CASH-strapped Shakers were given a much-needed injection of money when the visit of Manchester City attracted almost 8,000 to Gigg Lane.

Shakers' wishes for a massive crowd which would free up some funds for beleagured boss Andy Preece were answered in full.

The Bury manager is desperate to bring in some new faces prior to the start of the season - now less than two weeks away and the attendance meant the result - they lost 4-3 after fighting back from 3-0 to draw level at 3-3 - was largely immaterial.

"I'll be more interested in the crowd than the result!" said Preece before the game.

But he must have wished he had even a small percentage of the thirteen million rival boss Kevin Keegan had to spend on two-goal Nicolas Anelka!

The Shakers chief is keener than ever to bring in new recruits after watching an unimpressive 1-0 victory over UniBond League neighbours Radcliffe Boro on Saturday.

Despite a third clean sheet, the lacklustre display was far short of what will be required once the season begins in earnest.

But with money tight after the three months period in administration Preece is being frustrated in his attempts to recruit and for the second time in a few days has missed out on bringing in an experienced hand.

Former Stockport County and Walsall midfielder Tom Bennett was offered a good deal by the Shakers but has plumped to join League newcomers Boston United who made him an much increased offer.

That knockback follows hard on the heels of experienced Crewe defender Steve Macauley's decision to join Rochdale after training with the Gigg Lane men.

"The directors made Tom a very good offer but unfortunately we can't afford anything like what Boston are paying him," said Preece.

"The deal he has got would make him easily the highest paid player at our club.

"Both Tom and Steve wanted to sign for us but they have their own futures and families to think off.

"But it shows just the kind of quality player I am trying to bring to Gigg Lane.

"Those two would have made a massive difference to us.

"We need a bit more quality and it showed against Radcliffe on Saturday.

"Jon Newby is making some great runs and we can't see them - even after he's been with us for eighteen months. He's getting frustrated with it.

"Jon is key to us and if we can get him going he'll be worth a good number of goals this season but if we can't we are going to struggle."