Bury are still coming to terms with a dramatic deadline day as they prepare for the short trip to Sheffield United tomorrow, writes Ben Collins.
The sale of star striker Ryan Lowe was confirmed during the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy exit against Crewe on Tuesday.
Midfielder Damien Mozika then joined Scunthorpe the following day – also for a six-figure fee – but manager Richie Barker moved swiftly to complete three signings.
Shane Byrne (Leicester) and Giles Coke (Sheffield Wednesday) have come in on loan while Bury also paid out their first fee for over four years – around £20,000 to land out-of-favour Northampton striker Shaun Harrad.
“I’m sure it was the busiest transfer deadline at Bury for a good few years,” said Barker.
“It was a hectic 48 hours but I think it’s positive because although we’ve sold two players, we’ve brought three in.
“I’ve got to say a massive thank you to the chairman and the board. I only asked them for those three players and they pulled out all the stops to get me all three.
“It’s becoming easier to attract good players. All I had to say to them was ‘do you want to play in front of 20,000 at Bramall Lane on Saturday?’
“I think we’ve sent out a message to League One because the feedback we’ve had so far is that everybody thinks they’re decent signings.”
Barker is looking to building on an encouraging start of seven points from five games.
“No disrespect to the two players that have left but I believe the squad’s a bit stronger now,” he added.
Coke should start tomorrow, with Byrne and Harrad likely to feature from the bench.
Key opponent: Ched Evans - Top scorer for Sheffield United
Prediction: Sheffield United 1 Bury 0 - Bury have a tough game ahead
