Bury announce first two summer signings

Dudley returns to the club where he earned his professional debut after rising through the ranks in the Shakers' academy, coming on as a second-half substitute against Burton Albion in 2014.

The 29-year-old forward departed Bury in 2017, joining Salford City under Anthony Johnson, and helped them pick up the National League North title at the end of the 2017/18 season.

The pair both joined Chester at the end of Salford's title-winning campaign, with Dudley going on to score 30 goals in 140 league appearances for the Seals.

In 2023, he linked back up with Johnson once more, making the move to Radcliffe, playing a key role in their ascension to the National League North.

Now, Dudley rekindles the relationship with his former manager, as well as returning to the Shakers after nearly a decade away.

On his move back to Bury, Dudley said: "I’m delighted to be back at the club that gave me everything.

"I want to pass on my experience and lead by example. I’m not the loudest character in the dressing room, but I’ll stay positive and bring a lot to the table.

“I’ve been with Jonno since I left Bury the first time around. He’s a manager you trust and want to play for. He gives you the freedom to express yourself on the pitch – if you work hard, you get rewarded.”

Anthony Johnson added: "He’s an unbelievable player and someone the fans will already know well. He’s been a fantastic servant to every club he’s played for.

"When I think back to some of the opposition we faced last season, we were sometimes looking for that tactical brain, someone who can unpick a game, and he brings exactly that.

“He’ll create real excitement and a buzz around the changing room because the players know they’re getting a top-quality operator.”

Joining him at Gigg Lane for next season is midfielder George Glendon.

The 31-year-old was most recently at Radcliffe, where he made 26 appearances throughout the 2025/26 season.

Glendon is a former Manchester City academy graduate who went on to captain the club’s Elite Development Squad, alongside representing the England Under-17s football team at the youth level.

Following his departure from City in 2017, the midfielder joined Fleetwood Town, and featured 46 times before joining Carlisle United a season later, racking up a further 19 appearances, as well as netting his first professional goal in a 3-2 victory over Morecambe in the EFL Trophy.

Glendon joined Anthony Johnson's Chester side on an initial short-term deal in August 2019, but eventually went on to become the Seals' captain.

In 2025, he ended his five-and-a-half-year association with the club to join Radcliffe, departing Chester with 24 goals in 159 appearances.

On signing for Bury, Glendon said: "When the gaffer rang me, it was an easy decision.

"I want to bring experience to the squad. It’s a young group full of quality, and I’ll do everything I can to help the lads. I already know a few of them, so hopefully I can settle in quickly.

“I like to make the players around me better. I want to get on the ball, make things happen and drive the team forward. I also like getting into the box from midfield and chipping in with as many goals as I can.”

Johnson added: "I don’t say this lightly, but he’s probably the best player I’ve ever managed. You don’t stay at Manchester City until you’re 22 by fluke.

"When you talk about decision-making, doing the right things and getting forward at the right time, that’s exactly what George brings.

“If I was comparing his leadership to someone, it would probably be Oscar Threlkeld. It’s a quiet kind of leadership, he just goes about his business, but he’s a fantastic leader.”