BURY captain Dave Challinor was not shocked by Marc Pugh and Darran Kempson decision to join Shrewsbury Town.

The Shakers had hoped both players would put pen to paper on new deals to keep them at Gigg Lane. But the duo have handed Chris Casper a double blow by rejecting contract offers to sign for their League Two rivals on Tuesday.

"I think the writing was on the wall, especially with Pughy who we pretty much knew would be leaving the club since the January transfer window," revealed Challinor.

advertisement"Money talks and I wouldn't be surprised if Shrewsbury are now the top payers in the division. They've got a new stadium, which will obviously lead to bigger crowds and an increase in revenue."

Pugh, 20, has signed a three-year deal but, as the winger is under 24, Bury will receive a transfer fee which will be settled by a tribunal unless the clubs can agree.

Defender Kempson, meanwhile, has followed Pugh to the New Meadow on a two-year contract. The 22-year-old defender, who was released by Crewe at the end of last season, appeared keen on a move to the Shakers on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell.

But he, along with Pugh, has turned his back on the club to team up with Gary Peters' side, who just missed out on promotion to League One when they went down against Bristol Rovers in Saturday's play-off final at Wembley.

Pugh, who struck five goals in 47 appearances for the Shakers after joining from Burnley in March 2006, has been a long-term target of the Shrewsbury manager.

"When Bury wanted to buy Glynn Hurst from us we offered to do a swap deal with Marc, but they decided against it," said Peters, who has also netted former Shakers goalkeeper Glynn Garner from Leyton Orient.

"They've offered Marc contracts all season but he has turned them down. We've taken the gamble should it go to tribunal."

Source:  The Bury Times