FORMER Shakers player Harold Bodle has died at his Bournemouth home at the age of 84.

Bodle was an inside-left who began his career with Rotherham United just before the Second World War before moving to Birmingham City for £2,000.

During wartime he guested for Rotherham and Doncaster but returned to St Andrew's in 1946, going on to complete 94 league games, scoring 31 goals before Bury boss Norman Bullock paid £9,500 to bring him to Gigg Lane in March. 1949.

Described as "an inspiring personality and an astute tactician," Bodle was an ever-present for more than three years, clocking up 199 league games and 40 goals for the Shakers.

In July 1952 he left to become player-manager, coach and trainer of Betteshanger Welfare FC in Deale, however Bury officials were angered as they didn't receive a fee because he had moved into non-league.

Three months later Betteshangar picked up £7,000 when he signed for Stockport County and Bury claimed £2,000 as compensation. Bodle then went on to play for Accrington Stanley before having a short spell as manager at the Peel Park club.

He retired from playing in 1957 but was the club's manager from June 1959 to April 1960 before ending his footballing career with Burton Albion and was manager there from November 1974 to February 1976.

In later years he ran a shop and post office before retiring to the South Coast.