Knill wants to sample derby day cheer

9:20am Thursday 28th August 2008

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ALAN Knill is hoping to hand the Shakers supporters a derby day victory on Saturday – and extend Bury’s best start to a league season in more than 50 years.

The in-form Gigg Laners travel the short distance to Rochdale hoping to make it four wins out of four in League Two, and Bury manager Knill knows just how important the game is to the club’s fans.

“We know there is a lot of pride at stake,” said Knill, who played in the cauldron of a Swansea versus Cardiff derby as a player. “It’s the one game the supporters look forward too.

“Both sets of supporters get behind their team and create the type of atmosphere players thrive on.

“More people come to these games than any other game in the season and that sums up how important it is.

“I enjoyed the last derby between the two sides because both sides played some good football.

“The three points are the most important thing, though, and hopefully we can get them.”

Knill is an admirer of Rochdale’s recent achievements, which culminated in a play-off final defeat to Stockport at Wembley in May. Keith Hill has transformed the club, and Knill hopes he can lead Bury to similar heights - and higher.

“Rochdale did fantastically well last year,” said Knill. “They finished the previous season strong and then reached the play-off final in May.

“They have built up a strong squad, and I know they will be up there again this season. I’d like to think we can do similar things.

“They have got a bit of financial clout from having played in the play-off final, and they are one of the few clubs in the league who can afford to buy players.

“They will have been disappointed with the end result at Wembley, but they feeling the benefits now in terms of money.”

Bury go into the game in fine fettle having beaten Brentford, Chesterfield and Morecambe in their opening three games of the season. Rochdale present a tough test, however, and Knill is determined to keep his players grounded.

“We have been training well this week,” said Knill, who has no injury concerns ahead of the trip across the M62. “We had them in during the morning and afternoon on Tuesday. That was a tough session. They might have thought it’s all too easy after winning three games in a row, so we have brought them back down to earth.

“The lads are looking fit and strong though. They did well in pre-season and that has continued. The most pleasing aspect is the fact they look like a team on the pitch.

“They are not a load of individuals. They are a team and they will all back each other up.”

The transfer window slams shut on Monday evening, and Knill is keeping his fingers crossed that he starts September with all of his players in tow.

“I doubt we will be bringing anyone in and I hope nobody leaves,” said Knill. “This would be a bad time for somebody to leave.

“We have not heard from anybody about any of our players and I hope that stays the same. I would be delighted to see the window shut and everyone still be at the club.”