Colin Woodthorpe has made an unreserved apology to Shakers fans for an incident in the Boxing Day defeat by Chesterfield.

The 38-year-old defender reacted angrily after being substituted at Gigg Lane, kicking a ball into the Main Stand behind the dugout. The event sparked a flurry of complaints from Bury supporters, but following suggestions that it was fuelled by a disagreement with manager, Chris Casper, Woodthorpe has stepped in to clarify his situation.

"The incident was not triggered by footballing reasons," the former Norwich City man explained. "I have had no problems with the manager, players or supporters at Bury Football Club.

"Off the field, the last few weeks have been very difficult. My youngest son has had a spell in Alder Hey and my wife has also had an operation in hospital. They are continuing to receive treatment.

"As many people will know, my contract is also up at the end of the year, which to a lesser extend put pressure on me - and sadly, that boiled over against Chesterfield.

"Any one of them, I believe I could have handled alone, but collectively they had got on top of me to the degree that I went into self-destruct mode, and for that I am truly sorry to everyone involved."

Woodthorpe has been virtually ever-present for the Shakers this season, in what will be his 22nd campaign in the professional game.

Boasting over 500 career appearances at all levels of the Football League, he is considered by many to have one of the most professional attitudes at Gigg Lane.

And after a meeting with his manager on Wednesday afternoon, Woodthorpe decided to go public with both his apology to supporters and the reasoning behind his reaction.

"I tried to continue as if nothing was wrong and physically there is no problem at all," he continued. "But the longer things went on, I was just papering over the cracks. I blame myself for not saying something about it sooner.

"The manager had offered me time off, but I didn't take it. Football should have been a release, but because of the unconventional circumstances I threw myself into work and it just piled up. Christmas merely added to the load.

"I cannot say how much I regret what happened.  I am not looking for excuses, just to set the record straight for those who were involved."