BURY finally ran out of patience with midfielder Darren Bullock today and released him, writes STEVE CANAVAN of the BOLTON EVENING NEWS.

The Shakers decided to terminate his contract because Bullock has failed to regain his fitness after suffering a catalogue of injuries.

He is also said to be suffering personal problems.

However, Bury have retained Bullock's Football League registration papers. That means that if another league club comes in for the 32-year-old, Bury will be able to demand a fee.

"He is free to play non-league football and try and rebuild his career," Terry Robinson told the BEN. "But we are holding on to his registration papers in case another league club wants to sign him."

Robinson - who also confirmed that Bury were "considering" an offer from Oldham Athletic for full back Chris Armstrong - said the main reason for letting Bullock leave was his bad run of injuries.

"He has been dogged by injuries for the last couple of seasons which has caused a lot of problems, both for him physically and personally," added the chairman.

It must be slightly galling for Robinson to see Bullock's decline.

Two years ago, Rushden & Diamonds agreed to pay £175,000 for the midfielder after Bullock completed a successful loan spell at the then non-league club.

But Bullock couldn't settle at the club and decided to return to Gigg Lane.

Last season he also went on loan to First Division Sheffield United, playing a starring role in several games including the big Sheffield derby.

However, he suffered a double hernia soon after arriving at Bramhall Lane and that curtailed any future he might have had there.

Bullock was signed from Swindon Town for £200,000 and was famously sent off on his Bury debut against Norwich City after just 11 minutes.

He has started just two games this season, in the defeats at Huddersfield and Wrexham, and is currently sidelined with groin and stomach injuries.

Robinson confirms Armstrong bid BURY have admitted they are "considering" a bid for defender Chris Armstrong from rivals Oldham Athletic, writes STEVE CANAVAN of the BOLTON EVENING NEWS.

Latics boss Andy Ritchie made a cheeky offer for the talented 19-year-old, knowing that Bury are desperate for cash.

It is thought the offer is not a large sum of money but given the Shakers financial position, the Bury board might not be in a position to refuse it.

Chariman Terry Robinson admitted as much when he spoke to the BEN today. Mr Robinson, who has single-handedly kept Bury afloat since Hugh Eaves stopped bank-rolling the club, confirmed an offer had been received and added: "It is possible further discussions may take place."

Shakers fans who are worried about losing one of their best young players have every right to be.

Armstrong - or Stretch as he's known to everyone - is a class act and for one so young he is almost the complete player.

If Bury could hold on to him for another year or two then his price tag is sure to rocket.

Whether they are able to do that is another matter, with the long-awaited takeover still no nearer completion.

The club are genuinely not sure whether to sell Armstrong. Robinson wants to keep him but may be instructed by the moneymen that he has no option but to sell.

If the worst happens, the blow of losing the talented full back would be softened by the arrival of former Millwall and Charlton Athletic player Jamie Stuart. He is also a left-back, currently on trial at Bury, and had a fine debut in the LDV Vans Trophy win against Hartlepool in midweek.

Stuart has had a colourful past. Charlton sacked the 27-year-old left back in 1997 after a random drug test showed he had taken cocaine and marijuana. The FA also handed him a three-month ban, but he managed to get his career back on track the following year when he earned a contract with Millwall.

The London club released him during the summer and now the defender hopes to make a fresh start with the Shakers.

If Armstrong goes, he could find himself become a key member of the squad sooner than he thinks.