SHAKERS chairman Fred Mason has assured Andy Preece that his job is safe during special talks with his manager this week writes Chris Hall

Preece was alarmed by radio reports that a big-spending consortium was set to take control of the club and install former Manchester United and England ace Lee Sharpe as the new Bury boss for next season.

But Mason was quick to quash the rumours, insisting only a tentative enquiry had been made by an anonymous party last week.

And, in a clear-the-air meeting at Gigg Lane, Mason reiterated his belief that Preece is the right man for the job, after steering Shakers to within 90 minutes of the play-off final just 12 months after the club narrowly escaped extinction.

"We are very happy with Andy as manager and we don't want to rock the boat," said Mason.

"He's done a great job in difficult circumstances. Unlike at big spending clubs like Hull and Northampton, his job here revolves around cash flow and finance as well as what goes on on the field.

"So there are no problems with Andy at all and he will remain our manager as long as the current regime is in residence."

But exactly how long that will be is up for debate. Mason and co-chairman John Smith have worked wonders to keep Bury FC afloat since those dark days of adminisitration last year.

But, even after some serious slashing of the wage bill this summer, the club remains in desperate need of financial aid and Mason admitted he was open to offers to sell not only the players, but the club itself.

"Every player is effectively up for sale and we have to look at anyone who shows an interest in buying the club, providing it's for the benefit of Bury Football Club," he said.

"We will survive through the summer okay after releasing several players but the longer we carry on, the more trimming we will have to do.

"Our attendances last season were very poor so we have to look at improving our income from other areas."