Bury manager David Flitcroft has expressed his concerns about the club’s focus ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Chesterfield with talk of the excess of players and the lack of a training facililty.
The ex-Barnsley manager, who took over from previous caretaker manager Ronnie Jepson, has insisted that his main focus is the weekend clash despite concerns behind the scenes.
“We are going to be looking at getting players out, there is no doubt about that, and behind the scenes, the board is working intensely to balance the squad and make sure that’s even,” Flitcroft told the Bury Times.
“You can’t have 30 players at any football club, but certainly not at a football club that doesn’t have its own training ground.
“But concentrating on the football, and planning for Chesterfield is my sole focus.”
Flitcroft’s visitors face a tough challenge as the home side approach Saturday’s game on the back of a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
However the record books are in Bury’s favour as in 83 previous meetings, the Shakers have come out on top 35 compared to Chesterfield FC’s 28 victories.
The two last met in August 2013, where the Spireites came out on top after a 2-0 win with goals from Jay O’Shea and Marc Richards.
Despite Bury’s improvement in recent games, including a 3-0 win against Hartlepool on New Year ’s Day which lifted them to 18th in League Two on 27 points, Flitcroft has stated that many players could be leaving the club by the end of January.
“We are working on that continuously and are making strides.”
Players existing include- Trevor Carson who will stay at Portsmouth until the end of the season after the Shakers agreed to extend the goalkeeper’s loan deal.
The 25-year-old stopper was loaned out in October as the Bury board bid to get the high wage-earner off their books.
Loan deals will also not be renewed for Fleetwood Town defenders Shaun Beeley and Dean Howell, and Sunderland centre-back Scott Harrison, while 18-year-old striker Tom Pratt has agreed to have his contract terminated.
Despite a number of players on their way out, Flitcroft is delighted with the players he has been able to bring in, including top striker Daniel Nardiello and experienced defender Pablo Mills amongst five signings.
“We have got enough energy in the team now and enough speed in and around the squad,” he said.
“It’s about balancing that consistent performer of the right age with the youthfulness and dynamic capabilities of someone like a Danny Mayor, a Craig Jones or an Anton Forrester.
“It’s about trying to find that balance.”
Image courtesy of Beanysports via Youtube, with thanks.
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