Last Season
Beyond all expectations and hopes that Bury fans had, Alan Knill's side came within one goal of automatic promotion abd were then two minutes and a penalty shoot-out from Wembley. Knill impressed in the previous season when he took Chris Casper's struggling side to safety and built impressively over the summer to mould a solid and effective side which was a match for pretty much everything the division had to offer. Andy Bishop's goals upfront were of course key, but the central defensive partnership of Efe Sodje and Ben Futcher and brilliant box-to-box midfielder Stephen Dawson were also vital to the Shakers' season.
Going into the final day of the season they had a shot at automatic promotion and in the end one more Bury goal against Accrington or one more Notts goal against Wycombe would've seen the Shakers promoted, but as it was they missed out on goals scored. The play-offs were equally heartbreaking, after a brilliant win at Shrewsbury the second leg was 0-0 going into injury time before Kevin McIntyre levelled for Shrewsbury, who went on to win the shoot-out. It's been a quiet summer for Knill who has kept his side together and will be hoping that they can put last year's disappointments behind them and go one better this year.
The Manager
Alan Knill, who played over 100 games for the Shakers, is the man in the hotseat and Gigg Lane and he has worked wonders since taking over from Chris Casper. Having kept them up he used his budget brilliantly last summer to build a squad which challenged for automatic promotion and has once again made some shrewd buys this summer. His first managerial job was at Rotherham United, where he initially impressed with a side comprising the likes of Will Hoskins and Lee Williamson, but when the Millers' star duo left they fell apart and were relegated courtesy of a points deduction. Knill was sacked, perhaps harshly, but resurfaced at Bury and his really made a name for himself as a talented League Two manager.
Having persuaded top scorer Andy Bishop to stay at Gigg Lane (perhaps thanks to a huge contract), Knill has moulded a useful side around their talismanic frontman. He spotted gems such as Stephen Dawson last summer and has also managed to get the best out of the likes of Ben Futcher and Efe Sodje, showing that he has the ability to both spot and motivate a manager. If Knill keeps improving Bury at the same rate he could be a real manager to watch.
The Squad
Knill has stuck with pretty much the same side that did so well last season, with a few additions of course. In goal former Hereford United man Wayne Brown is a fine 'keeper for this level, whilst youngster Cameron Belford provides cover. The Shakers have one of the division's most formidable defences, with captain Paul Scott playing alongside the likes of Sodje and Ben Futcher, who has been reborn under Knill. Young defender Ryan Cresswell was also impressive last season and could be destined for better things and David Buchanan is also a solid player for League Two.
Bury's midfield revolves around box-to-box dynamo Stephen Dawson, who has been a revelation since signing from Mansfield Town. An all action midfielder who also has a touch of quality, Dawson is one of the division's leading talents. Fellow Irishman Brian Barry-Murphy has a sweet left foot and a good eye for a pass, but has been linked with Stockport, whilst youth team product Ritchie Baker has also come on leaps and bounds under Knill's guidance. Winger Mike Jones, signed from Tranmere, had an excellent season last year after joining from Tranmere, whilst former Huddersfield Town man Danny Racchi is useful back-up and youngster Damien Allen has also joined on a one year contract after a spell at Morecambe. Upfront Bury are hugely impressive, Andy Bishop guarantees goals at this level and playing off him Knill has an excellent array of options. Andy Morrell works as hard as any player at this level and also chips in with goals, Ryan Lowe has been signed on a free transfer from Chester City and scored 17 goals at the Deva Stadium last season, whilst the out and out pace of Danny Carlton is also an option for the Shakers.
Prediction
Bury and Knill will be hoping to go one better and gain automatic promotion this year, but with Sodje a year older and Bishop set to miss the start of the season through injury they do have a few problems. They also lack adequate back-up in a few key areas and teams will be more willing to defend against Bury this year, unlike last term when they were one of the division's surprise packages. Knill has his work cut out but should be fine for the play-offs and could lead Bury to League One with a bit of luck.
6th