Manager David Flitcroft says his team’s mentality to not go home after training has been the reason the side are challenging at the top of League Two this season.
Bury can boast an impressive start to the season ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wycombe, with the Shakers currently sixth and on a four-match unbeaten run following last weekend’s 2-1 derby victory over Accrington Stanley.
Buckinghamshire’s Wycombe have lost just one league game so far this season and sit a place above Bury but Flitcroft says his side – who won both fixtures between the pair last season – can climb higher still.
“We’ve had a fantastic start ourselves and there’s a lot more to come,” ‘Flicker’ said to the Bury FC YouTube Channel.
“We’ve only been working together for probably 8-10 weeks so it’s only early in the season, we’ll keep progressing there is no doubt about that. I can’t stand an environment where people aren’t challenged every day and don’t feel like they need that challenge every day.
“They don’t want to let each other down, they’re a really solid group, they’re a tight group.
“We finished training yesterday at quarter to one and probably 70% of the squad were still here at 4 o’clock, half 4 yesterday.
“We’ve created an environment where they don’t want to go home and that’s key.”
Flitcroft said Wycombe’s fast start this season was largely down to his old friend, opposite number and former teammate Gareth Ainsworth.
“Wycombe have had a fantastic start which is no surprise to me with Gaz Ainsworth being the manager, he’s full of drive, commitment energy.”Flitcroft said.
“He’s probably one of the most honest players that I’ve ever played with and witnessed in football and his team epitomises that so it’s going to be one hell of a game but a game we’re really looking forward to.”
Captain Jim McNulty will miss the trip following his red card last weekend but the manager has no concerns over any potential changes to the line-up.
“The players that have got to come in will be ready – they’ll certainly be game ready. They’re showing good on the fitness data and the evaluation we’ve got, so whoever we bring in to fill Nults’ absence will be a credit to the group and a credit to the club,” Flitcroft said.
There is better news for forward Clive Platt who could return from injury this weekend. Danny Nardiello still faces several weeks on the side-lines and Joe Thompson probably could return for next week’s match against Carlisle.
Main image courtesy of Bury Football Club via YouTube, with thanks.
