BURY skipper Dave Challinor finally put pen to paper at Gigg Lane on Monday and along with the capture of Allan Smart, it was a welcome return to the office for manager Graham Barrow.

"Knowing we have Dave back on board for another season is a huge plus," said Barrow.

"The re-signing of Dwayne Mattis, Simon Whaley and now Dave is a big boost.

"I had spoken to him at length at the end of last season and was pretty confident he would stay.

"He emerged a big, big player for us as he has certain qualities every team needs.

"He made a couple of mistakes at the start of the season but shook them off and got on with his game and you cant by a professional attitude like that.

"He's a big player for us both on and off the pitch.

"The way he conducts himself day-in, day-out, the way he is with the younger players is an example of what a professional footballer should be like. That is as much a part of the job as what happens on the pitch.

"We have a great atmosphere in the dressing room and that is because we have players like Dave Challinor in it."

The 29-year-old centre-back has signed a 12 month extension to his currentcontract