EFE Sodje is hoping he can reach an agreement with the club to stay at Gigg Lane.

The 38-year-old is desperate to extend his three-year stint with the Shakers and is currently mulling over a contract offer.

And, having missed just a handful of games last season, he believes he still has the hunger to keep on performing at the heart of Bury’s defence.

“I don’t want to leave Gigg Lane,” said the former Nigeria international. “I’m speaking to the directors now and they have been great with me so far.

“The team spirit that we have here is the best that I have experienced at all the clubs I have played for.

“It is just as close with all the office staff members at the club. I know everyone is fed up with my voice around the club but, hopefully, they will continue to hear it for a long time yet.”

One of the reasons Sodje wants to stay at Bury is the effective partnership he has built up with his fellow defenders, Tom Lees, Phil Picken and Joe Skarz.

“At the start of the season I looked to my left and right and found kids in Joe, Tom and Phil,” Sodje said.

“These were kids at the start of the season but they have really grown in stature now.

“The manager told me to make sure that I protected the boys, but they are really good players and they have shown it throughout the season.

“I just told them to go out and enjoy themselves. I’ve helped them out, they have helped me out and we have shown what we can do.

“I have a fantastic relationship with all of them and that’s what we have got our promotion with. They are unbelievable players.

“I think it will be hard for Bury to keep them – they are young and they will all become household names at some point.”