FEARS that Bury could lose the services of boss Stan Ternent and assistant Sam Ellis have been allayed by major shareholder Hugh Eaves.

Neither Ternent nor Ellis has a formal contract but initial talks with the management duo were opened before the players flew to Spain for a week's break and Mr Eaves says he will be 'amazed' if agreement isn't eventually reached.

"The chairman and myself have had preliminary discussions with Stan and Sam and we have agreed to make them an offer based on the fantastic success they have brought to the club and our budget," confirmed the Tottington-born stockbroker.

"At Bury we don't believe in formal contracts that involve solicitors, we are more your piece of paper in the draw and handshake kind of club.

"Losing Stan and Sam is not on our list of priorities and I'd be amazed if they left after hearing our offer."

Ternent who, following back-to-back promotions, has reportedly attracted the attention of Stoke City returned to England last night to the news that the he has been handed a Special Merit Award by the League Managers' Association.

Curiously, Dave Jones of Stockport, runners-up to the Shakers, collected the Division Two manager of the year prize.

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