TURKISH businessman Alex Tarsus - the man heading a consortium on the verge of buying Bury Football Club - was at Radcliffe Boro last night to watch the Shakers first pre-season friendly.

He was impressed with Bury's 3-1 win and with the performance of his son, 18-year-old Edward. But Mr Tarsus was remaining tight-lipped about his bid to buy the Gigg Lane club.

''I don't want to say anything about that,'' he said. ''I thought my son did well. He has played at Bradford and Doncaster so he knows about the English game.

''The team did extremely well given the conditions and the fact that it is the first game of the season. Obviously there are a few players that need to be bought but there are some good young players at the club. This is the first time I've seen them play. They did well.''

Mr Tarsus and his consortium have had a bid for the club accepted but it needs High Court approval.

That should be heard by August 8 - just in time for the start of the new season.

Though he would not speculate on the deal, manager Andy Preece was more forthcoming.

''I'm sure he's made up his mind what's going on,'' explained the boss. ''I've spoken to him a few times and hopefully things willl move forward pretty quick now and we can get on with things.''

The game itself was most notable for the debut of new boys, Tarsus junior and Maltese trialist Luke Dimech, who both looked assured.

Jon Newby missed two chances in a goalless first half before Boro went ahead on 55 minutes when Dave Collins pounced on a Paddy Kenny fumble.

The Shakers hit back in style, Baichung Bhutia scoring two good goals and substitute Adam Martin sealing victory.

''I was pleased with the result,'' said Preece. ''Baichung did well and linked up play really well. Hopefully he will go from strength to strength in that position.

''We were much better second half after a poor start but I didn't expect it to be perfect straightaway.

''There's no point peaking yet though. We're working towards that first game at Tranmere and being ready for then.''

Preece was pleased with the new boys and had words for out of favour star Darren Bullock, who played an hour before being replaced. The manager said a fit Bullock ''with his head on'' would be an asset to the team.