Shrimpsvoices

Bury skipper Stephen Dawson is likely to leave after they missed out on promotion, says boss Alan Knill.

The 24-year-old Irish midfielder moved to Gigg Lane from Mansfield Town five years ago after starting at Leicester.

Knill told BBC Radio Manchester: "We have known we might lose Stephen for six months.

"We've had the 'yes' he's going to talk to other clubs which is more than in his right to do. We're hopeful it does not work out and he wants to stay."

He added: "I think you have to be pro-active and we're looking at Stephen maybe leaving.

"We think we're going to lose Stephen Dawson. So central midfield is a main position for us to look at.

"We are hopeful we may have someone coming in, sooner rather than later.

"But it doesn't always work that way. The good thing, though, is we have some targets."