THE new season could well be a landmark campaign for Mark Carrington, who has vowed to add more bite to Bury’s play as they fight to progress up the League One pecking order.

The midfield spoiler struggled to cement a regular first-team place in his first year after signing from Hamilton last June.

But, with the return of loanee Giles Coke back to Sheffield Wednesday, he has slotted in well alongside Steven Schumacher and Peter Sweeney as the perfect foil for their more attacking endeavour.

“I want to establish myself as one of the main midfielders in the squad and hopefully play every week,” said the 25-year-old Warrington-born player.

The young midfielder is already showing the benefit of a full pre-season after a difficult start to his Gigg Lane career.

After an early injury, Carrington was laid low with a blood clot and struggled to get back to full fitness until the spring.

“Last year was a stop-start season, obviously coming in late and then getting injured, but I felt that I picked up towards the end of the campaign and came into a bit of form.

“I’m happy to have been able to do a full pre-season and will hopefully make a good start. I’ve got a one-year deal so hopefully I can do well, get an extension and stay longer.”

Carrington ended up making 21 appearances, including 12 league starts, but should top that this campaign after featuring in Bury’s first competitive match against Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup on Saturday.

Exactly how many games he plays will depend largely on the formation Peter Shirtliff chooses, whether he starts with two or three in centre midfield.

Not that the young midfielder is bothered either way.

“I don’t care if the gaffer wants me to play in a midfield three or four, I’m happy to play in any formation,” he said.

“My main job is to break up play, tackle and then get on the ball and try to start a few moves off as well.”