BURY Town have received a major double boost ahead of the new season.

Former Ipswich Town striker James Scowcroft is to be first-team coach at the Ryman League Premier Division side and skipper Tom Bullard has turned down a “significant offer” from another club to sign a new contract with the Ram Meadow club.

The news comes just days after manager Richard Wilkins admitted it had been his “worst pre-season” in terms of sorting out contracts ahead of next season.

Trevor Collins, the club’s director of football, said: “Due to Scowie’s media commitments he was not able to be considered for the post of assistant manager but is pleased to be on board and assist with the coaching of the squad.”

Scowcroft, who was born in nearby Stanton and played for Bury after his professional career before an injury led to him retiring last season, said: “I have spoken to Richard Wilkins and Trevor Collins regarding this role and it is one I am really looking forward to.

“Unfortunately I couldn’t commit to the assistant’s job as I wouldn’t be able to attend all of the games. However, I will be working closely with the management and the playing squad during pre-season and throughout the season and will give as much support and advice as possible.

“I’ve always enjoyed my time with the club and I want to help in bringing promotion next season.”

Collins added: “This is a huge boost as the club continue to build for next season and which will see some fresh faces coming in very soon.

“A list has also been drawn up for the vacant assistant manager’s job and myself, (director) Phil Smailes and Richard Wilkins will be meeting with some interested parties over the next few days.”

Bullard has been a mainstay of the Bury Town team for several seasons and led the club to their Ryman League Cup triumph last season.

His presence was missed while he was serving a three-match suspension at the end of the campaign as Bury lost in the Premier Division play-offs to Hornchurch and also the Suffolk Premier Cup final to rivals Lowestoft Town at Portman Road.

Bullard said: “I am relieved and delighted to finally sort a new contract with Bury Town. I did receive a big financial offer from elsewhere but Bury is my club and I am proud to be the captain here.

“I just want to help drive the club forward to its promotional target next season and I know we are capable of achieving this.”

Meanwhile, Lowestoft Town midfielder Michael Frew has committed himself to the Crown Meadow club for the next two seasons, but striker Jamie Forshaw has opted to join King’s Lynn in the hope of more regular football.