ANDY Preece's latest signings could prove surprisingly worthy additions to Shakers' squad writes Chris Hall

Mills brothers Gordon, aged 12, and Stephen, 15, have been unveiled as winners of the 'Live The Dream' auction and immediately joined the playing staff for the coming season.

Between them they will train with the first team stars, join them for autograph sessions and appear on the official team photograph.

The extraordinary prize also includes free entry to every home game next season, a place in the Bury squad list on every matchday programme and even the experience of being transferred at the end of the campaign.

The prospect of including two complete unknowns in important team training sessions would unnerve even the most confident of managers. But Preece will be bouyed by news that his enforced new recruits have a strong sporting pedigree behind them.

The Sale-based pair are members of Trafford swimming club and are national olympic wrestling silver medallists. Their sister Joanna is a current British wrestling champion, while their grandparents included a semi-professional footballer from Radcliffe and a boxer who came one fight away from a shot at the British title.

Gordon, who will train with the youth team at Gigg Lane, is a regular on his school football team and is hoping to hold down a place at Bury when his privilege expires next May. But father Ian, who sparked their interest in the auction, claims no-one is expecting too much once next season concludes.

"Hopefully the other players will teach him new techniques and skills and maybe he will pick up enough for Bury to want to keep him on next year," he said.

"I would never try and push him into anything he didn't want to do but he's definitely a good little player. He regularly plays against people 20 and 30 years older than him and holds his own well. I would say he was an above average player."

Perhaps the most startling fact about the winning bid of £2,850 was that it was financed solely by the two brothers themselves.

"I have always taught the lads to save money because one day they may need it for something special. That day has come," said Ian.

"When we heard a few bidders had pulled out, we got together and decided that it would be worth putting an offer in. Then we got a phone call to say the lads had won and we were delighted," he said.

"Originally this was just going to be for Gordon as he is football mad. But he was too young to join the first team and Stephen realised it would be a golden opportunity for him because he wants to work in sport."