SHAKERS boss Andy Preece has thrown the gauntlet down to reserve goalkeeper Glynn Garner after resigning himself to losing Paddy Kenny for good.

Kenny, arguably Bury's brightest young talent, was snapped up by Division One outfit Sheffield United on a three-month loan earlier this week.

And Preece, struggling with a tiny squad due to massive cost cutting measures at the cash-strapped club, is certain Kenny will not be returning to Gigg Lane when his loan spell ends.

"I'm pretty sure it's going to be a permanent deal," he said.

"Obviously I wish him all the best. He did a good job for me and this club and he should do well.

"Now Glynn has a fantastic opportunity. He's been waiting for this chance for a while and has been pushing Paddy hard for a long time now.

"I said at the end of last season that they had to prove to me who was the club's number one 'keeper because they were both running so close. Glynn could actually have been our first choice ahead of Paddy anyway."

Despite the prospect of recouping some cash from a transfer fee for Kenny, Preece remained pessimistic over the possibility of bringing a fresh face to Gigg Lane, either permanently or on-loan.

Shakers have had a number of players joining them for pre-season training including Crewe Alexandra centre back Steve Macauley, available on a free transfer from Gresty Road this summer.

But Preece insists the funds are still not available to make a signing.

"At this moment in time we don't have any money available to replace Paddy or bring any other new players in," he said.

"We really need a big crowd for the Manchester City friendly. Maybe then we will get some money to spend on a player or two. I'm really just hanging on for that."

Better news for Preece is that David Borley is recovering rapidly from surgery and will definitely be fit for the start of the season.

"David's coming along well after his hernia operation and he should be able to play some part in the pre-season friendlies," said Preece.

"That's great news because we need everybody to be fit. We are really struggling for numbers so we need to get everyone fit and keep them that way for the rest of the season.

"On the down side, Gareth Seddon has a slight problem with his back and he won't be involved for a while."