FORMER England Under-21 defender Jamie Stuart is the latest Shakers player to put pen to paper on a new contract.

The former Charlton Athletic and Millwall full back signed a new two-and-a-half year deal last week.

Stuart, who initially joined the club on trial, has put in some fine displays on the Shakers' left flank and quickly earned a contract to the end of the campaign.

But the news that Preece has managed to secure the services of the classy performer to the end of the 2003-2004 campaign will give Shakers fans a massive boost.

"I am delighted to get Jamie on a long term contract," said Preece.

"He is a quality player and it speaks volumes for the lad that we haven't missed Chris Armstrong since he moved to Oldham.

"As far as I am concerned Jamie has been our best player in the time that he has been at the club.

"He has shown the class that got him into the England Under-21 set-up and for us to get him on an extended deal is a coup for the club."

Stuart, still only 25, won Under-21 caps in a competition at Toulon, France against the likes of Brazil, France, Nigeria and Italy.

He and his wife have recently moved from their London base to Bury.