SHAKERS have appointed three new directors to help steer them clear of financial strife - but don't expect any major signings just yet!

Lifelong fans Ian Harrop, Roger Barlow and Jim Lomas will be officially accepted on to the Gigg Lane board at an AGM next month and will immediately set about reducing the club's crippling debt.

They have already been boosted by pledged investment from four 'associate directors' but Lomas, their boardroom representative, claimed the extra cash would merely provide a safety net and would not pave the way for any new signings. "We don't know what sort of crowds we will be getting next season so it is great to know that these additional funds are available if required," he said.

"They aren't saying 'here's a million pounds, go and buy some players.' This is about helping the survival of the club and making sure there are funds to keep the club going."

Lomas, the 58-year-old owner of a Bury engineering business, will be joined at board level by an elected member from both of the club's trusts.

Barlow, a fan since 1948 who recently sold his textiles business, was voted in by members of the Forever Bury supporters' trust and will provide a mouthpiece for fans. "It's vital that the directors get to know what the supporters are thinking and that they keep the fans informed about what's going on inside the club," he said.

Harrop, 44, also has a strong business background with two metalwork companies to his name but also comes with 30 years of fundraising experience with Shakers. Most recently he was one of the trustees of the Save Our Shakers fundraising trust and is confident the club can pull clear of their cashflow crisis.

"I can remember when we were 91st out of 92 teams in the league and only getting gates of around 1,200. So if people think we are in a bad state now, they should remember where we have come from," he said.