After a rather uplifting and frankly surprising comeback from two goals down against the might of Coventry City, things weren’t looking too bad for the Shakers, with two draws against stiff opposition and a narrow defeat to one of the league’s favourites.

However, since then it appears that Peter Shirtliff’s tactical prowess has come to the fore resulting in a flurry of dismal performances and turgid tactical decisions. The lull began at home to Nott’s County when attempting to hold the ball and play fell on deaf feet, as a limp and flaccid forward pairing of ‘the Shop’ Lenny John Lewis and on loan scurrier Mark Cullen failed to offer any cutting edge in front of goal. It was all too easy for County, after the repellent Lee Hughes claimed a dubious goal very early in the game, it was plain sailing from there on in, and after 85 minutes of uninspiring football they added the sucker punch in the dying minutes. 

Following cries for managerial resolution, Shirtliff resumed his post and took the Shakers into his alleged fifth and final game at home to Lancashire rivals Preston. If a template was drawn before the game of ‘how not to win’ then it was most certainly implemented. Exiling the talent of Peter Sweeney on the left wing, and showing not a modicum of interest or respect to natural width led the Shakers to a tediously similar performance to that against Nott’s County – with the exact same result. Accompanying the air of embarrassment that Preston fans outnumbered Shakers fans at Gigg, was the desperate roars of ‘we need a manager’;  and I couldn’t of uttered it better myself.

With the bookmakers equally as confused as the fans, the Bury hot seat is still up for grabs. With Phil Brown reportedly heading off to Coventry, the overwhelming lack of creditable candidates is becoming more and more apparent.  An unfounded rumour whispering itself across message-boards seems to imply that Andy Morrell is being lined up for the job which would more than satisfy the majority of Shakers’ fans. Whilst Brian Fenton and the board refuse to comment or shed any light, the fans are left bemoaning inexplicable decisions, for example the loaning out of marksman Andy Bishop to conference side Wrexham. Fair enough – he ain’t scoring – at which point Shirtliffe should have put his arm around Bish’ and reignite him, maybe a run in the reserves even. Instead we are left with the hardworking, lovable but frankly abysmal John-Lewis to lead our line. It just strikes me the lack of vision – surely the arrival of MBE David Healy would have refuelled Bish’? That would have been a strike force to boast about at this level for sure - Bishop and Healy.

With rumours as hot as Chris Brass’ nose after his bewildering and famous own goal, could it be that the Bury board are holding out for the imminent dismissal of ex-Bury boss Alan Knill? With Scunthorpe the only side below the Shakers in League one, it would appear his tenure is coming to an end, and with previous success at Gigg Lane it would not surprise me if he were to make an ignominious return. This though would split Shakers fans, some would be outraged, some nervously welcoming.  If it weren’t for his sickening badge kissing and constant job sniffing I would be open to the possibility, however if I were Brian Fenton I would consider this bridge officially burnt. However, what is clear is the need for a new manager, and quickly.

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