AN equal mixture of sadness and excitement summed up Dave Nugent's mood in the wake of his move to Preston North End this week.

Shakers' leading scorer was obviously delighted to make the move to a Championship side but has paid tribute to the staff who have helped him develop since he arrived at Gigg Lane.

Former manager Andy Preece may have given him his debut and present boss Graham Barrow helped him kick-on and develop into a regular first team performer, but Nugent reckons former youth team coach also Andy Feeley deserves a great deal of credit for his success, too.

It was Feeley who lured Nugent to Gigg Lane as a 14-year-old after he was released from the Liverpool FC Academy.

Despite trials with a number of clubs, including Crewe Alexandra, Feeley's powers of persuasion came into play and Nugent is eternally grateful he made the decision to join the Shakers.

"It's been a fantastic five years at Bury and I've loved every minute of it," said Nugent.

"I'm delighted with the deal, I think it was the best one for both me and the club and hopefully it can survive with the transfer fee they receive.

"I've a lot of people to thank but I'd like to give a special mention to Andy Feeley who brought me to the club.

"I owe him a lot, he recommended me to Andy Preece straight away and I'll always be grateful for that.

"I'd like to thank Andy Preece for giving me my chance in the first team and Graham (Barrow) for giving me the chance to shine this season and helping me with the move to Preston.

"But I'll never forget the fans, they have been absolutely brilliant and have made it so happy for me at the club."

The money from the deal was vitally important for the Shakers, given the current parlous state of the clubs cashflow situation, however Nugent is keen to point out that in no way did he feel he was being forced out.

"There's been no pressure on me to make the move and it didn't really get to me," he added.

"My new gaffer Billy Davies has said that I have to kick-on now by scoring goals for Preston and help get them up the table and hopefully, in time, get into the Premiership.

"Although it's sad to leave Bury I want to further my career for my own sake and play at a higher level, so playing in the Championship is where I want to be.

"I notice on the Preston supporters' internet messageboard that they were saying some nice things about me and now it's up to me to prove myself on the pitch by showing what I can do.

"I have always tried to do my best for Bury and I think I have done so over the years, hopefully the lads can carry on and get back up the table now.

"I'll be back at Gigg Lane whenever Preston are not playing to watch the lads and I wish the club every success in the future."

Nugent made his Shakers' debut from the substitutes bench as a 16-year-old in the club's 1-1 home draw against Port Vale in March 2002.

He went on to make 66 (32 subs) appearances for the club scoring 20 goals, 13 of which came this season.

l Nugent could be back on the Gigg Lane pitch earlier than he thought, as the Shakers have lined up a pre-season friendly match against Preston for Wednesday, July 27 (7.45pm).