HALF way through shopping at the Trafford Centre with his missus, Bury's Dean Barrick knew there was something wrong.

Even two painkillers had failed to dull the ache in his eye which he had smashed playing at Chesterfield two days earlier.

Typically, the courageous left full-back had played on and helped Bury to a vital 1-0 win, even though he was in pain for the entire match.

On the way back from the Trafford Centre, however, he decided to pop in to see Shakers physio Alan Raw, just to be on the safe side.

A few minutes later he was being rushed to Bury General.

Barrick had fractured his eye socket in two places and broken his nose.

The sickening injury happened in the first half of the Chesterfield match on a cold March night and it ruined the rest of his season.

"I remember it happening very clearly. The ball was crossed in from the left and I got in a challenge with Roger Whilley. He caught me in the eye, I think with his elbow, and I felt a sharp pain," recalls Barrick.

"I wasn't unconscious and I carried on with the game but the pain was bad."

After Bury General, Barrick was referred to a specialist. When the defender asked if he could carry on playing, the specialist told him that if he allowed him to he would be struck off the medical register.

In desperation Barrick even asked about the possibility of wearing a mask, similar to the one Gazza wore after smashing his cheekbone, but it was too much of a risk to take.

"I knew in my heart of hearts that I was out for the season," he said. "It was very frustrating though because I'd just got back in the first team and it was a crucial time because were were in trouble and in the bottom seven.

"I was gutted because I knew I couldn't play a part in helping the lads get out of relegation trouble."

Unable to even train because of the risk of taking another knock to his face, Barrick recuperated at home, spending much of his time studying for the Sports Science course he has enrolled on with team-mates Matt Barrass and Nicky Hill.

He was passed fit to play on the Monday after the season ended. It was frustrating but Barrick, determined to make up for his disappointment by being in top shape for the big kick off in August, embarked on pre-season training earlier than everyone else.

And when it came to the Isle of Man tournament, he couldn't wait to lace his boots and get on the pitch.

"I feel in good shape at the moment. My pace and fitness have been really good since the first friendly against Radcliffe Borough but I was struggling a bit with my touch and passing," said Barrick.

"But in the Isle of Man, and particularly in the first half against Stoke, that has come back and I feel I've been playing well.

"I'm looking forward to the new season now. Hopefully I can hold down a first team place but that's up to the manager. I'll certainly be giving it all I've got."

And an optimistic Barrick, who Neil Warnock signed for Bury two years ago from Preston, believes that despite the current cash crisis, the Shakers can force their way into promotion contention.

He added: "We've got a good squad. The only problem will be if we get injuries or the board come under pressure to sell players to raise money.

"But if we can keep a fit squad and keep the players we've got we should do well."

Now Paul Williams has been released and with Paul Reid pushed forward into a left-midfield role, Barrick could become a key man at full-back for Andy Preece this year.

One thing certain is that Barrick, delighted to be back in the fold, is in no mood to let anyone down.