IAN Lawson's departure to Stockport could be the start of a mass clear-out at Gigg Lane.

The Shakers are reckoned to be ready to offload some of their playing staff, to stave off the financial wolves baying at the door and get rid of some dead wood.

But it's not all doom and gloom. The kids are all right and talented trio Matt Barrass, Danny Swailes and Martyn Forrest all committed themselves to the club this week by signing new extended contracts that will keep them at Gigg Lane for the next two-and-a-half years.

Lawson agreed terms after talking to First Division Stockport on Wednesday night to cement the £150,000 deal, and Bury chairman Terry Robinson said: "It's disappointing for the club, but under the present circumstances, due to the situation involving our major shareholder and our inability to bring in funds, the only way we can raise substantial amounts of cash at present is by selling players." Player-manager Andy Preece said: "I didn't want Ian to go and neither did the chairman. We had a long chat, but it's down to the club's present financial situation.

"Ian got wind of it and he wanted to go. These things happen. Now we have just got to get on with it."

Bury will be bidding to get on with it against Second Division leaders Preston at Deepdale tomorrow. The Shakers will be chasing their third successive victory - and that would be a personal best for the season if they manage it.

Paul Barnes faces a fitness test, but Paul Reid and Dean Barrick are available after suspension. Andy Woodward, Chris Swailes and Sam Collins are not yet ready for first team returns.

Baichung Bhutia comes into the equation as Preece says: "We have several permutations. Lutel James and Adrian Littlejohn can play up front. Kemajl Avdiu and Baichung could also come into it."

Preston are hoping to give a debut to 22-year-old Scots flyer Ian Anderson. He has been brought in from French First Division club Toulouse on loan to cover for the injured Lee Cartwright. If the paperwork is completed in time Anderson, who played for Dundee before journeying to France, will play against the Shakers.

Preston's dream-team midfield partnership of skipper Sean Gregan and Mark Rankine is likely to resume action with Rankine returning from suspension. If he does Paul McKenna will drop out.

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