SHAKERS star Steve Redmond has paid tribute to defensive partner Chris Lucketti who moved to Huddersfield in a £1 million deal last week.

And the experienced central defender reassures fans that the former Gigg Lane skipper's departure won't spell the end of the watertight reputation of the Bury back line.

"It's a great move for Chris and I'm delighted for him, no one deserves it more" said Redmond who recently put pen to paper on another 12-month contract at Gigg Lane.

"He's different class as a defender and so dominant, Steve Bruce certainly knows what he's getting.

"I thought we combined well whenever I played with him.

"He's bound to be a big loss but I'd like to think that with myself, Chris Swailes and Andy Woodward still at the club we'll be okay in the Second Division.

"We still have a lot of battlers at the club and that's what you need in the Second Division, we just need to get off to a good start and maintain it."

Redmond's ankle injury that kept him out of the final few games of the campaign is healing up nicely and he should be raring to go when pre-season training begins on July 1.

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