THERE was good news for cash-strapped Bury and boss Andy Preece this week.

The beleagured manager was cheered by the arrival of experienced Graham Barrow, who has been being brought in as coach while cancer victim Billy Ayre is recovering from his illness.

Then the boss and the club received some welcome support from Alex Tarsus, the man behind the consortium waiting to take control of the club.

First, though, Barrow's experience during management spells with Chester, Wigan Athletic and Rochdale will be invaluable to Preece, who was delighted with the news.

"I've not worked with Graham before but I've had some run-ins with him on the field so I know what a great competitor he is," he said.

On the takeover front, consortium head Alex Tarsus allayed fears that he and his associates were set to walk away from the club following a nine match run of defeats.

Difficult time

And he urged fans to get behind Preece and club chairman Terry Robinson.

"I think the fans calling for the heads of Terry Robinson and the manager is out of order. Now is the time to get behind them as they are both doing their best during a difficult time for the club."

The one worry for the Shakers is the length of time it is taking for the proposed takeover to go through - a problem not lost on Mr Tarsus.

"I'm as frustrated as anyone," he said this week. "We are trying to do it as quickly as possible but there are things to sort out that I cannot talk about at the moment."

The worry for Shakers fans, however, is that if the bad run of results go on will it cool the interest shown by the possible buyers?

Not according to Mr Tarsus although he made the point that the current world situation is having an effect on business trends.

"A lot of my colleages have lost money on the stock market but even if they found they could not help I will do everything I can to assist the club.

"Supporters should understand that things are being sorted out slowly but surely."