IRISH midfielder Brian Barry-Murphy reckons Shakers' fans have plenty to look forward to on the eve of the new Coca Cola League Two season.

Barry-Murphy, a summer signing from Sheffield Wednesday, knows all about life in the league's basement division, from loan spells with Southend United and Hartlepool and he believes the current squad should be looking to make its mark once the campaign kicks off tomorrow afternoon.

"From what I've seen there is nothing to fear in this division," he said.

"After playing on loan I know the standards and the players that are around and without making any bold predictions I think we'll do alright.

"Northampton are the favourites and pound for pound we won't be far behind them.

"It's all about getting off to a positive start, if we do our confidence will rise and anything can happen from there."

Shakers' assistant boss Kelham O'Hanlon knew the versatile left-sided player from his days at Preston North End.

Barry-Murphy spent four years at Deepdale after arriving as a youngster from Irish club Cork City.

He moved to Wednesday after impressing boss Chris Turner while he was on loan at Hartlepool three years ago and Turner was then in charge at Victoria Park.

But it came as something of a surprise for him to be released in the summer, as the financially crippled Hillsborough club made some drastic cost-cutting.

"It was quite late, in the middle of May, when Sheffield released me, which wasn't the best thing to happen," he said.

"I spoke to Graham (Barrow) and he was really positive about the season ahead, and I knew Kelham (O'Hanlon) from my Preston days and that was a big bearing on me coming to the club.

"I've really settled in well since I arrived and can't wait for the season to get started.

"It's important when things aren't going well that you have lads in the team to take responsibility.

"Fortunately, I don't think we'll have any problems in that direction here this season."