Bury boss Anthony Johnson hails ‘incredible’ Leo Graham transfer coup

Bury boss Anthony Johnson has described the club’s permanent signing of Leo Graham as nothing short of “incredible,” insisting the word “coup” barely does the deal justice.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has turned down a new contract at Wigan Athletic to rejoin Bury on a two-year deal, giving the newly promoted Northern Premier League Premier Division side a significant boost ahead of the new campaign.

A loan spell to remember

Graham enjoyed a productive loan spell at Gigg Lane last season, contributing five goals and four assists despite making just 17 appearances as Bury stormed to the NPL West title.

His impact on and off the pitch was recognised by the club when he was named Bury’s Young Player of the Year, a reward for a campaign that saw him become a fan favourite during his temporary stay.

Choosing Bury over League One interest

Graham’s decision to walk away from a new deal at League One club Wigan Athletic to commit his long-term future to Bury underlines the pull of Anthony Johnson’s project at Gigg Lane.

Having tasted promotion and individual success during his loan spell, the midfielder clearly sees his best route to regular first-team football through a permanent switch to the Shakers rather than fighting for minutes in the professional game.

For Bury, freshly promoted to the NPL Premier Division, retaining a player of Graham’s quality on a permanent basis represents a major statement of intent as they prepare to test themselves at a higher level of the non-league pyramid.

Johnson’s management team will hope Graham can replicate his eye-catching form from last term, with his creativity and eye for goal likely to prove crucial as the club bids to establish itself among the step three elite.

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