POTENTIAL new Gigg Lane supremo Alex Tarsus dropped into Stainton Park on Wednesday night to see the Shakers for the first time.

But the Turkish businessman heading the consortium close to buying a controlling interest in Bury FC was staying tight lipped about any developments on the takeover side.

Instead he looked on with pride as his young son, Edward, donned a Bury shirt for the first time and played his part in a 3-1 victory over the club's UniBond League neighbours Radcliffe Boro.

Asked about the much speculated deal that's hoped will give the Shakers a glittering future Mr Tarsus chose to keep his own counsel.

"I don't want to say anything about that because nothing is concrete," he declared.

"I think the team are doing well considering the condition of the club at the moment and it was only the first game of the season.

"Obviously there are a few players that need to be bought but there are some good youngsters at the club.

"I thought Baichung Bhutia did well tonight and the number ten (Jon Newby) is good.

"This was the first time I have watched the team play and I thought they did well."

After a goalless first period, Indian international Bhutia helped himself to two well taken goals with youngster Adam Martin adding a third but not before Boro had opened the scoring through Dave Collins.

Mr Tarsus' son Edward and Maltese international defender Luke Dimech were the only unfamiliar faces in the Shakers starting eleven.

Both did well with Sliema Wanderers star Dimech looking particularly impressive in a centre back role.

"Luke did really well," said Shakers boss Andy Preece. "He looked full of confidence and being so sharp and fit he recovers well.

"Edward is only a young lad and was very nervous before the kick-off, he's struggling a bit fitnesswise but got better as the game went on."

But Preece was far from happy about the first half display that just seemed to be one offside decision after another.

"I expected us to be quicker to the ball than we were early in the game," he added.

"We were poor but I didn't expect us to be on the same wavelength with it being the first game.

"We sorted one or two things out at half time and I thought we were a lot better in the second half.

"Baichung is looking really sharp and has come back a lot fitter which is showing in training."

As for Preece's potential new boss the Shakers chief also wouldn't speculate but added: "I'm sure he's made up his mind what's going on.

"I've spoken to him a few times now and hopefully things will move forward quickly and we can get on with things."

HTHE Shakers drew 2-2 against a strong Bolton Wanderers team in a closed door friendly at the Reebok on Tuesday.

Andy Preece and young trialist Chris McDonough were on target with Wanderers only levelling in the last ten minutes with two goals from summer signing Henrik Pederson.