IT seems that Andy King is the man to really the best out of Andy Gurney.

The central defender put some of his best performances together during a pre-season under King - the man who signed him - and the two games since King's return have seen a revitalised Gurney.

The defender popped up to crash home a tremendous opener against Bury on Saturday.

It was only his second goal of the campaign but his composed finish against the Shakers suggested there may be more to come.

Although his distribution has sometimes been open to question, Gurney does provide something different at the back.

Whereas Messrs Reeves and Heywood will venture forward for free kicks and corners, they are not comfortable running out of defence with the ball like Gurney.

King signed Gurney in the summer because he felt the former Reading man would toughen the side up a bit.

Clearly the defender does have a certain presence but the only down side is the unwanted collection of yellow cards the player has picked up this season.

While bookings are bound to accompany such a committed player, he is of little use to Andy King if he is sitting in the stands as the season progresses.

Perhaps he has been a shade unfortunate with some of the bookings but with Razor Ruddock and Adam Willis poised to return, it is not in his interests to spend too much time on the sidelines. But excellent against the Shakers.