David Flitcroft says he would prefer to learn about his new Bury team rather than the side make a superb start to his tenure after a hard-earned 1-1 draw at home to fellow relegation-strugglers Northampton Town on Saturday.
Danny Nardiello put the Shakers ahead through the penalty spot only to hand back the initiative to the Cobblers when Dean Howell headed into his own net though a relieved Flitcroft saw Chris Hackett miss a penalty.
While the ex-Barnsley manager was pleased with the performance and crucial point in a dogged battle, he said a steady rather than spectacular start was key to his own philosophy.
“I didn’t want a flying start, I want to find out about my team,” Flitcroft told Bury’s website.
“I want to find out what the fans want and I want to find out what this project is about and I think I have probably done that today.
“We have to concentrate on what we are doing and really focus on all aspects of what we want to do, but I’ve told the players after the game that we have some hard miles to get where I want to go, to try and match my professionalism, my enthusiasm and my dedication.”
Despite moving up a place to 19th in a congested bottom half of the League Two table, Bury are still just two points ahead of second-bottom Northampton Town in the relegation places.
Flitcroft took all the positives – such as Nardiello notching his third goal in five since joining on-loan from Rotherham United – as he prepares to lead Bury through the usual hectic Christmas period.
“We’ve come up against a very direct team, very organised. We’ve weathered the storm at times, we’ve had to, but the players have dug in and showed good character,” he told BBC Radio Manchester.
“I was happy with certain aspects, the first 20 minutes I thought we were good. The second half was just a dog-fight.
“It’s a work in progress. As a coach, I’ve got to make sure we’re getting players in the right areas and try to infiltrate what they are doing with the precision and movement I’m trying to bring to club.”
Image courtesy of BeanysSports via YouTube, with thanks.
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