FORMER Ipswich Town star James Scowcroft has joined Bury Town.

The 34-year-old, who was born in the town, signed for the Ram Meadow club yesterday and goes straight into the squad for the game at Wealdstone today.

It’s a tremendous coup for Bury, with Scowcroft sure to bring, not only ability, but huge experience to Richard Wilkins’ young squad.

“It’s a huge boost for us after a good start to the season,” chairman Russell Ward said.

“James has been keeping his options open for a few months now and fortunately he has chosen us as the club he wishes to join.”

Bury fans who don’t travel to Wealdstone today, will have the chance to see Scowcroft in action, when they entertain Cray Wanderers on Tuesday night.

Scowcroft has played more than 500 league games and scored more than 100 goals in a professional career that has spanned 15 years. He was Leicester City’s top goalscorer in 2001/02

Bury have now gone 20 league matches without a defeat – a run of results which has left many a Blues fan dreaming of a successive promotion to the Blue Square South. However, Wilkins is quick to pour water on such talk at this early stage.

“I’ve been in the game long enough to realise that things can change quickly in football,” said the 45-year-old, who is now in his 10th year as Bury boss having made nearly 300 appearances for Colchester United as a player.

“If I’m being totally honest, we’ve got a few more points than maybe we have deserved so far.

“There is a lot more upper body strength at this level, defences are more organised and we’re not quite where I want us to be with our passing game yet.

“The players and staff are realistic and I’ll have no problem keeping their feet on the floor at this stage.”

Key players Lee Reed (ankle) and Kieran Leabon (hamstring) both missed Monday’s game and are doubtful for this afternoon’s match. Sam Reed limped off with a calf problem in that match, but should be passed fit.

“We are very happy with the results, but I know it could only take a couple of losses for the confidence to drop a little bit,” said Wilkins.

“I’ll take the points we’ve accumulated so far though because I know that there will be occasion where we dominate and don’t get what we deserve.

“We still probably need one or two more players, but they will have to be ones that can come in and strengthen the starting team rather than be on the fringes.”