BURY Town manager Richard Wilkins has revealed that long-serving forward Sam Reed is having trials with a couple of Conference clubs.

Reed scored seven goals in 33 appearances for the club as they reached the Ryman League Premier Division play-offs last season.

He is seen as an integral part of Wilkins’ squad, along with the likes of his brother, Lee, and striker John Sands, who has just penned a new two-year deal at Ram Meadow.

However, Wilkins does not want to hold back the 24-year-old from furthering his career and revealed his door would stay open should the player elect to return to the club.

“Sam has had a couple of trials at clubs at a higher level but if they don’t work I think he will be re-signing with us. He is just keeping his options open at the moment,” said Wilkins.

“We would obviously like to know what he is going to decide but you have also got to be human at the same time. He has got an opportunity to try and play at a higher level and I don’t want to be putting pressure on him. He has been at the club for long enough to go and play in a few trial matches and he will let us know.”

Wilkins’ players have now returned to pre-season training and the Bury boss admitted that he was running the rule over a handful of trialists as he looks to bring in “quality not quantity” next season.

But Wilkins is keen to stress that he may have to play a waiting game and admitted it could be another month yet before he gets close to finalising his squad.

“I have spoken to a few players that are possibilities but there is nothing concrete at the moment,” he said.

“We had four or five trialists at the first day back in pre-season who all did well and there are a few other players that I am confident about, but it is a funny old time at the moment.

“In a month’s time when some players have gone to higher-level clubs and realise that they don’t feel part of it, they might become available.”