Bury's Phil Picken to miss full season with knee injury

Bury full-back Phil Picken will miss the entire 2013-14 season after suffering a setback in his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Picken has not played since being hurt in a game at Notts County in September.

The 27-year-old damaged his cruciate ligament for a second time in the gym and needs another knee reconstruction.

Former Manchester United trainee Picken is one of only eight players currently under contract at Bury, who will be playing in League Two next season.

Picken, who had been set to return to pre-season training in June before his latest knee problem, has made 85 appearances in three years at Gigg Lane.

The Shakers, who have been in financial trouble for much of the last year, are set to announce the identity of their new owners later this week.