SHAKERS boss Andy Preece will be given the cash to bring a new striker and midfielder to Gigg Lane this summer.

After their failed promotion bid, the purse strings are tighter than ever at Bury, with Preece forced to release six first team stars and place a further two on the transfer list.

Star striker Jon Newby's future at the club is also in doubt, having not signed a new contract and already attracting a failed bid from Blackpool.

That leaves the squad for next season looking unnervingly light at just 16 first team players, with a handful of inexperienced youngsters among them.

But, while transfer fees remain out of the question, co-chairman Fred Mason insists Bury still have the funds and the pulling power to make at least two quality additions.

"With us being in the Third Division and only getting gates of around 3,000, it's a struggle just to stay alive, let alone buy anyone," he said.

"But we will definitely need to replace Chris Billy and, with Jon Newby looking for another club, we will need a centre forward. Those are the two main targets.

"Even though we can't afford a transfer fee, there are still plenty of players out there for us.

"Lincoln did a great job last year. They got to the play-off final and most of their players came out of the Conference and the Unibond Leagues, so it's there to be done.

"I think there are enough players on the market to select the right ones for the right money, not just in the Conference but in the Football League as well."