Gigg aim BURY'S new boy Marc Whiteman has revealed an ambition that will delight the Gigg Lane faithful ... he wants to be the next David Johnson, writes STEVE CANAVAN.

Like Johnson did, Whiteman has arrived on a free transfer from Manchester United.

And the teenager aims to have the same impact at Gigg Lane as Johnson, who scored goals for fun and terrorised countless defences before moving to Ipswich for £1m.

"I was sad to leave United and when you go from a 14.3 million training ground to Bury's facilities, with all due respect, it is difficult," admitted Andy Preece's latest acquisition.

"But I want first team football, everyone does, and when you see the likes of Joe Cole making a name for himself at his age you know it can be done.

"It would be great if I could make the kind of impression David Johnson did when he came to Bury.

"And there are other United lads like Jon Macken and David Healy who did well at Preston and, of course, Jon Newby has done well since joining Bury from Liverpool.

"I'd be disappointed if I don't break into the first team in the first few months... I'm eager to get to the top."

Whiteman has certainly made a good start, scoring in friendlies against Bolton Wanderers and Leigh RMI and impressing the boss.

And Bury know that Whiteman has had the best possible start in football.

He was spotted playing football as a 14-year-old in Jersey and was offered deals by Glasgow Rangers, Leeds and Man United.

He opted for the Reds because he supported them and signed a five-year contract.

That finished a year earlier than planned and now the 18-year-old is looking forward to a new start.

"I have signed a one year contract with Bury and I was told that if I got a good start and impressed early I would get a better, and longer contract," revealed Whiteman.

"I'll probably play in the reserves and get a few matches in the youth team but my main aim is to break into the first team.

"I went to Man U looking to get the best grounding a footballer can have and even if I didn't get in the first team I'd have that behind me.

"They have the best coaching staff in the world because they have the best players in the world. You look to the likes of David Beckham and hope one day it will be you."

Boss Andy Preece is certainly hoping that Whiteman - who played at every level except first team for United - fulfills his potential.He said: "He works hard, has a nice touch and good movement and showed what a good finisher he is with his goals."