ON the eve of the season Andy Preece has a message for his players: Go and make yourself millionaires.

As the Shakers prepare to start their league campaign at Tranmere's Prenton Park tomorrow, the manager has openly told his players that they should be playing at a higher level and wants them to perform so well, they will get snapped up by bigger clubs.

With that would come untold riches and the manager believes it is within reach of all his players.

"All the players here should be aiming to play at a higher level," explained the Bury manager.

"They don't want to be second division players. There is so much money in the game these days and all they need to do is their pull their fingers out a bit and they can get it.

"They are within touching distance of playing at the top level and they proved that against Manchester United.

"The young lads that played against United probably learned more in five minutes than they would in six months. They know what I expect of them now and I want us to play like that for 90 minutes every match this season."

One man who might be earning big bucks in the Premier League one day is goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.

His wonder display against Alex Ferguson's men earned him rave reviews in every national newspaper.

But Preece revealed today that it was a good job Kenny played well - because the keeper isn't guaranteed his place in the team!

"There is a bit more pressure on Paddy this year because Glynn Garner has returned from the pre-season break looking very good indeed," revelaed the boss.

"Paddy is a top class keeper but he will definitely have a fight on his hands this season."

The Shakers team which started Wednesday night's United clash is expected to begin against Tranmere. Rovers boss Dave Watson was in the stand on a scouting mission when Bury played United.

Meanwhile, the Shakers received the perfect boost yesterday when midfielder Matt Murphy completed his protracted move from Oxford United. Murphy signed a 12-month deal.

Chairman Terry Robinson said: "He is a good player and he is someone who can score goals from midfield, which is what we were missing.

"He's got 24 goals in the past two seasons at Oxford so hopefully he can do the same here.

"We needed someone with experience to replace Nick Daws and as we've a predominantly young team we think he can link up with Paul Reid in the engine room in the middle of the park and be a useful player."