CASH-strapped Bury FC's chances of an immediate return to Division Two could hinge on one fixture - the pre-season friendly against Manchester City.

Manager Andy Preece reckons his limited squad, decimated by desperate cost cutting measures at the end of last season, is only a couple of loan signings away from making a serious promotion challenge.

But, with the threat of liquidation only recently averted, his hopes of expanding the club''s wage bill will rest on how much cash they can raise from the high profile clash with Kevin Keegan's Premiership outfit at Gigg Lane on July 31.

Until then, Preece admits he has to put all thoughts of a loan move on hold.

"At this moment, there's no movement on the loan front. It really all depends on if we can get a good crowd for the City game," he said.

"It would be nice to get a full house like we did against Manchester United last year. The more people we get watching, the more chance we have of getting new players in.

"The reason we aren't one of the favourites for promotion is because we have such a small squad and if we pick up a few injuries, it's going to be very difficult.

"But if we can just get a couple of players on board, we can be back among the favourites again."

The wait will be a frustrating one for Preece, who has already pinpointed the areas of his squad which need improvement and even lined up some potential targets.

"I think we are a little bit short in midfield and we could do with a couple of wide men," he said.

"We have some good strikers but we have to get the ball out wide more often so we can give them better service.

"I have spoken to a few clubs about getting loan players in and trying to sort wages out.

"We have one or two things ongoing at the moment but it's just a matter of finances. The key is really how much we can afford to spend."

Tickets for the clash with the Blues are available from Gigg Lane commercial office or over the telephone on 0161 705 2144.

Admission costs £10 for adults and £5 concessions.