THE man behind the consortium waiting to take control of Bury FC has broken his silence in the wake of the club's dismal start to the season.

Yorkshire-based Turkish businessman Alex Tarsus is urging ALL fans and townsfolk alike to get behind chairman Terry Robinson and manager Andy Preece.

Speaking exclusively to the Bury Times Mr Tarsus hopes to allay fears that he and his associates are about to walk away from the club as circumstances beyond their control drag out the completion of the deal.

The Shakers have lost their last nine consecutive games but he firmly believes the players are not as bad as their league position says and it is their performances - not that of the manager or chairman - that should be under the spotlight.

"I think the fans calling for the heads of the manager and chairman is out of order," he declared.

"It is time to get behind them as they are both doing their best during a difficult time for the club.

"Andy Preece is a young manager who is working hard on and off the field, he needs support not criticism.

"While Terry Robinson is an honourable man, he IS Mr Bury FC and I would not be interested in taking over the club without him.

"I stand by them both 100 per cent. The players are being well paid to put in performances and their wages are secure so there should be no problem there."

Mr Tarsus also explained that he is as frustrated as anyone else about the length of time it is taking for the handover of the club.

"We are trying to arrange this takeover as quickly as possible but there are things to sort out that I cannot talk about at the moment," he added.

"Things are out of my hands, and these are difficult times, especially with the turmoil in the world at the moment.

"A lot of my colleagues have lost money on the Stock Market but even if they found they could not help I will do everything I can to assist the club.

"So supporters should understand that things are being sorted out slowly but surely."

It's been the shortage of information coming from the club about the progress of the takeover has understandably left fans confused and worried.

Clearly, Mr Tarsus hopes his words will quell any discontent as the last thing he and his associates want is to gain control of a disunited Gigg Lane set-up.