ANDY CRAMBS COLIN IN
BURY manager Andy Preece has exclusively revealed to planetfootball.com that, after weeks of negotiations, he has finally landed his man, signing Crewe's Colin Cramb on a one-month loan deal.
It had initially seemed that the deal was doomed when both Cramb and Crewe manager Dario Gradi stated that they wanted to secure a long-term deal but persistence has paid off for Preece, who was clearly overjoyed to have signed the Scottish forward.
"I'm absolutely delighted to have him," said Preece. "He needs first team football and we can give him that.
"It's great to get a signing of Cramby's quality - it gives everyone at the club a lift. He also gives us that extra option in that he can play in the hole behind the front two."
Although it is unlikely that The Shakers will be able to afford to make the move permanent, Preece will be hoping that the 26-year-old will be able to quickly forge a partnership with his other loan signing, Liverpool's Jon Newby.
"Jon's enjoying it here, and he's said he'd like to stay, but circumstances at Liverpool could change very quickly with injuries and suspensions.
"We'd love to keep him here though - we'll have another look at it when his loan period comes to an end."
Meanwhile, Crewe are reported to be lining up a bid for a mystery player, thought to be a midfielder.
"It is an interesting deal, we have agreed with the club, but we are now waiting on the player," commented Alex boss Dario Gradi.
Striker Peter Smith is set for a spell away from Gresty Road after completing a loan move to Nationwide Conference outfit Doncaster Rovers.
"I am quite happy to keep Peter here, but I think it might do him good to go to Doncaster for a month," said Gradi. "But I would want him back for the run-in."
