SHAKERS could be ready to turn to experienced midfielder Ian Kilford to get their season back on track writes Chris Hall

It has been a long time between drinks for the former Wigan Athletic ace, who last month signed for Bury on a non-contract basis.

His last competitive appearance was at Colchester back in April and he has remained out in the cold at Gigg Lane, during the club's impressive start to the season.

Losing their seven-match unbeaten run at Bristol on Tuesday night hardly represented the wheels falling off the wagon.

But the warning signs were there in a below par performance at Bournemouth last week and, with players already complaining of tiredness, Bury may need a injection of fresh fuel to prevent all their hard work from unravelling in the coming weeks.

That leaves the stage set for Kilford, ironically from Bristol, whose tireless box-to-box style and 275-match experience could inspire the young Shakers starlets to the next stage of their development.

And Preece was confident the door to the first team squad would soon be opened to Kilford after being impressed by his performances in the reserves.

"He's just trying to work himself into a position where he's getting into the squad. He's on the verge of it now and he's just waiting for an opportunity," he said.

"He's just got to keep doing well in the reserves. He's getting better with each game he plays in and it won't be long before he's getting in the first team."

Where to squeeze Kilford into a crowded midfield would be a difficult quandry for Preece, with on-loan Terry Dunfield looking like the find of the season and Martyn Forrest carrying the skipper's armband.

With Shakers continuing to employ a three centre-back system, that leaves just one place up for grabs and a string of worthy candidates to scrap over it.

"It has been tough for anyone to break into the side while the team has been doing well but we can still do a bit better in that part of the field," said Preece.

"We've tried Chris Billy, George Clegg and Lee Connell in there and we still have Ian and David Borley to come into the equation once he gets himself right.

"But it's great to have that competition for places to keep players fresh."