AFC Sudbury goalkeeper Alex Archer has traded places with Marcus Garnham at Bury Town, signing an initial 93-day loan deal with the Blues.

Archer, who has been one of AFC Sudbury’s most consistent performers in the two-and-a-half years he has been at the club, will begin life at Ram Meadow on Monday, and could well make his switch a permanent one, provided he does well with the Blues.

Although disappointed at being allowed to move on by the Yellows, where he has racked up a number of consecutive appearances and scooped two Player-of-the-Season awards, Archer is excited about the prospect of a move to a side ranked higher in the non-league pyramid.

AFC Sudbury currently sit just two places shy of the Ryman North Division One play-offs, while Bury sit in 21st position in the Ryman Premier League.

“It’s a great opportunity for me at Bury, declared the former Peterborough United trainee.

“It’s a step-up. Bury are a good club with a great potential and I’m excited to be apart of it.”

The goalkeeper admitted that Garnham’s quick move, which saw Archer dropped to the substitute’s bench in Sudbury’s 1-0 win over Romford on Saturday, took him by surprise, but he is now fully focused on doing his best for his new employees.

“I didn’t really have any indication that the manager (David Batch) wanted a change, but that’s football sometimes,” Archer added.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself at a higher level, continuing my development, and doing my best for Bury Town.”

Archer may yet feature again for Sudbury on his return, but the stopper is grateful for the opportunity given to him by the club nonetheless.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my two-and a half seasons.

“They gave me my first taste of Senior football and I’m thankful to the club for giving me a chance, I’ll look back with fond memories.”

Archer also revealed that a conversation with his Sudbury replacement, Garnham, last weekend, had an impact on his decision to sign for Bury.

“I had a chat with Marcus, and he’s a nice guy,” said Archer.

“He said that it felt the right time for a change, and that Sudbury was the place.

“Marcus told me that Bury was a good club and it would be a good chance for me so hopefully it will all work out.

“Having taken a couple of days to get my head right, I spoke to Ben (Chenery, the Bury boss), and decided that the move really was the right one for me – what Marcus said to me also had an impact and I wish him all the best.”

Providing he is selected, Archer will make his Bury debut this coming Saturday as the Blues host Hampton & Richmond Borough in the Ryman Premier Division.