BURY chairman Terry Robinson will have a message of hope for those who arrive for the Open Day on Sunday, writes STEVE CANAVAN.

Robinson said: "We have managed to get through the summer and the takeover appears to be progressing but we need 5,000 fans to guarantee survival until it happens."

Losing skipper Nick Daws and record signing Chris Swailes on free transfers has been a huge blow for the club.

Money is tighter than ever and, as Robinson admits, if crowds do not increase, then it will be virtually imporrible to keep the club going.

"We need 5,000 at the first game just to give us a fighting chance of surviving," said the Bury chairman.

"That is going to be the theme of the open day because we need fans to realise this and to make an effort to come to the game and bring others with them.

"Under normal circumstances we would have expected to get at least half a million for players like Nick Daws and Chris Swailes but they have left for nothing. If there is no transfer income before the start of the season how can clubs like ours be expected to survive?

"We have to try and reduce the size of the squad - so the wage bill will decrease - and improve attendances.

"We are taking care of the first part but it is only the spectators who can make sure we get bigger gates.

"If this town wants a football club then we need at least 5,000 through the gate when we play Queens Park Rangers at Gigg Lane on 18 August."

That message will be spelt out to all fans who attend this Sunday's open day at the club, from 12 noon to 4pm.

The club are hoping for a big turn out for the open day, when the manager, the team and all the background staff will be on hand to chat to the supporters.

However, the main priority will be to make Bury fans aware of how important it is to support their team during this time of crisis.

The takeover of the club has still not been resolved and the money is running out.