THE words cash-strapped, struggling and crisis have all been banned from the corridors of Gigg Lane writes Chris Hall

This year Bury FC have suffered the anguish and anxiety of a team on Death Row - at one stage they were even strapped to the chair and being read the last rites.

But they have emerged from the longest, darkest tunnel in their 117-year existence just about in one piece, after massive cost-cutting measures, and are now eagerly anticipating a positive Division Three campaign.

Since narrowly escaping liquidation in May, the first team squad has been slashed and many players released without replacement as the last few drops were rung out of the Shakers wage bill.

And, with Bury blazing a trail in football terms by deciding to only spend what they can afford, manager Andy Preece has been left the difficult task of dragging the club back up into Division Two using only 19 largely young and inexperienced players.

But there's a renewed feeling of optimism sweeping around the club which so recently bore a mortuary-esque ambience.

"At times I thought that if we could just be here for this season, it would be a bonus," admitted Preece.

"It was an amazing effort by everybody concerned. Our fans rallied around with bucket collections in the pouring rain to try and keep us afloat. It has taken a lot of hard work and it's great to be in the position we are now."

Like Preece, co-chairmen Fred Mason and John Smith have also ridden the storm long enough to have no difficulty in motivating themselves for the new campaign, which kicks-off at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

"Of course we are confident," insists a defiant Mason.

"A lot depends on how many spectators we get through the door but I think we will do very well. We haven't got a massive squad and, in fact, our wage bill is still a bit high. But we have some great young players coming through and that has to be the future of Bury Football Club."

Neither Mason or Smith looked likely to see this season through in charge, with a proposed takeover by Sale Sharks rugby union boss Brian Kennedy coming to light the moment Bury emerged from administration.

But Kennedy's prime concern was always finding a new home for his Sharks rather than the survival of one of football's oldest clubs and this time there were plenty of relieved faces when the multi-millionaire pulled out.

Now there may not be as much free cash to play with but at least Shakers fans can rest easy in the knowledge that their club is being run by two of their own, who have proved they are not willing to walk away from a challenge.

"There's no-one on the horizon with a pot of money, so John and myself are looking at keeping the club going in the longer term," added Mason.

"It will be a struggle but, when I look at the figures, I can see that it is workable.

"But we have to get off this thing about cash-strapped Bury. We've got a fine young squad. Let's see how we start.

"We've got sponsors on board and the pitch is looking great. We just need a few good results to get the attendance up. Promotion is definitely a possibility."

Their cause has been greatly helped by managing to keep hold of top strikers Gareth Seddon and Jon Newby, while teenage sensation David Nugent could be ready to make a name for himself after impressing at the end of last season.

And Preece, also set for another year up front after shaking off niggling injury problems, believes goals will be the key to their promotion bid.

"I would say it's a very similar league to Division Two. One where you must take your chances when they come and, if your strikers can get 15 or 20 goals each, then you are going to be up there," he said.

"We will have to make sure that we don't give too many chances away either but it's definitely there to have a go at. There's nothing for us to fear but it's not going to be easy. This will be a tough season."