Defender Colin Woodthorpe admitted he was not surprised to be released as part of Bury's reshuffling process ahead of the new season.The 39-year-old, who made 35 appearances for the Shakers this season, was one of eight out-of-contract players told they could leave Gigg Lane at the end of the season.

"We'd spoken a few weeks ago and I was quite comfortable with it," he told the club's official website.

"I was here for just over five years and ultimately it was a good decision for me.

"I had the opportunity to go to Morecambe when they were a non-league club, but I always wanted to play league football as long as possible, and for me it's turned out to be the right decision."

"League football has probably gone for me now. I could do a year in non-league or I might decide that I don't really fancy it, but at the moment I'm leaving things open."

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