Pugh signs for Shrews

Last updated : 29 May 2007 By Tony Scholes

Pughy left Burnley towards the end of the 2005/06 season after learning that he wouldn't be offered a deal at the end of his three year scholarship. He'd been a prolific scorer in that season's Youth Alliance League and had been as far as the subs bench for the first team.

He joined Bury on a short term deal but impressed manager Chris Casper enough to earn himself a one year deal for the 2006/07 season. He's very much been a member of the first team squad and has started well over half of their League Two games and Casper offered him a new extended deal.

Pugh decided he wanted to keep his options open and it led to some public disagreement with Casper pointing the finger at his agent and immediately other clubs were linked with him from all divisions of the Football League. However, it became clear a few weeks ago that Shrewsbury would be the likely destination should he move on and that is what has happened today with the Shrews confirming his signing which will be complete at the beginning of July.

Manager Gary Peters also said he'd tried to sign him earlier in the season when Glynn Hurst moved in the opposite direction but at the time he missed out, but Peters said today: "Bury have offered Marc contracts all season but he has turned them down and has decided to come to us."

Pugh has just passed his 20^th birthday and so there will be a fee involved. If the clubs cannot agree then it will be decided by a tribunal.