BURY AFC have moved quickly to replace Tom Greaves by announcing the signing of former Marine striker Niall Cummins.

Leading scorer Greaves admitted it was a tough decision to leave AFC but cited family and work commitments to end his two-year stay at the Neuven Stadium.

Manager Andy Welsh is delighted to have been able to bolster his attacking options - and Cummins is looking forward to linking up with his new teammates.

“Delighted to be hooking up with Andy and the team here at Bury AFC,” said Cummins who played for Marine in the FA Cup against Spurs two seasons ago and guided the club to promotion last season.

“I have watched on with interest at the developments with the club, and having spoken to the staff about bringing me in, I am very much looking forward to getting to work with the lads when we return for pre-season training.”

Welsh believes the capture of Cummins is a ‘real coup’ for the club who are now preparing for life in the NWCL Premier Division following promotion last season.

“He is a player with undoubted quality from a much higher level,” said Welsh. “A leader, but speaking to him the best thing is he comes with great character. That character will add to this group and push us forward for the coming season.

“Niall is a real coup, he was captain and won promotion last season, so this is a fantastic signing for us. We are really looking forward to working with Niall and welcoming his family to the football club.”

Meanwhile, Greaves said he was proud to have been a part of the Bury AFC journey which culminated with helping them win the First Division North title las season.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have decided that my time at Bury AFC has come to an end.

“I’ve had the most amazing couple of seasons and can’t thank everyone at the club enough for everything they have done for me.

“I have been lucky enough to play for some amazing non league clubs an it has been an absolute pleasure to be part of the beginning of this fantastic club.

“I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime, memories that I’ve been lucky enough to share with my kids, dad and brother.”

He added: “This wasn’t an easy decision to make but I need to be closer to home for my children and my work.

“The M62 has finally seen me off but I feel it it the right time in my life to be playing a lot more local.

“I’d like to thank Andy Welsh and all the staff at Bury, the players, what a journey and to win the league with you all was something special.

“Thank you to the amazing fans that make playing for the club so enjoyable. I hope to see you all soon and I wish you all the very best in the future.”

It has been a busy week for the club with Matty Williams, Jimmy Moore, Jake Kenny, captain Jonno Hunt, Kris Holt, Chris Rowney and Ben Wharton in returning for pre-season training, alongside Jack Atkinson and Lewis Gilboy who recently extended their contracts for the 2022/23 season.