STOCKBROKER Hugh Eaves, Bury's financial saviour, is backing the Shakers to get into Division One but warns that he does not have unlimited funds.

The Tottington-born millionaire has ploughed a small fortune into Gigg Lane to help keep it afloat and has bankrolled further spending this term because he dreams of seeing his beloved Bury in the First Division and ultimately floated on the Stock Exchange.

"If we get into the First Division it will change, fundamentally and irrevocably, the finances of this club," he said on Tuesday (March 4) night. "The money which comes from central funds - including television cash - would transform Bury FC.

"That is one reason why we are absolutely committed to winning promotion this season. We haven't suddenly got millions to spend but, within our budget, we are determined to give it our best shot. The chairman, myself and the manager are in constant dialogue."

Floatation on the stock market could be the only conceivable way for Mr Eaves to claw back some of the £2.5 million he has ploughed into the club. He would certainly prefer that to selling prized assets such as Chris Lucketti.

That is understandable because the Shakers would receive the first £100,000 of any money they get for Lucketti and then Halifax - from whom the Shakers bought the £750,000-rated defender - would be entitled to 20% of the rest of the fee.

Lucketti's defensive partner Paul Butler is back for tomorrow's trip to Stockport but Bury will be without Mark Carter who starts a two-match ban.

Ronnie Jepson could be back in the frame after missing two games through injury. If he doesn't make it, Tony Battersby - on-loan from Notts County - will start. Battersby scored in the reserves' midweek win over Scarborough.

Rob Matthews' knee injury will keep him on the sidelines.

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