BURY have been tipped as surprise promotion favourites by a rival Second Division manager.

QPR's Ian Holloway reckons Andy Preece has done a great job at Gigg Lane and believes the side will do well this season.

That assessment flies in the face of all the pundits, who made Bury favourites for relegation.

But Holloway's judgement should be trusted, after all he has seen the Shakers at first hand when his QPR team beat Bury 2-1 last weekend.

However, Holloway's side were lucky to get the three points and the manager was impressed at the opposition.

"I wish Bury all the best," said Holloway. "Big Preecey has got a good side there and they are much better than last year.

"I have to be honest, it's the sort of chap I am. Andy has improved his side and I feel that they will be there or there abouts come the end of the season."

The words of encouragement will bring some cheer after Tuesday's Worthington Cup defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday.

This weekend is an important one for Preece's side. Huddersfield away on Saturday will be a stern test, followed by a Bank Holiday home clash against Swindon Town.

Meanwhile Huddersfield captain and former Shaker Chris Lucketti is on the verge of joining Preston North End.

He is reported to be moving for a fee in the region of £750,000 to £1million. That is bad news for Bury as it is believed Lucketti's sell-on clause only gives Bury a percentage of any fee over £1m.