MATTY Barrass is confident he will be a Bury player for the forthcoming season.

Barrass, aged 24, the Shakers' right back has had to iron out one or two technicalities in his negotiations with the club to cement a new 12 month contract.

"It's been a nightmare the last couple of weeks just getting in to Gigg Lane to thrash a deal out," he said.

"I've been away, the manager's been away, the directors have been away and my solicitor have all been on holiday at one stage or another and we've been missing each other.

"But I went in to see the manager yesterday and he told me to come down today when we can hopefully sort it out.

"The thing that has held negotiations up are the injuries I've suffered in the past and how they are to be dealt with within the terms of the contract. Basically, it's to do with what would happen if I was to have to finish playing.

"The club would be legally obliged to pay me a certain amount but they say they cannot afford it, so we have been discussing a figure that is acceptable to both the club and myself.

"I completely understand where they are coming from and it's not a problem, it's just been a matter of getting everyone together to agree a figure. It's just dragged on because people have been missing each other due to being on holiday.

Local lad Barrass has had cruciate ligament operations in both knees and a cartilage operation, which would make any club look at the fine print should the player suffer a career-ending injury.

"The club were pleased with my form towards the end of the season and how I'd got myself fit and back in the side. But my fitness at the minute is spot on," he added.

Barrass is keen to renew his working relationship with Barrow after seeing how he helped to turn things around at the club last season and steer the Shakers to mid-table safety.

"He has done well for me personally and gave me a chance in the side to show what I can do," said Barrass.

"He knows his stuff and he helped to build a solid base founded on hard work, a strong defence and team spirit which he played a big part in developing.

"And if he gets the players he's after we should do alright, we'll certainly have a squad that can hold it's own at the very least."