THERE has been an air of calm at Gigg Lane this week, with everyone recovering from a hectic few days of transfer activity.

The end result of Jon Newby staying, Jamie Stuart signed and Chris Armstrong at Oldham was not ideal, the fans wanted all three, but it could have been worse.

Credit to Newby for staying put. It is just a shame that the club could not have held on to Armstrong who, most critics agree, will be a Premiership player within five years.

In fact, Sunderland were already sniffing after him when Oldham pounced so his Premier chance could come sooner than he thinks.

Latics boss Andy Ritchie is certainly pleased with his new acquisition, a snip at £200,000 though Bury have inserted a 20 per cent sell on clause.

"He is a lad with real potential and is one of those players who has definitely got a very bright future," Ritchie said this week. "He is naturally left sided so he complements our team really well and brings a bit of strength to that side of our game.

"We have been looking at Chris for some time now. He has received a number of good reports - especially over the past year - but we watched him closely when he played us and we thought he was their best player. What's more we thought that in the right team he could go far."

That last line might get Shakers supporters' backs up but it is hard to argue against. Armstrong was one of the most consistent performers at Bury when they were bottom of the league. In a top of the table outfit he will be an even better player.

What also makes Armstrong stand out from others is his attitude. He always gives 100 per cent and just loves playing.

Ritchie noted: "As soon as we met he was keen as mustard to play. This kind of attitude is very difficult to find but we think Chris has got that bit extra. He has considerable commitment."

Bury fans might be upset he has gone but they should wish the young lad well. He gave total commitment to the cause while at Gigg and should go onto big things.

The club can be proud that they shaped his development and gave him his chance.