FORMER Liverpool boss Roy Evans reckons Bury are being adversely affected by the moaners and groaners in the Gigg Lane crowd.

The experienced manager believes the Shakers are much better away from home because there is less pressure.

And he says it is a problem common throughout the lower divisions.

After watching his Swindon side demolish Bury 3-0 on Bank Holiday Monday, Evans said: "I think a lot of teams at this level find it difficult.

"A lot of teams get nervous because of the expectation of the home crowd. The players don't perhaps have the same self-belief as the players who play at the top and so it affects them.

"It's difficult for teams like Bury and you could see that when we played them. They were nervous and didn't want to make a mistake.

"The fans have a part to play. If they start getting behind the team instead of criticising them then it helps because it takes all the pressure off."

But his opposite manager, Bury boss Andy Preece - while aware that there is a minority at Gigg Lane who do moan - believes the crowd should not be blamed for putting players off their game.

He takes the opposite view and says it is down to the players to silence the cxritics.

"There would be many players giving up the game long before now if they stopped when you get the crowd on your back," said Preece.

"They are so quiet here that if just one person starts moaning you can hear them across the pitch. It does affect the players but the fans are entitled to their opinions. They will always have their opinions.

"But we have to show stronger character when a few people in the crowd have a go. It's about being strong and just showing people what you can do.

"As soon as you start doing well, show that you are commited, win your 50-50s and show you're not hiding and you're passing well, then the fans will get behind you.

"You can't fool the fans. They can see when people are not quite doing what they should be doing."