Green-eyed Kev runs the rule over relegation rivals (From Bury Times)

Green-eyed Kev runs the rule over relegation rivals

9:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport By Craig Nelson

BURY manager Kevin Blackwell admits to casting an envious eye over Colchester United’s squad after scouting the Kent strugglers ahead of tomorrow’s relegation clash at Gigg Lane.

Michael Smith – a recent signing from Charlton – scored Colchester’s second as they went 2-0 up at the Ricoh Arena in midweek.

And while Coventry pegged two goals back to scrape a draw, the Shakers boss, who is unable to sign new players after the Football League imposed a transfer embargo on Bury, was still impressed with what he saw.

“They looked well organised and worked hard, so will be disappointed not to come away with all three points,” said Blackwell.

“The difference between them and us is that they have been able to sign up a couple of new lads this last week or so, which has given them fresh impetus.

“One of their loan players scored, whereas we know we won’t be able to add to our fire power.”

The draw against Coventry moved Colchester two places above the relegation zone, 10 points clear of Bury, who are bottom of League One.

But the Shakers, who have two matches in hand on the Us, know that a win on Saturday could bring Joe Dunne’s Colchester side right back into the relegation mix.

“All we can do is put as much pressure on everybody else around us as we can,” he said.

“We want to keep all the other teams down there looking over their shoulders.”

Bury missed the chance to haul themselves off the foot of the table on Tuesday night after their match at home to fellow strugglers Scunthorpe United was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The basement battle with Brian Laws’ side – who are a place above the relegation zone – will now be played on Tuesday, April 16, kick off 7.45pm.

The late postponement has at least allowed Blackwell’s players to regroup after a poor performance at Portsmouth last Saturday.

Valery Mezague, who was an unused substitute at Fratton Park, could be in line to make his home debut after recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the first team picture since signing non-contract terms last month.

But Blackwell has warned fans not to expect too much from the 29-year-old Cameroonian midfielder.

“Valery adds something to the squad, but he is not going to be the answer,” said the Bury boss.

“He is a gamble we hope will pay off, but the lad needs games to get up to match fitness, then more games still to get back to the kind of level he was at before he was injured.”