BURY boss Andy Preece has warned stayaway fans that they are killing the club writes Steve Canavan

In his strongest interview yet, Preece made his point simply and clearly.

If supporters don't turn up, he said, then the town will not have a professional football team to watch.

"I think the situation here is staring them in the face," stated Preece. "If they want a professional football team in Bury then we need them down here.

"We are doing everything we can to get them here. We are trying to play more attractive football, which again, people have moaned at over the years.

"The ground staff has worked wonders on the pitch so that we can play fast attacking football and keep it on the floor. I think we are doing everything we can to get people in.

"If they don't come through the gates the day will come when the town of Bury does not have a football club. We are working hard to make it attractive and the initiatives that the club put to the supporters last season have helped. At the end of the day, it's down to the supporters to come in and support us."

The average attandance at Gigg last season was just 3,300 - almost 2,000 down on two years ago when Bury were in the First Division.

The drop in income, coupled with the Hugh Eaves departure, which left the club without their major benefactor, has created serious financial problems for Bury.

Chairman Terry Robinson has worked hard to try and increase the crowds but to little effect.

Preece too is fed up about the situation. The only time he felt the atmosphere was up to scratch last season was during the clash against league leaders Millwall.

He is hoping the new campaign will see more new faces in the stands cheering the team on.

A full house of 11,000 will see the Shakers take on Manchester United in a friendly three days before the first match of the season.

"We can't ask Manchester United to come here every few months to get a decent crowd," added Preece.

"When they do come we fill the stadium. So the support is there, but they only want to watch the big clubs come here or when it's a game they fancy. We need them more regularly.

"The supporters who come week in week out are holding this club together and they need some help in doing that."

Gigg Lane will be a hive of activity on Sunday, July 29 when Bury opens its doors in full for supporters of all ages to visit the ground and see for themselves just what facilities they can offer.

Chairman Terry Robinson wants the open day to act as a thank you to people throughout the town who have helped keep the club functioning by contributing to the Save Our Shakers Appeal. The ground will be open from 12 noon to 4pm.