EVEN though Richard Wilkins now has a big gap in his team to fill, the Bury Town manager is delighted to be losing Ian Miller.Wilkins said: “Not only is Ian a smashing lad but he is probably the best defender outside the Football League.

By Derek Davis

EVEN though Richard Wilkins now has a big gap in his team to fill, the Bury Town manager is delighted to be losing Ian Miller.

Wilkins said: “Not only is Ian a smashing lad but he is probably the best defender outside the Football League. He leaves a huge hole to fill but him going to Ipswich Town is great for Bury Town.

“I'm thrilled for Ian, he really deserves it and I can remember when I was at Haverhill Rovers and Paul Dyer, the manager then, gave me the chance to play professional and there was no better feeling for a player.”

The former Colchester United, Cambridge United and Hereford United star went on to play more than 500 professional games, latterly as a defender at Layer Road, so knows what it takes to make it.

He said: “I have no doubts that Ian will rise to the occasion. He has great inner determination and will go there and give 100%. He has great attributes to be a centre-half, he is a good header of the ball, he is quick and this is the right time for him to move on.

“Ian absorbs information extremely well and although he has steadily learned while here, he will continue to progress under the coaching of Bryan Klug and Steve Foley.”

Although the transfer fee is so far officially undisclosed, it is understood Bury will receive a four-figure sum, with add-ons and a pre-season friendly for their skipper, but Wilkins believe they are getting far more than that.

He said: “No matter the money, or games we get, the recognition for Ian is wonderful. It is a great for the football school, West Suffolk College and Bury Town and it shows every young footballer what hard work and perseverance will do.”