Angry Casper in new ultimatum

The Bury boss was left seething and emotional after the game, admitting he felt badly let down at the quality of performance up in Cumbria.

It was the Shakers' second four goal defeat in a matter of days, following close on the heels of a 4-1 reverse at Peterborough earlier in the week.

A radical improvement was expected and when that wasn't forthcoming he didn't mince his words, declaring that some players may never play for him again.

But if anyone believed it was an overeaction and that he would backtrack in the cold light of day, nothing could be further from the truth.

"What I said still stands, it was a strong statement and I'm not going to go back on it," he said.

"And as far as people not playing for the club again, that might still be true.

"I didn't single any of the players out and I have no intention of doing so, it was a statement that went out to all the team.

"What I will say is that if some of the lads think the threat applies to them and the cap fits, they had better do something about it.

"They have to get their passion back for the club. We have been spot on for the first 16 games and we need to get back to that standard."

However, Casper was pleased to report that in training this week he has had an excellent reaction from the players, which has to be a good sign.

The squad had a meeting on Monday and the manager believes that what he has said has hit home.

"Their attitude this week in training has been first class," he added.

"They've 'upped the bar' again and we'll be ready for what is a massive game against Torquay on Saturday.

"We need a quick response and get back doing the things we were doing well weeks ago.

"This season, I have seen opposition reports on us saying we are very hard working, honest with good quality and difficult to break down.

"But in the last two games we have lost all that and we need to get back to basics."

With the transfer window now open, the manager is on the lookout for players to bolster his squad.

Three were due to be in action for the reserves against Carlisle's second string at Radcliffe Boro on Wednesday afternoon.

Simon Weaver is a 28-year-old central defender who has played for Lincoln City, Macclesfield and Kidderminster in recent years but has been on the books of Nationwide Conference outfit Scarborough.

The two others are promising youngsters from out of the successful Sheffield United production line.

Colin Maddison is a highly-rated centre-forward who has played, and scored, for the first team this season, while also making the trip from Bramall Lane is left-sided midfielder Kyle Nix who was in the England Under-20 squad with former Shakers Dave Nugent earlier this season.

As one door opens, another closes and Doncaster striker Ben Saunders has been allowed to return to Belle Vue after only two weeks at Gigg.

"Maybe it was a little too early for Ben," explained Casper.

"It didn't cost us much to have a look at him, it was just a gamble that didn't come off but he will come back fitter and stronger."

Casper also explained that any deal for Danny Reet is dead in the water as he is expected to sign for Mansfield Town for a fee.

Only goalkeeper Neil Edwards (shoulder) and left-back Tom Kennedy (hamstring) are missing for the visit of fellow strugglers Torquay United on Saturday (3pm).

The Gulls have been buoyed by last weekend's superb 0-0 draw against Premiership Birmingham City at Plainmoor in the FA Cup.

It is to be hoped that one or two of their players have their eye on the replay at St Andrew's next week.

Either way, Casper is expected to shuffle his pack after last Saturday's debacle.

"This will be the first time in two or three weeks that we have been able to train without disruption from the weather," he said.

"Hopefully we will see the improvement on Saturday.

"We have let ourselves down recently and it's time to get back on track."

l The recently postponed home clash against Stockport County has been re-arranged for Tuesday, March 7, kick-off 7.45pm.