Bury Odds: 66/1 Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 19 (League Two), 2004/05 - 17 (League Two), 2003/04 - 12 (League Two), 2002/03 - 7 (League Two), 2001/02 - 22 (League One, Relegated). 2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup First Round (replay) vs Scunthorpe United (a) - lost 1-0 after extra time Carling Cup First Round vs Leicester City (h) - lost 3-0 Football League Trophy Northern Section First Round vs Halifax Town (a) - lost 6-1 Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Simon Whaley (midfielder) - seven goals. Players In
Richie Baker (Preston North End - Free), Marc Goodfellow (Grimsby Town - Free), Alan Fettis (Macclesfield Town - Free), Andy Bishop (York City - Free). Players Out
Allan Smart (Portadown - Free), Jon Newby (Released), Craig Dootson (Released), Neil Edwards (Released), Steve Burke (Released). Bury have struggled in League Two during the last two seasons and were one of a number of clubs involved in last season's tense relegation battle. Chris Casper's side dug deep and ground out four draws and one win as they remained unbeaten in their last five matches of the campaign - surviving by four points. Goals were hard to come by - the Shakers scored just 45 goals in 46 matches last season. The club's top goalscorer was midfielder Simon Whaley, who left for Preston North End in January for 250,000 after scoring seven goals in League Two. Creative midfielder Marc Goodfellow, who had spells at both Swansea City and Grimsby Town last season has been drafted in on a 12 month contract to try and add extra spark. After an injury ravaged season, former Preston North End, Carlisle United, Watford, Oldham Athletic and Dundee United striker Allan Smart joined Northern Irish outfit Portadown on a free transfer while assistant manager Ian Miller left to join Championship side Leicester City in a similar role. However, Bury have been boosted by the news that midfielder David Flitcroft committed himself to a further 12 months at Gigg Lane as have defensive duo Chris Brass and Colin Woodthorpe. Experienced goalkeeper Alan Fettis, with spells at Hull City, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers to his credit, has been drafted in to fill the void left by Kasper Schmeichel, who returned to Manchester City after a successful loan spell. Verdict
Bury lack overall quality and are in desperate need for a proven goal scorer after Whaley ended the campaign as the leading marksman despite moving on in the January transfer window. They are likely to be involved in another relegation battle but this time it could be one they could lose at 4/1 odds. |
