BURY manager Alan Knill has urged the Gigg Lane faithful to remain positive during a turbulent time for the team.

After a fantastic start to the season, the Shakers have hit the buffers by losing five successive home games.

Sections of the crowd have been vocal in their anger at the team’s recent run, but the Bury manager is determined to keep things in perspective.

“It’s not all doom and gloom,” said Knill, whose side stand just two points off an automatic promotion place in League Two.

“We have had a chat this week, and we have decided it’s down to silly mistakes really. We are determined to put that right because once we cut out the mistakes, we are not far off. Most of the teams that started the season well have had dips, and if we had drawn a few of the games we have lost we would be in the top three.

“We realise the majority of the fans are behind us, and I understand supporters have a right to an opinion when they pay their money, but we have been booed off the pitch this season when we have been fourth and seventh in the league table.

“It doesn’t help the players, they need the fans to support them. It’s not as if we are clueless out there on the pitch, we are creating plenty of chances but we are missing them and making silly mistakes.

“I’m sure that with everyone’s help, including the supporters, we can turn this around.”

Gillingham, who knocked Bury out of the FA Cup just a fortnight ago, return to Gigg Lane on Saturday and Knill believes his team will put in a much better display this time round.

“In that game Gillingham competed better, won more second balls and did the right things at the right time,” said Knill.

“They edged it in that game, but we had a goal disallowed at 1-0 and that could have made it a different game.

“I am always confident with this team. We have some strong players.”

Andy Bishop, who was used as a second half substitute against Grimsby last weekend, and Ben Futcher are back in contention for starting places.