Club Captain Terry "Shakey" Rose has informed the club of his intention not to return for the 2018/19 season.
Having joined the Bulldogs a decade ago, winning a league and cup double in his first season and taken the reigns as Club Captain from Bulldogs' great Chris Dixon in just his second season at the club, Rose has amassed quite the haul of trophies during his time at the club, winning all three Suffolk Divisions, the Suffolk Cup and Cambridge Plate, Coach's MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, The Chairman's Award for Club Member of the Year and The President's Award for Outstanding Achievement.
The former RAF National Team member had already played at every division of National League prior to his move to the West Suffolk Club, and has been the consummate team-mate, veteran leader and mentor to the younger players at the club throughout his tenure; and his determination was never more on show than when recovering from a serious health condition to return to the court in the past few years.
"The time at Bury has been great" said Shakey, "and I appreciate all the support and effort that has been put in at the club."
"As hard as it is and through much deliberation, I've decided not to sign on this season. With all the travelling for work I often drove past my house to get to Bury, and it's been difficult to get find the right work-life balance."
"Ever since I've been at the club, it's been 'home', I've met so many team-mates and friends. The ethos and culture of the club is without doubt one of the best I've had the privilege to be a part of in my 36 years of playing this beautiful game."
Addressing his team-mates, Rose said: "I'd ask you all to play hard, work hard and listen to your coaches, captains and veterans, as they lead this club, and without you all on-side they cannot succeed - and in turn, neither can the team."
Rose has informed the club of his intention to train at another club, something which Head Coach Arron MacDonald has taken on-board.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't gutted." said MacDonald. "I've known Shake half my life, and from the moment he put his arm around my shoulder as a nervous 17 year-old at my first national league session, he's been someone whose knowledge for the game and ability I've trusted implicitly. He's been someone for me, and everyone else to look up to and lean on whenever we've needed him."
"I can honestly say I wouldn't be the coach I am today were I not to have experienced playing alongside, and coaching Shakey." - Arron MacDonald
"As a young coach first starting out, it's only natural to be nervous about coaching older, more experienced players - particularly when you're trying something different. I always knew Shake had my back, he policed the guys when it was needed, and everything about the way he communicated, whether vocally or a subtle nod when I gave a call in a timeout, demonstrated that to everyone around him."
"I'm going to miss seeing him every week, and I won't be the only one... you can see from the player profiles, the man is adored by his team-mates, not only for his legendary stories of days gone by, but his knack for the big moment, his personable nature and the way he carried himself made him an absolute legend at this club - and I don't use that word lightly."
"As someone who can't lace them up any more, I don't begrudge Shake, or anyone else, taking every opportunity to do so - on behalf of the club, I wish him all the best in his future - and he already knows, he's welcome back with open arms, any time."
"We're now faced with picking everyone back up and moving forwards. We've always had a 'next man up' mentality. It's going to be tough - it kind of feels like everybody's big brother has moved away - but it's a hell of an opportunity for us now to band together and move forwards."
MacDonald has acted quickly to begin to fill the leadership void left by Rose, promoting First Team Captain Billy Smith to the role of Club Captain, while David Wise becomes the Vice Captain of the Reserve Team.
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