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Friday, 23 April 1999 |
| TV trial for Trotters match - Bury Times: BURY will have to smash their TV hoodoo tonight if they are to exact revenge on arch rivals Bolton Wanderers. The club's players, management and supporters are still smarting from the 4-0 thrashing at the Reebok Stadium in November and hope it will be "lucky seven" after failing to win in their six previous appearances on Sky TV. But Shakers boss Neil Warnock, who bore the brunt of the fans' fury following the nightmare derby clash, believes his side is capable of scoring its biggest shock of the season. "I have told the lads to go for it tonight," he said. "It is no use trying to defend. If we had tried to defend against Sunderland they would still have scored and Bolton are the same. We have to match fire with fire and go for the win." That's easier said than done. The goal-shy Shakers have found the net only four times in their last 12 outings - and two of those were in the Sunderland defeat last week. With first choice marksman Derek Lilley almost certainly ruled out for the season through injury and strike partner Paul Barnes rated 50-50 for tonight's all-ticket game, it looks an even tougher proposition. Lilley suffered a hamstring strain in the goalless draw at Grimsby last week and has only an outside chance of making the Port Vale finale on May 9. Barnes, who has a similar problem, will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness, although a place on the bench looks his best hope. "Barnes has done some light training but I don't expect him to start," added Warnock. "If he can do some more today with no reaction then I will probably use him as a substitute. "He knows how important the game is to Bury and has told me he is prepared to risk his leg. One thing is for sure, if we were safe I would not even consider playing him." Warnock is set to stick with a 4-4-2 formation, with Andy Preece or Adrian Littlejohn partnering Laurent D'Jaffo up front. "They hammered us at the Reebok and that hurt," said Warnock. "We owe it to the fans to put the record straight. I have always said that if they can see the players trying their hardest then they will not give them stick. At Bolton it looked like some players were not giving 100 per cent." The Bury boss admits his own tactics back-fired in that nightmare game, with three strikers proving a costly mistake. "We were a bit naive then, but I am more confident this time. I think Bolton will be promoted this season. In fact, I hope they lose to us and then win every game!" Bury team: Kiely, West, Serrant, Daws, Lucketti, Woodward, Swailes, Preece or Littlejohn, D'Jaffo, Bullock, Billy. Warnock may be tempted to give Lutel James a spot on the bench. The diminutive striker was due back from the West Indies last night after playing three matches for St Kitts. Win, lose or draw, Bury will pocket another £40,000 in Sky TV money. Kick-off is 7.45pm and tickets are on sale until 12 noon today. Don't write us off, says Lucketti - Bury Times: DEFIANT Bury skipper Chris Lucketti has warned the football world - 'Don't write us off!'. The inspirational defensive king pin believes his team will definitely be playing Division One football next season and has highlighted past Shakers success stories to back up his optimism. As he prepares to lead his men into battle with the auld enemy tonight, the 27-year-old centre half said: "When the chips are down and nobody gives us a chance, we always seem to pull something special out of the bag. "You only have to look back at the Manchester City game last season when we came away from Maine Road with a 1-0 win. Then we won at QPR on the final day of the season. "All the time I have been at this club, we always produce it when people expect us to be down and out. We just need that bit of luck infront of goal. "I speak for every player at Bury Football Club when I say we are 100 per cent convinced we are going to survive. There is no point carrying on if we don't believe that." Clearly psyched-up for the final furlong of the Division One campaign - in which he will play in only two of the three relegation dogfights due to suspension - Lucketti makes no secret of his adrenaline rush ahead of tonight's showdown with Bolton. He has been waiting for this day since the humiliating 4-0 thumping at the Reebok Stadium in November, which he admits was one of the lowest moments in his career. And nobody is more determined to put the record straight come 7.45pm at Gigg Lane. "This is a game we have all been looking forward to," he said. "Losing 4-0 in a big derby match really hurt and every player involved that day has something to prove this time. "This is a massive game for the club and, yes, revenge comes into it. It would be wrong to say we weren't talking about it, because we are. "Every player is up for this one. Derby games are always big and the fact that we are playing at this stage of the season adds some extra spice to the occasion. "Bolton need the points to stay in the play-off places, while we are at the other end of the table fighting for our lives." Lucketti only has to think back to the Reebok changing rooms after last year's drubbing for his motivation. "It was a real low for all the players," he added. "The result was a combination of two things - we had an off day and Bolton hit top form. That win started a great run of results for them. "We owe them one and tonight is hopefully the night." Lucketti was at his brilliant best in the goalless draw at Grimsby on Saturday and, whilst happy to take a point on a day when Oxford and Crewe were beaten, could not hide his disappointment at missing out on all three. He said: "We went there looking for a win, but at least we got something. We seem to be getting ricochets which never fall kindly for us. But we are playing some decent stuff at times, which we have done a lot recently, and we have to take heart from that. "We have carried on playing football and kept another clean sheet which is always pleasing for us defenders. "That point moved us in the right direction and out of the bottom three. We have to make sure we stay out of the relegation zone now. We have three games to do it." West and Kiely deny Mariners - Bury Times: BURY travelled east in search of three vital survival points, but it was a certain Mr West who saved them from returning empty-handed. Ever-alert Dean was the hero of the hour, twice clearing net-bound efforts in a "stop-start" match which frequently promised a goal but failed to deliver. The workaholic winger, enjoying a more forward role in Neil Warnock's 4-4-2 formation, was at the back when it mattered in the 10th and 44th minutes, his quick reactions denying a certain Paul Groves goal and a threatening drive from Kingsley Black. With the exception of a piece of brilliance from goalkeeper Dean Kiely, who got down well to palm away Wayne Burnett's 21st minute rocket-launcher, that was just about all the action the bulk of Bury's travelling supporters missed. Two coach-loads of frustrated fans arrived at Blundell Park 60 minutes into the game after getting caught behind a series of accidents on the slushy M180. After last week's heroics at Oxford, they had hoped to be greeted by a Bury lead. Against a side floating contentedly in mid-table, with seemingly nothing to play for, perhaps they should have been! But Alan Buckley's men were in no mood to lie down and produced enough of the Bury-like grit to keep their second clean sheet of the week. Try as they did, the battling Shakers could not grind down the Mariners sufficiently to find the back of the net, not even with an extra man for the last 18 minutes following Richard Smith's second yellow card. After scoring sensational goals against Sunderland in midweek, midfield pairing Nick Daws and Darren Bullock failed to produce a repeat performance with Bullock, in particular, firing high and wide on numerous occasions, although none could be classed as "sitters". His first chance arrived on three minutes but he shot wide following a neat combination between Laurent D'Jaffo and Derek Lilley. Skipper Chris Lucketti set up his next, nodding down only for Bullock to volley into the back of the stand. The Bulldog then turned provider for D'Jaffo whose header missed the target. Minutes later, the Frenchman's tame long range shot bounced three times before keeper Andy Love gathered with ease. Bullock came close again before the half-time break when he attempted a clever lob over Love, but the Keeper got back in time to catch the dipping ball. Lucketti and Lilley had half chances at the start of the second half and D'Jaffo headed over the bar from Daws' cross. Then came the Mariners' best chance of the game as Groves criminally headed wide of an open goal from a pin-point Lee Ashcroft cross. Fully aware of the need to score a goal of their own, the Shakers showed signs of frustration with D'Jaffo taking exception to an order from the bench and conducting a full-scale argument on the touchline. When centre back Smith received a second yellow card for a foul on flying substitute Adrian Littlejohn, Bury surged forward in search of a winner. Bullock almost grabbed it but volleyed over the bar with 92 minutes on the clock and Grimsby stubbornly held out to deny the visitors their second double in the space of eight days. Fans run gauntlet in coach brick attack - Bury Times: A COACH carrying Bury FC fans was "bricked" by rival supporters after Saturday's (April 17) match at Grimsby. The vehicle, carrying 50 people, was pelted by a gang of Grimsby fans who lined the route as the coach left Blundell Park at the end of the drawn game. The unprovoked attack came after bosses at the Humberside club had requested that the vital First Division match remain "police-free". A brick was hurled as the coach pulled off, smashing the outer pane of a double-glazed window. More than £2,000 worth of damage was caused but no one was injured. The incident came just hours after Shakers fans were delayed by gridlock on their way to Grimsby when the M180 motorway was closed in bad weather because of three accidents. Mr Peter Cullen, Bury FC travel-co-ordinator, who was a passenger on the coach, said: "It was a terrible day. We saw only 30 minutes of the match because of the delay and to be attacked by fans on our way out was just appalling." He continued: "A Bury coach has not been attacked like that since 1985 - it just goes to show the mentality of the idiots who did this. "The brick was twice the size of a house brick and it was very distressing for all of us. The only consolation was Bury coming away with a draw." Mr Dennis Kay, owner of Choral Travel in Rochdale, claimed the incident could have been prevented if adequate policing had been provided. "The instructions I received from Humberside Police stated that all coaches had to be escorted off the ground by police. But this was not the case on Saturday. It is very annoying when it seems that we are the only ones making an effort to comply with the regulations." He continued: "The coach is now out of action which is causing all sorts of problems. The Bury fans were superb. They did not retaliate." A spokesman for Humberside Police said: "Grimsby FC requested a police-free match which is why no police were in attendance." Ticket mix-up - Horwich Evening News: BOLTON fans have been thrown into confusion over conflicting statements regarding ticket arrangements for tomorrow night's derby clash at Bury. Gigg Lane officials say the game is all-ticket for all fans on police advice but some supporters have been under the impression that they can pay at the turnstiles . . . until today. The majority have actually bought their tickets in advance with latest figures suggesting Colin Todd's promotion chasers will have a following of more than 3,000 at the game, which is being televised by Sky TV - their second highest away sale of the season. But many, unaware that there will be no cash turnstiles open, could be turned away if they arrive without tickets. Bury say they told Wanderers of the all-ticket restriction in a letter dated March 19. Wanderers received the letter and put a relevant message on their Ticket Hotline but, ticket office manager Graham Holliday admits the club did not inform supporters through the media that they would not be allowed to pay on the day. The game has not been designated as all-ticket on the Nationwide League's official weekly media newsletters and a League spokesman said they had not been informed either. An announcement was issued by the Press Association at 10.14 am today, clearly aimed at getting the message across - albeit belatedly. Police are still insisting tickets cannot be sold by either club after 12 noon tomorrow, even though the game is unlikely to attract a full house. Bury had around 800 to 1,000 tickets left this morning while Wanderers had sold almost 3,000 of their 5,000 allocation, suggesting the gate may only just top 7,000 - well below the 10,500 ground capacity. |
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Saturday, 17 April 1999 |
| Warnock Curses Lack Of Luck - Sporting Life Web Site: Bury boss Neil Warnock had no complaints with sharing a goalless draw with Grimsby. He said: ``Grimsby will be quite relieved to get a point. ``I wish the season was just starting now with the team I have got. We just need a little bit of luck.'' And Warnock praised Buckley when he added: ``Grimsby are my team of the season. Alan Buckley has done brilliantly with the resources he has.'' Buckley had no complaints about the sending-off of centre-back Richard Smith for a second yellow card - he thought it made no difference. Following the goalless draw with Bury, Buckley said: ``We looked just as good with 10 men as we did with 11. It was a spasmodic performance.'' Buckley added: ``We were not at our brightest today, but they played some decent stuff at times.'' Ex-Gigg Lane star bids to make shock return - Bolton Evening News: EX-BURY skipper David Pugh is bidding to re-launch his playing career - 12 months after being forced to quit through injury. The 34-year-old midfielder is back in training with a Nationwide League club and hopes to prove the medical experts wrong by returning to action next season. Pugh, whose old team continues its relegation scrap at Grimsby Town tomorrow, was a key figure in Bury's back-to-back promotions from the Third to the First Division before suffering a career-ending knee injury in the first game of last season. He fought bravely to overcome the injury but finally conceded defeat on doctors orders. Former manager Stan Ternent was reduced to tears when he announced the retirement of his captain courageous at last season's Player of the Year awards night. Pugh, who also suffered two broken arms in quick succession during a previous injury-ravaged season - one a horrific double fracture - and scored 18 goals from midfield in another campaign, said: "I could be back playing next season but I'm refusing to get my hopes up. "I broke down after five weeks of training just after Christmas but I was trying to do too much too soon. I'm taking it slower and I'm looking to reach a peak by July then I'll be ready for next season. "I have no problems at all running long distances but I'm not setting my sights too far ahead because of the problems I've had in the past. "The physio says I can't do it but at the end of the day I'm 34 now and I'm just giving it a go. West's Heading North - The Pink (Mike Waring): Shaker Dean's shipping out. Defender Dean West is heading out of Gigg Lane. The 26-year-old Yorkshire born fullback has been unable to nail down a regular place since recovering from injury and will take advantage of the Bosman Ruling and will leave at the end of the season. Boss Neil Warnock offered him a new contract but West, one of the Shakers' all-time bargains having come to Bury in a swap deal with Lincoln for Kevin Hulme, has not put pen to paper. West's flying displays as a wing back earned him rave reviews and a hefty price tag before a series of injuries forced him to miss most of the Shakers' first season back in Division One. There will be no shortage of suitors chasing West and Burnley will be head of the queue. Former Bury boss Stan Ternant has made no secret of his admiration for West and is keen to add him to the growing band of ex-Shakers now under his management at Turf Moor. Meanwhile, West is likely to play a midfield role for Bury as they continue their bid to claw away from Division One's bottom three. He played on the right in a 4-4-2 formation against Sunderland in midweek and boss Neil Warnock is ready to stick by that system. "The lads really enjoyed playing that way and maybe we will dispense with the three centre halves," he said. "It is a strange thing to say after a 5-2 defeat but I thought we played some smashing football against by far and away the best team in the division. We proved that we don't have to boot the ball upfield to make progress. If we play like that in our last four games then we can be optimistic." That was a view echoed by former Man City favourite Niall Quinn, one of Sunderland's scorers on the night. "They frightened the life out of us at times," he admitted." They scored two fantastic goals and played some lovely football. No one has created more chances against us." Quinn's words, though, cut no ice with nick Daws. The midfielder is fed up with other teams praising them. "All the nice words in the world don't mean a thing if we don't finish above three teams," he said. "You can talk about this system and that system and this great goal and that great goal as long as you like but the only thing that matters is winning those last four games. The Shakers are currently putting together a 320 page comprehensive history of the club, due out prior to Christmas. They are anxious to borrow any interesting old photographs or memorabilia which could be included in the mammoth production. Contact Peter Cullen on . TOP MAN - Lucketti Has A Double Dream - The Pink (Mike Waring): When skipper Chris Lucketti strode purposefully forward to greet Paul Butler you could have forgiven the shakers giant if he'd clasped his friend's throat rather than his hand. For Butler's new team, Sunderland, had just completed a 5-2 victory over a Bury side pushed deeper into the relegation mire. Butler was on his way to the Premiership and Lucketti to Grimsby to help try and preserve Gigg Lane's status as a First Division ground. Before Butler's £1m move to Wearside at the end of last season, the two had been inseparable at the very heart of Bury's respected defence. They had much in common. Both were - and still are - strong in the tackle, powerful in the air, and deceptively quick across the ground. Each had begun his professional career at Rochdale and strode like a colossus through the Shakers' Division 2 title-winning season. Lucketti played 52 games that first season back in the Nationwide League's top flight and Butler 48. Both were valued in the £1m bracket and, in truth, either could have been snapped up as Bury balanced their books. In the end it was Butler who departed for the Stadium of Light while Lucketti was left to soldier on with an improved contract. It would have been only human if Lucketti had felt a tinge of jealousy last Tuesday night but Bury's 'Mr Dependable' is more than just a fine professional footballer, he is genuinely one of the game's nice guys and was first to offer his congratulations. "I can honestly say there is no jealousy," says Lucketti. "I don't look at Paul and think that should be me. I look at him and think that he's done fantastically well and deserves his records. "No one knows better than me his qualities as a player and I wish him all the luck in the world. "Rather than envy him I'd like to follow him into the Premiership. As a professional that's where you really want to play - against he best week in and week out." Lucketti could yet realise that dream but first he has the pressing problem of leading Bury out of trouble. "We can still save ourselves," he insisted calmly after the Sunderland game. "We have been playing much better of late and I urge all Bury fans not to loose their nerve now. Just get behind us and help us get the four wins we need." |
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Friday, 16 April 1999 |
| Boss hails record buy - Bolton Evening News: DARREN Bullock is set to show what he is made of at Bury. The fearsome midfielder turned in his best performance since joining the Shakers for £200,000 two months ago against Sunderland on Tuesday night. And manager Neil Warnock says it is just the start. Joint record signing Bullock crowned a starring midweek show with a glorious goal and his full-blooded commitment will be crucial in Bury's four-match scrap to beat the drop. Warnock said: "The fans didn't see anything of Darren when he first arrived because he got sent off in his first game and served a three-match ban. But that is what Darren Bullock can do when he is right. "He has put one or two problems off the field behind him now and there is a lot more to come from him." It's all-out attack - The Bury Times: SHAKERS boss Neil Warnock has vowed to go on all-out attack in the club's crucial final four matches. And that means sticking with the same side and 4-4-2 formation which produced two stunning goals in defeat against champions-elect Sunderland on Tuesday night. Speaking ahead of tomorrow's visit to Grimsby, he told the Bury Times: "I won't be changing a thing. Some of the football we played the other night was superb, our best for a long time. "If we play like that we can beat anyone, but if we make the same mistakes in defence we can be beaten by anyone!" Thundering goals from dominant midfield duo Darren Bullock and Nick Daws rocked the Wearsider's on an enthralling night at Gigg Lane, although four strikes from Kevin Phillips and one from Niall Quinn secured the visitors' promotion to the Premiership. But the birth of a more positive, creative style of Bury play was the major plus point for supporters, who will be asking why they didn't see it earlier in the season. With only Bolton, West Brom and what looks like being a relegation decider with Port Vale to come, victory at Grimsby tomorrow is a must. "We can do it," added Warnock. "We are going to try and win every game. I will encourage all the lads to have a shot at goal if they get the chance. They way we are playing they might just go in! "Despite a 5-2 defeat, everybody was up after the Sunderland game because of the way we had played. The mood is very good in the camp." A Chris Lucketti goal undid the Mariners on their visit to Gigg Lane in November and, although Alan Buckley's side are now sitting 11 places above them in Division One, hopes are high that the Shakers can notch their second double of the season in the space of eight days. "To do the double over Oxford was a great lift and we aim to do the same to Grimsby," said Warnock. "It won't be easy. Alan has done a superb job in his first season in this division, in fact I have voted for him in the Football Managers' association Awards." Buckley's injury-ravaged side, which beat QPR 1-0 in midweek, looks like being equally as depleted tomorrow. Regulars Aden Davison, John McDermott, Richard Smith, Peter Handyside, Kevin Donovan and David Smith are all rated doubtful. Bury: Kiely, West, Serrant, Daws, Lucketti, Woodward, Swailes, Lilley, D'Jaffo, Bullock, Billy. Subs: Preece, Littlejohn, Foster. Grimsby: Love, Butterfield, Gallimore, Lever, Livingstone, Coldicott, Burnett, Groves, Black, Ashcroft, Nogan. Subs: Lester, Clare, Chapman. Striker Paul Barnes resumed light training yesterday after suffering a hamstring injury in the win at Oxford and is hopeful of a return against Bolton next week. Bury FC have taken out a third supporters' coach for the trip to Grimsby and places are available at £10, departing at 12 noon. Phillips on fire as Shakers give hope - The Bury Times: WHOEVER first coined the phrase "football's a funny old game" must surely have had matches like this in mind. Anyone who witnessed this enthralling clash either on TV or at a packed Gigg Lane would have been amazed to think that there was even a chance of these teams leaving Division One by opposite doors. It was Sunderland's night, clinching promotion with a stunning 5-2 triumph to the delight of their amazing fans who made up over half of the 8,669 crowd, Gigg's biggest of the season. But the Shakers put in probably their most impressive display of the campaign yet still ended up on the end of a thumping defeat. The final result was a travesty, but the blame can largely be laid at the door of one man - Kevin Phillips. The classy Sunderland goal ace was in unstoppable form blasting four goals, including a 23 minute first half hat-trick, as the Bury defence went into Fred Karno mode just at the wrong time. Rarely, if ever this season, have the Shakers carved out as many chances against the opposition and even Sunderland boss Peter Reid said that no team had troubled his side as much all year. That, and the news that Neil Warnock will be continuing with a cavalier attacking approach in the final four games, must give heart that the drop can be avoided. In an atmosphere reminiscent of the championship-clinching clash against Millwall two years ago it was the Shakers who threatened to break the deadlock in the early stages. Dean West, Darren Bullock and Nick Daws all troubled keeper Thomas Sorensen inside the first four minutes but it was the visitors who drew first blood in controversial circumstances. Nicky Summerbee picked up the ball ten yards outside the box and fired a powerful drive that Kiely could only parry. Phillips reacted first but when Chris Swailes lunged in to clear the Sunderland striker went to ground and referee Mr Stretton had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Phillips made no mistake, blasting his spot-kick into the centre of the goal as Kiely went to the left. If the Wearsiders thought the Shakers would capitulate after that setback they were mistaken as they poured forward in search of a leveller. Warnock's decision to revert to a flat back four gave the four man midfield of Chris Billy, Daws, Bullock and West plenty of opportunity to get up and support front men Derek Lilley and Laurent D'Jaffo. And that hard-working twosome gave former Shaker Paul Butler and his colleagues plenty to think about. In the 23rd minute Lilley's tenacity won him the ball on the edge of the box and he slipped it into the path of Bullock who rifled a superb 20-yarder into the top corner, giving Sorensen no chance. Unfortunately for the home contingent it all went pear-shaped from there in an amazing ten minute spell. Fifteen seconds after the restart Kiely and Swailes collided trying to cut out a right wing cross from Summerbee and the ball fell for Niall Quinn who won't have scored an easier goal in his career. The misery continued in the 31st minute when the Shakers squandered three chances to clear the ball in the box before it ricocheted to Phillips who gave Kiely no chance from 10 yards. Two minutes later it was four when Bullock missed his headed clearance and Phillips was left completely unmarked to "shin" Allan Johnston's corner kick past a despairing Kiely. And it could have been worse for Bury as Kiely superbly pushed a Johnston effort over the bar and Quinn was inches wide of the post with a first time shot. After the break Daws and Bullock tightened up the midfield and the visitors found openings a lot harder to come by. With Billy and West getting forward down the flanks it was the Sunderland goal that came under the most pressure and it paid off in the 65th minute when a neat back heel by Bullock gave Daws the opportunity to drill a superb effort past Sorensen from the edge of the box. The goal heralded Bury's best spell of the game and, rattled by the insolence of Bury's response, the champions-elect get a distinct case of the wobbles. A minute later Billy found himself clean through with only Sorensen to beat but could only drill his low effort against the legs of the Danish Keeper then seconds later Peter Schmeichel's understudy was relieved to gather Swailes' overhead kick after it came off the post straight into his arms. As the volume went up from the celebrating travelling fans in the dying seconds they were rewarded with the cherry on the icing as Phillips rounded off a memorable night for him by superbly curling in his fourth goal past Kiely from 20 yards. Marvellous scenes ensued after the game as the irrepressible Wearsiders, led by boss Peter Reid, deservedly took a bow in front of their adoring multitude. And in a show of sportsmanship that makes you proud to be associated with this great game, a sizeable number of Shakers fans stayed behind to applaud both Sunderland supporters and team alike, it was one of those nights! Malcolm Shotton the foot! - The Bury Times: NEIL Warnock didn't bother with a stirring team talk ahead of Saturday's relegation dogfight, he left it to opposite number Malcolm Shotton! The Oxford manager's cheap jibe at the Shakers when they last met was all the motivation the players needed to battle out their first away victory of the season. Shotton labelled Bury a "disgrace" after his side's 1-0 defeat at Gigg Lane last October. The scathing attack cut deep with the players and their anger resurfaced when Warnock pinned the quotes to the changing room wall at the Manor Ground. "I fastened his words to the wall and didn't have to say a thing," said a delighted Warnock. "The lads did the rest and that is a great result. It is a huge relief. "Our results and our goal record has been embarrassing but we have been close to this victory in our recent run of draws." With games quickly running out, it was crucial that Bury halted their free-fall into oblivion. The fact that they did it against a side in an equally dire position was an added bonus. This priceless triumph, the Shakers' first since December 5 last year, meant their run of matches without a victory ended at 19, one short of a new and unwanted club record. And how they battled for these three points, secured in the 29th minute courtesy of a piece of opportunism from new boy Derek Lilley. The on-loan Leeds United striker nipped in where previous Bury marksmen have dared not tread in the past when Dean Kiely's goal kick was clumsily back-headed by U's skipper Les Robinson. Up stepped the former Scottish Under 21 international to neatly round keeper Paul Lundin and flick home from an acute angle, to the shock, yet delight of the small visiting contingent. "It was a bit of a gamble, but it paid off," smiled the goal hero after throwing his adopted side a lifeline. "I didn't realise the club had gone so long without a win. This was a big game for both teams but we stuck together and worked our socks off." And he added: "I have played against Malcolm Shotton before in Scotland. To put one over him today is particularly sweet!" No-one epitomised the determination in the Shakers side more than midfield powerhouse Darren Bullock, forced to play out the last 15 minutes as a sweeper following injuries to both Chris Swailes (concussion) and Steve Redmond (ankle). And with striker Paul Barnes limping off on the hour mark with a hamstring strain, Warnock was forced into a massive reshuffle with goalscorer Lilley ending up in defence too! "We were struggling with injuries at the end. I was playing right back and Dean West was playing right, right back!" said Lilley. "But we are all up for this fight and believe we can stay up." Bury, for once, enjoyed a fair share of Lady Luck with Oxford hitting the woodwork on three occasions through Kevin Francis and Nicky Banger twice , his second effort thundering off the crossbar and landing perilously close to the whitewash beneath. But no-one, apart from Shotton that is, could deny the Shakers such a healthy slice of good fortune after some of the cruel body blows they have suffered this season. After the game, Shotton claimed: "I felt we should have won the game comfortably." Warnock hit back: "The goalkeeper and the long throw were his best ploy. I think Oxford thought they would take three easy points against us,and that helped our cause. "Chris Lucketti and the lads at the back were never going to be beaten. For once, I was sat there expecting to win. "Oxford can do us a few favours now." |
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Monday, 12 April 1999 |
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Bury Hope To Spoil Sunderland's Party - Nationwide Web Site: Bury boss Neil Warnock hopes his side can be party-poopers when champions-elect Sunderland visit Gigg Lane aiming to clinch promotion to the Premiership. But his squad is stretched to the limit, with Steve Redmond possibly out for the season with a chipped bone in his ankle and Paul Barnes struggling with a hamstring injury. Lutel James would have replaced Barnes but he has been called up for international duty with St Kitts. Brave Bury finally find travel sickness cure - Bolton Evening News: Introduction Sunderland Sunderland: Sorensen, Makin, Gray, Butler, Melville, Clark, Mullin, Summerbee, Johnston, Quinn, Phillips Bury Bury: Kiely, Billy, Redmond, Luccetti, Swales, Serrant, Bullock, Daws, Barnes, Lilley, D'Jaffo Prediction |
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Saturday,10 April 1999 |
| Warnock Relief At Final Whistle - Sporting Life: Bury's manager Neil Warnock was relieved to hear the final whistle on their 1-0 win over Oxford at the Manor Ground. He said: "I could have cried at the end. Derek Lilley went on where others would probably have stopped. He gambled but then he has not been with us long. "It was a well-deserved win at the end although the second half seemed to last an hour and a half." Meanwhile Oxford manager Malcolm Shotton was philosophical after disastrous error by skipper Les Robinson put Oxford's First Division survival in doubt. Derek Lilley latched onto his back-header to hand Bury the win. "We feel as though we should have won," Shotton said. "Bury had one chance from one of our senior players making a mistake and it's cost us the game. "I am confident without a shadow of doubt that it will go right down to the wire." STOPPER! - Steve aims to keep it tight at the back - The Pink (Mike Waring): Resurgent Bury defender Steve Redmond has promised to keep things tight at the back - so when the goals start going in, they are going to count. The ex-England under-21 international, who has been outstanding since his return from injury, says there is no point in the team trying to score goals if they're not keeping the opposition out. And while he is taking care of things at that end of the field, it's only a matter of time before the goals start going in at the other end. "Everyone's been working really hard in training," said the 31-year-old. "We've been trying a few new things and the goals have been flying in - which makes a change from last weekend!" Redmond, out for three months with a hamstring strain, is modest about his recent performances. "When I came back into the side we seemed to concede loads of goals," he said. "They haven't necessarily been my fault, but it was always from players I was supposed to be looking after. But the gaffer seems to be pleased with my performances." The ex-Manchester City and Oldham man added: "All the lads have been playing well. We just can't seem to get the goals at the moment." Redmond knows that as a defender there is only so much he can do. He said: "At the end of the day, we start every game with a point. It's up to the defence to keep that point, and it's up to the forwards to win all three." Bury boss Neil Warnock added: "We should have beaten Stockport last week and Bradford on Monday. Bradford didn't create that many chances but they managed to score two. Everyone has to be positive and the goals will start going in eventually." With five games left to the end of the season, Bury play championship contenders Sunderland on Tuesday and play-off hopefuls Bolton Wanderers next week - both live on Sky TV. Sunderland, who could win the title against Bury if other results go their way, will provide a tough test as they march to the first division championship. "Usually, we'd be happy to get anything out of the likes of Sunderland but we need all three points on Tuesday," said Redmond. "Anything less is not good enough." And local rivals Bolton Wanderers are another promotion-chasing team Bury have to tackle in the relegation run-in. "They lost their game against Stockport County on Easter Monday," he said, "and we should have beaten County, so we know we can beat Bolton." With such big games to play, Bury cannot afford to slip up against the three other teams still left to play, Grimsby, West Brom and Port Vale, but Redmond says there are no easy games for Bury at this stage of the season. "Every game is a big game now," he said. "Our main aim is to win them all and stay in this division." |
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Friday, 09 April 1999 |
| Warnock shrugs off calls for resignation - Bury Times: DEFIANT Shakers boss Neil Warnock has called for the club's boo-boys to get behind the team in the crucial final half dozen games of the campaign. A section of the Gigg Lane crowd were chanting for his resignation at the end of Monday's 2-0 defeat by Bradford City but Warnock laughed off suggestions that he might throw in the towel. "There's not a cat in hell's chance of that," he declared. "I still believe I'm the right man for the job. But there were even people jeering me after the Wolves game in which we played superbly, so I can't win. "In the three home games we really need all genuine supporters to concentrate their efforts on getting behind the team." The Shakers found out yesterday that Tuesday night's clash against Sunderland at Gigg Lane is to be shown live on Sky TV, a game in which the Wearsiders could wrap up the First Division title should they win. "We've really got to play above ourselves in our next two home games because with the TV cameras here we'll be under national scrutiny," added Warnock. The Shakers take on fellow strugglers Oxford United at the Manor Ground tomorrow knowing failure to win will put them in the record books for all the wrong reasons. If the Gigg Lane men don't return up the M40 with the three points they will have gone a miserable 20 consecutive games without victory, eclipsing the existing record of 19 matches that spanned April to December 1911. It's just another pressure the goal-starved Shakers could do without especially as they haven't picked up a win on their travels all season. Yet if anyone's looking for positive omens the final defeat before getting back to winning ways back then was a 1-0 reverse at the hands of Bradford City. "We've heard all about the records but that won't bother the players because they know they should have won a number of the games recently," said Warnock. "We can't feel sorry for ourselves, the mood in the camp is terrific and training has been brilliant all week but it's no good just doing it on the training ground." The Bury boss hinted he might go for an ultra-attacking line-up at the Manor Ground and that could mean Laurent D'Jaffo linking up with Paul Barnes and Derek Lilley up front. Oxford boss Malcolm Shotton's big poser is whether to start with highly-rated winger Joey Beauchamp. The former West Ham ace completed a three-match suspension last Saturday and started Monday's game at Tranmere Rovers on the bench coming on when the U's were 2-0 down to help his side to a crucial 2-2 draw. Shakers defeat equals record - Bury 0 Bradford 2 - The Bury Times: IT was a disastrous Bank Holiday for the Shakers as they plummeted back into the relegation zone. This 19th successive game without a victory - equalling a record set more than 80 years ago, combined with the worst possible results at the foot of the table, saw Bury drop to second from bottom with only six games to play. All three clubs below them prior to kick-off, Bristol City, Crewe and Port Vale Ð recorded victories while Oxford fought back from two goals down to snatch a draw at Tranmere. Warnock, under pressure to quit from supporters by the end of the game, stuck by the starting 11 that picked up a point at Stockport on Saturday with leading scorer Laurent D'Jaffo replacing Andy Preece on the bench. But roared on by a superb travelling support high-flying City set about their task with relish. In the third minute £1m new boy Dean Windass was inches away from a cross from dangerous winger Peter Beagrie, then, moments later, it took a superbly timed tackle from Bury skipper Chris Lucketti to deny Jamie Lawrence a shot at goal. Beagrie should have done better with a 14th minute effort but he fired wide of Dean Kiely's right hand post after cleverly working himself a clear shooting opportunity. The Shakers front line were having trouble countering the Bantams' effective offside trap but when Barnes finally got free of Ashley Westwood down the right he dragged his low shot straight into the hands of keeper Gary Walsh. The first hammer blow after 28 minutes when Windass reacted first to head home Beagrie's precision corner, his first goal since his move from Oxford. Derek Lilley had a half volley blocked by City's Wayne Jacobs after Walsh only got half a punch to a long throw by Nick Daws. But things worsened for the Gigg Lane men two minutes before the break when man of the moment Windass grabbed his and Bradford's second from a short, well-worked corner. After the break D'Jaffo and Adrian Littlejohn replaced Dean West and Lilley as Warnock's men attempted to drag themselves back into the game. Windass' confidence was by now sky-high but even he would have been fortunate to have beaten Kiely with the audacious 35 yard shot he attempted after 51 minutes. A foul by Jacobs on the increasingly frustrated D'Jaffo after 67 minutes gave the Shakers a free kick just outside the box, but City's 21-goal striker Lee Mills just beat Lucketti to Serrant's measured dead ball kick. Barnes worked tirelessly up front for no reward but his frustration also got the better of him after 69 minutes when he was booked after a bust-up with Westwood. A minute later City had a penalty appeal turned down when Beagrie went over in the box under a challenge from Swailes. Bury fans were streaming for the gates minutes from the end as it became evident it was to be yet another sorry goalless sob story for their side. Bury's survival dream is fading - The Bury Times: IT was the manner of the two goals the Shakers conceded as much as the result that upset boss Neil Warnock after Easter Monday's 2-0 defeat to high-flying Bradford City. The superbly organised defensive performances that saw them concede only one goal in their previous six games went out of the window as the Bantams caught Bury cold with two basic corner kick routines. "The lads were really down at half-time after conceding two set piece goals, especially after the way we've defended over the last few weeks," he said. "The first one was a hammer blow to us, Carl Serrant lost his man and everyone thought Dean Windass scored it, in fact it came off Darren Bullock who was pushed, but we need to be stronger than that. "Bradford started brightly and I think we gave Peter Beagrie a little too much room. "I was hoping to go in 1-0 at half-time then change things around but then they scored the second goal. "It would have been interesting if we could have put them under some pressure because they conceded a two goal lead at Bristol City a few weeks ago. "They are under pressure to win games as well, albeit a different kind of pressure than ours, but we couldn't get the goal we needed and they looked comfortable at the end. "I think Derek Lilley and Paul Barnes put a little too much into Saturday's game at Stockport when they ran themselves into the ground, but Laurent D'Jaffo did well after being out for a long time. "He was upset at one or two things said to him from the stands when he went down in the corner late in the match. "At the final whistle I made sure Ron Reid went on to get him before he did an Eric Cantona. "But he was disappointed and frustrated, he had five stitches inserted in a head wound that I think the referee thinks he gave himself!" Despite this latest setback the Bury boss is determined there will be no heads dropping in the crucial final six matches. "I know the results went against us but we have to win games and score goals to stay up, we can't just rely on other people," he said. "When you look at the games coming up we can still do it and the lads still have the required fighting spirit, so it's down to us. "All the away games we have left are winnable and the final home match against Port Vale is as well. "In the other two home games (Sunderland and Bolton) people will write us off but in the local derby we will perform a lot better than we did at Bolton. "We've been doing well over the last few weeks and we mustn't let one disappointing result ruin it. "Every team at the bottom is in the same boat as us so we must battle on and make it to the last game." So close to snatching a precious win - Stockport 0 Bury 0 - The Bury Times: NOT for the first time this season, nothing went right in front of goal for the Shakers in this dour goalless draw. It could have been so different as early as the second minute when Derek Lilley glanced a near post header over the Stockport bar then, minutes later, following a corner, the former Scotland Under-21 international saw his goalbound shot hacked off the line by County's David Smith. At the other end Bury's defensive trio of Chris Lucketti, Chris Swailes and Steve Redmond were outstanding and never gave the Hatters' prolific strikeforce of Brett Angell and Ian Moore a sniff of a chance at goal. The only noteworthy save Dean Kiely had to make came in the 25th minute when Tom Bennett, playing his first full game since breaking his leg 18 months ago, fired a 20-yarder through a ruck of players that the unsighted Bury keeper did well to punch away for a corner. Roared on by a huge and vociferous following of shirt-sleeved Shakers fans enjoying the spring sunshine they always looked the more likely to break the deadlock. The Shakers could, and should, have taken the lead a minute from the interval when another superb early cross into the box from Serrant was met with a brave diving header from Paul Barnes but the Shakers' striker, who once scored five against County in his Burnley days, sent the ball over the bar. Stockport enjoyed more possession in the second period but still never looked like breaching the Bury back line and the counter-attacking Shakers almost snatched the winner after 74 minutes when Serrant was inches off a driven cross by Lilley with the goal at his mercy. International Call-Up For Shakers Star - The Official Bury FC Web Site: Bury will face the next three games without the services of striker Lutel James who was yesterday called up to the St Kitts international squad. If Lutel is selected to play for his country, it will be the former Hyde United man's first International cap and our congratulations go to the player on his selection. Bury travel to Oxford United tomorrow with virtually a clean bill of health. The only player who will not be able to make the journey to The Manor is defender Andy Woodward who played in the reserve team on Wednesday as he continues to recuperate from a back injury. Although he suffered no reaction after playing for ninety minutes, he needs another week of rehabilitation before he will be ready for first team action. First year professional Richard Watson, who underwent major back surgery recently, is recovering well after the operation but faces a long road back to full recovery and will be out of action until next season. The Shakers have never won a League game in six attempts at the Manor Ground but they have also drawn five of those games and will be hoping to improve that record - and perhaps even record their first double of the season so far. A win against Oxford certainly has to be the aim for Neil Warnock's men as they find themselves deep in trouble now but with the fortunes of the clubs around us changing each week, a win could make the situation look a whole lot different. Cemetery End Switch? - The Official Bury FC Web Site: With the final game of the season looking increasingly becoming a crucial fixture for Bury, Port Vale or perhaps even both teams, the club is faced with the possibility that they may have to change their original plans to allow Bury supporters to occupy the Cemetery End for this game - the last before the stand is demolished. The problem has arisen because the police fear that, in such an instance, Port Vale supporters may exceed the 2,500 available Manchester Road seats and will not allow away supporters to occupy the Family Stand as an overflow area should the Manchester Road Stand reach capacity. Whilst we are still confident that we will be able to allocate the Cemetery End to supporters and do not expect the switch will be required, we wish to advise supporters of the position at this early stage in case police instructions force our hands. A final decision will not be made until nearer the date of the game. Should this occur, anyone who has already purchased a Cemetery End ticket or swapped their season ticket voucher for a Cemetery End ticket still be able to gain entrance to the Main or South Stand with their Cemetery End ticket. The New Cemetery End Shakers On Sky Again - The Official Bury FC Web Site: At the very last minute, Bury's home game against Sunderland next Tuesday has been chosen to be shown live by Sky Television, with the kick-off remaining at 7.45 p.m. With runaway leaders Sunderland potentially able to clinch promotion on the evening, the attraction to Sky is obvious - but with the Shakers also picking up the sizeable live television fee, the decision is obviously good news financially for everyone at Gigg Lane. This will be the sixth time that Bury have played in a live 'Sky' game and the Shakers are yet to record a victory in front of the cameras. With the home game against Bolton Wanderers also due to be screened live by Sky on Friday 23rd April, it seems that our fight against relegation is to be viewed by a much wider audience than had been anticipated. |
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Tuesday, 06 April 1999 |
| Help Design New Strip - Bury Times: Bury FC have announced plans to produce a one-off kit for the Millennium, and they are asking Shakers fans to help them design it! The strip will be worn for just one match - yet to be decided - at the turn of the Century. Commercial boss Nev Neville says: "We'll wear it for the one most appropriate game around the end of the year and that will be it. It will be a real collector's item. Because of this we want the kit to really reflect everything that Bury FC is all about - The History, the heritage, the character. Over the coming months we'll be looking for input on this from all our supporters - what they would like to see and what should be non there, Bury Are Shaken And Stirred - Nationwide Web Site: Bury's home defeat at the hands of Bradford means the Shakers have now gone 19 games without a win and a disappointed Neil Warnock said: "The lads are really down but they were better than us on the day. "I'd like to see what would have happened if we'd got a goal in the second half, but the longer it went on, I think they were comfortable at the end." French striker Laurent D'Jaffo had to be restrained at the end of the match and Warnock said: "I think he was upset by one or two things that were said to him (by the supporters) when he went down in the corner. "You know what the French are like. I just made sure the coach went on at the end of the game before he did a Cantona." |
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Monday, 05 April 1999 |
| Shakers land another draw as improvement continues - Bolton Evening News: SHAKERS boss Neil Warnock wishes he could have started the season with this team - it's easy to see why. Although they once again failed to pick up that elusive first away victory there can be no denying that there's been a rapid on-the-field improvement in the Bury ranks. County comprehensively thrashed the Shakers in the FA Cup at the turn of the year but they found out that this was a vastly different Bury team. They may not have won since that horror show back in January but there is determination and an air of confidence that makes a mockery of their league position. It's early days yet, but on Saturday's showing loan signing Derek Lilley's partnership with Paul Barnes looks like giving cause for optimism that the worrying goal drought could soon be a thing of the past. But it was still very much in evidence on Saturday when, once again, nothing went right in front of goal for Warnock's men. As early as the second minute Lilley glanced a near post header over the Stockport bar then minutes later, following a corner, the former Scotland Under-21 international saw a goalbound shot hacked off the line by County's David Smith. At the other end the only noteworthy save Dean Kiely had to make came in the 25th minute when Tom Bennett fired a 20-yarder through a ruck of players that the Bury keeper did well to punch away for a corner. Roared on by a huge following of shirt-sleeved Shakers fans enjoying the Spring sunshine they always looked the more likely to break the deadlock. Carl Serrant fired in a 25-yard effort that keeper Carlo Nash comfortably took above his head then Chris Billy found Darren Bullock at the far post but the midfielder could only direct his header wide of the post. The Shakers could, and should, have taken the lead a minute from the interval when another superb early cross into the box from Serrant was met with a brave diving header from Barnes but the Shakers' striker, who once scored five against County in his Burnley days, sent the ball over the bar. Stockport enjoyed more possession in the second period but still never looked like breaching the Bury back line and the counter-attacking Shakers almost snatched the winner after 74 minutes when Serrant was inches off a driven cross by Lilley with the goal at his mercy. Despite another goal-free afternoon their was no despondency from Bury boss Warnock. He said: "No-one will look forward to playing us at the moment. "We were very positive and created some good chances but it was never going to be a pretty game. "Stockport is a difficult place to come and get a result but we were very confident of getting three points. "I don't know if eight 0-0 draws will keep us up but if luck evens out over the season it's got to break for us sooner or later!" Warnock Disappointed Again - Sporting Life: Neil Warnock was disappointed as his Bury side lost 2-0 at home at Bradford. The Shakers have now gone 19 games without a win and Warnock said: "The lads are really down but they were better than us on the day. "I'd like to see what would have happened if we'd got a goal in the second half, but the longer it went on, I think they were comfortable at the end." French striker Laurent D'Jaffo had to be restrained at the end of the match and Warnock said: "I think he was upset by one or two things that were said to him (by the supporters) when he went down in the corner. "You know what the French are like. I just made sure the coach went on at the end of the game before he did a Cantona." Bradford manager Paul Jewell saluted Dean Windass after his double strike secured victory. Windass, who had plundered 18 goals for Oxford before joining Bradford's promotion push, marked his recall by opening his account for his new club. "Dean has done well since he came here but he just hadn't got off the mark," said Jewell. "I'm glad he got those two good goals today. "He came in for Robbie Blake, who has missed some training lately, and I had to make that hard decision." Jewell was also pleased with the spirit his side showed as they battled for the three points. He said: "Last year we lost here and we got bullied out of it. "We knew we had to battle physically and that's just what we did. "The spirit in the dressing room is great and it has been all season. You need spirit like that to come to places like Bury and get a result." The win keeps up the pressure on second-placed Ipswich as both sides battle for the second automatic promotion spot. Jewell said: "We are only three points behind Ipswich, who won today, but there's nothing you can do about that. "This might go right down to the wire and we're happy to stick in there." D'jaffo Returns For Relegation Battle - Nationwide Web Site: Bury have French striker Laurent D'Jaffo available again as they continue their battle against relegation at home to Bradford. D'Jaffo missed the 0-0 draw with Stockport as he was serving a one-match ban and his place was taken by on-loan Leeds striker Derek Lilley. Manager Neil Warnock now has three players chasing two places and must select between D'Jaffo, Lilley and Paul Barnes to face the Bantams. Warnock is happy with his side's recent run, but is still looking for them to turn draws into victories. He said: "That's six games unbeaten now, and in almost every one, we've been unfortunate not to win. "I thought Steve Redmond was outstanding. Dean West had his best game for a long time, and Carl Serrant's crossing ability shone through. "I've told the lads that it's got to be an alcohol-free weekend, and that includes the manager. We've got to be professional about the job, and I am confident we can get out of trouble." |
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Saturday, 03 April 1999 |
| Warnock Confident Of Survival - Sporting Life: Neil Warnock believed Bury had done enough to shade the contest after a goalless draw against Stockport. "That's six games unbeaten now, and in almost every one, we've been unfortunate not to win," he said. "I thought Steve Redmond was outstanding. Dean West had his best game for a long time, and Carl Serrant's crossing ability shone through. "I've told the lads that it's got to be an alcohol-free weekend, and that includes the manager. We've got to be professional about the job, and I am confident we can get out of trouble." His Republic of Ireland B international 'keeper Dean Kiely added: "I am sure playing the way we have been doing, things will turn round. We've got to look on the positive side. We work well as a unit, and I thought we had the better chances." Opposite number Gary Megson admitted his players know the score - they were not good enough to break the visitors down. "We work hard during the week in training in keeping the ball but this afternoon, all we were prepared to do was lump it straight up to Brett Angell and Ian Moore. And that doesn't suit them anyway," said Megson. "It was up to us to try and force the issue because we were the home team today but we didn't look capable or have the wherewithal to open them up." Megson, who expects a much more open contest on Easter Monday against promotion chasing Bolton Wanderers, refused to condemn Bury's 'up-and-under' style. He was more concerned with his own team's failings. On the plus side, Megson was delighted by Tom Bennett who completed his first full 90 minutes since breaking his leg in January 1998. "I thought Tom was one of our better performers and he will get better," he said. Draw Was Less Than We Deserved - Warnock - Nationwide Web Site: Bury boss Neil Warnock believed his team had done enough to take all three points in a stalemate at Stockport. "That's six games unbeaten now, and in almost every one, we've been unfortunate not to win," he said. "I thought Steve Redmond was outstanding. Dean West had his best game for a long time, and Carl Serrant's crossing ability shone through. "I've told the lads that it's got to be an alcohol-free weekend, and that includes the manager. We've got to be professional about the job, and I am confident we can get out of trouble." His Republic of Ireland B international 'keeper Dean Kiely added: "I am sure playing the way we have been doing, things will turn round. We've got to look on the positive side. We work well as a unit, and I thought we had the better chances." Fitness Fight - Manchester Evening News: Out of favour Tony Rigby who has left Bury to Join semi-pro Altrincham on loan turned down a move to Shrewsbury. Gigg Lane boss Neil Warnock reckons the move to the Robins will "do Tony a power of good in terms of fitness". |
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Thursday, 01 April 1999 |
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Let's go for it - Skippers rallying call before Vital Easter Games - The Bury Times: A Saturday off during the season is a rare luxury for a professional footballer but Chris Lucketti believes the Shakers really could have done without last weekend's enforced lay0off. Such is the optimism in the Bury Camp it's hard to imagine they have gone 16 games without a victory and the postponement of the scheduled Sunderland clash was a bitter pill for an improving side looking to keep their momentum going. The reason for the buoyant mood is largely down to a five game run without a defeat and one or two new signings that have really set things buzzing again down at Gigg Lane. And according to Chris Lucketti the two holiday games at Stockport County and then at home to Bradford City on Monday afternoon can't come quick enough for Neil Warnock's resurgent side. "everyone's up for it and looking forward to both Easter games after two weeks off," he said. "It was really frustrating not to have a game at the weekend because even though we haven't been scoring we've put a bit of a run together and all the lads are desperate to keep it going. Defensively we are back to our early season form and looking a lot more solid, we are back defending as a team and that's the reason we were doing so well earlier in the season. "We've got to make sure we get among the goals again and that's everywhere, not just the forwards". But the talented central defender believes the acquisition of Pail Barnes and Derek Lilley, a loan signing from Leeds United, gives the Shakers a great chance of bringing an end to the goal drought that has plagued them all season. "Derek is a great prospect and I've played against Paul Barnes enough times to know what a quality performer he is," he added. You could see in Paul's first two games just what he has to offer and I'm sure he'll be among the goals in no time." Transfer deadline day, that passed last Thursday, is always an unsettling time for the Shakers skipper who has been the target for a handful of clubs once again this season. But he will be seeing out the season at Gigg Lane and that's good news for the manager and fans, if not the club's Bank Manager! "I try not to worry about all the speculation, I've heard it all before and I just get on with my game," explained Lucketti. "But it would have been very difficult to leave the club at this stage of the season." Del Boy's goal hunt - The Bury Times: DEREK Lilley will be thrown straight into the thick of Bury's relegation dogfight on Saturday, and he can't wait. After a season in Leeds United's reserves, the 25-year-old striker is champing at the bit to get back on the park and, most importantly for the Shakers, start scoring goals. "There are only eight games remaining, so I don't have any time to settle in. My job is to find the net and that is what I intent to do from Saturday onwards," he said. First stop on a busy Easter weekend is Stockport County, 3pm kick-off, and with only a single goal scored in their last seven outings, the Shakers will be looking to Lilley to make an early impact. "I don't mind that. We are in a difficult position, but I like a challenge. It is better than coming to a club in mid-table with nothing to play for," he said. "The lads are all keyed up and ready to go." Lilley was snapped up by Leeds for less than £500,000 two years ago but, after four starts and 19 appearances on the bench for the Premiership giants, his value has soared above £1m. way off Bury's price scale. But he intends to make it difficult for the club to let him go. "I think my days in the Leeds first team are over now," he admitted. "They have some good young players and will be looking to sign big name players now they are chasing the title. "If I do well at Gigg Lane and score goals then it will put pressure on Bury and they will have to decide what they want to do. "Either way, if I score goals in Division One then it is a good advert for myself." The Scotsman turned down Burnley, Oldham and Norwich before finally succumbing to Neil Warnock's persuasive powers. He explained: "I wanted a club which I could commute to from Leeds and Neil sold it to me. He spoke highly of the club and players and that was what I wanted to hear." Not for the first time this season, it will be a new-look Bury strikeforce at Stockport with Lilley partnering recent acquisition Paul Barnes, who will be making only his third appearance for the club. The duo have already had time to acquaint themselves, travelling over to training together from Yorkshire this week. It promises to be a quality pairing but there could be more changes if Laurent D'Jaffo, out suspended on Saturday, makes an expected return for the home clash with Bradford City on Monday, 3pm kick-off. But competition for places can only help the Shakers' survival cause. With Lutel James, Adrian Littlejohn, Andy Preece and Nigel Jemson breathing down their necks, there are no more excuses for blank scoresheets. Cash in on your Millennium ticket - The Bury Times: Shakers' financial setback: An open letter to fans from Terry Robinson - Bury Times: TERRY ROBINSON Bury FC chief executive |