SHAKERS' manager Graham Barrow reckons the state of the Gigg Lane pitch is a big reason why his side are saving their best displays for their travels.

Speaking after Tuesday night's home 1-1 draw with struggling Southend United, the Bury boss was critical of the deteriorating surface and went as far as saying it could have scuppered chances of promotion last season.

The pitch, which was for a long time rated as one of the best in the country, has taken a turn for the worse in recent months, even though Swinton Lions Rugby League club no longer add to the problems by playing their home matches there.

And it's a problem that Barrow believes is putting the skids under the team's chances of picking up vital home points.

"I don't like to go on about it and I'm not pointing the finger at anyone at the club, but the pitch isn't good enough," he said.

"Some of our best football is being played away from home and the fans who watched us at Oxford on Saturday were well pleased with the display.

"But at home they show their disappointment but we can't do any more.

"The backpasses that were going to Glyn (Garner) would make you a nervous wreck, Danny Swailes, Dave Challinor and Colin Woodthorpe are trying to play at the back and Terry Dunfield's trying to play Premier League football, but it's not coming off.

"Danny set himself for a pass three or four times tonight and mishit the ball, everybody knows he is a better player than that but there is a reason why it is happening.

"It is the third year I have been at the club and every season all the football is played before Christmas.

"I honestly think it could have cost us relegation two years ago and promotion last season."

Groundsman Mike Curtis is well aware of the criticism of the pitch which was long rated as one of the best in the country.

He points to the remedial work that has been carried out in recent summers and a lack of time to let the pitch settle afterwards.

"For the past three summers we have skimmed back to the grass roots and effectively laid a brand new pitch," he said.

"But unfortunately there are then only ten weeks before the season starts and it isn't enough for the surface to really establish itself.

"A recent bad couple of months with the weather hasn't helped it either.

"But this summer we won't be totally ripping up the pitch but will leave some of the grass on and reseed it.

"Hopefully we'll see some improvement next season."