THE expected price for a chance to become a member of the Shakers first team squad has been smashed beyond all expectations.

Auction organisers at Gigg Lane were hopeful of raising around £1,000 but the current bid for this unique experience now stands at £6,025.

There is no sign of things slowing down and at the moment, the auction is rising by around £1,500 per day. Amazingly there is still another 50 days before bidding closes.

BURY boss Andy Preece will know how much he can spend on new signings within five weeks.

It has been a frustrating time for the Shakers supremo as the club's financial crisis has forced him to offload 11 players over recent months, with little or no money available for replacements.

But it is hoped that a deal can be struck to wipe out the club's £1.3million debt by May 31 and that the new owners would soon be able to advise Preece over how much, or little, cash he will have at his disposal.

Joint administrator Matthew Dunham promised that, should Bury's creditors and the potential buyers agree terms by the end of the month, the administrators would beat a fast and smooth retreat to allow the club to progress.

"If the deal goes through in time, there's no reason why we can't hand over control of the club within two weeks afterwards," he said.

"That's what I want because Andy Preece needs to know what players he can keep and how many, if any, he can bring in.

"I couldn't really say how much he is likely to have. That will be down to whoever takes over. My aim is solely to make sure that the club exists next season."

Dunham claimed negotiations were picking up pace en-route to a creditors and shareholders meeting later this month and that details of the offer, believed to have been tabled by the Supporters' Trust, will be released next week.

He added that all the uncertainty over the club's future would impact on season ticket sales for next season.

"The fans also want and deserve to know what's going on," he said.

"They are probably sick to the back teeth of me telling them we have to go back to court but there was simply no way around it.

"It's bound to have an effect on season ticket sales. So far we've sold £125,000 worth, which is great considering our predicament but we are looking for at least half as much again.

"The fans' support has been great but there are those who aren't prepared to take that risk. There is the perception that they might pay their money then I'll just wind up the club, take the cash and jet off to Rio! But I promise that's not going to happen."