choice of player-coach look like being thwarted as the individual in question has been offered terms with a First Division club.

The Bury boss isn't optimistic about getting his man and is expecting to get a decision from the player over the weekend.

Following the roaring success of the Shakers' Player of the Season awards evening, the Bury Supporters' Association has announced two events for June.

The big one will take place at Bury FC's Social Club at Gigg Lane on Sunday, June 20, 7.30pm, when a professionally organised race night will be staged.

There are eight races on the card and members can choose whether to sponsor and name a horse, or simply revel in the excitement of the night through the Tote betting system.

A range of prizes will be awarded to the sponsors of winning (and losing) horses.

Entry to the race night will be £1 to Association members and £2 to non-members. Full bar and snack facilities will be available throughout the evening. Tickets can be bought in advance and will be sold through members of the Association's general committee. Anyone who is unable to purchase advance tickets can contact the Association secretary on 0161 723 4047.

The second event is a demanding sports and general knowledge quiz, again to be held at the social club on Thursday, June 10 (doors open at 7.30pm).

Entry is free to Association members, with a small surcharge to non-members.

The Shakers are staging another soccer course during next week's half term holiday.

It will run from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm, and is for ages five to 14. Sessions will be taken by professional coaches from Bury FC. The price is £7 for one day or £25 for the week and those taking up the offer can pay on the day.

Call 0161 797 5423 for more details.

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