BURY’S player of the season Steven Schumacher has not ruled out continuing his three-year love affair with the Shakers, but admits his future remains in doubt.

Manager Kevin Blackwell has admitted that the cash-strapped club will probably have to sell at least two players in the summer to help balance the books.

And Schumacher, along with winger cum full-back David Worrall, is at the top of the list of saleable assets.

“I can’t tell you the answers because I think that it’s probably out of my hands,” he said.

“I would say the investment, and people coming in, and the direction the club goes in, I think that is going to determine where a lot of the players are going to be.”

Schumacher is one of only nine players with a contract at Bury extending past June.

The others still tied to the club include Worrall, goalkeeper Trevor Carson, defenders Adam Lockwood and Phil Picken, midfielders Shane Byrne and Craig Jones, and strikers Shaun Harrad and Andy Bishop.

According to the 29-year-old, the contracted players, as well as those sweating on new deals, are all waiting on the outcome of ongoing talks with potential investors before considering their next move.

But he admits that the challenge of playing at a higher level is uppermost in his thoughts.

“ I think the chairman, the directors and the board are going to have to get their heads together and think who they are going to need to keep and who they are going to let go if the budget is going to be slashed, like I’ve heard it’s going to be,” he said.

“I’ve always believed in my own ability and I think, given the opportunity, like any player, if anyone gets the chance to go and play in the Championship or at a higher level, you don’t know until you try it.

“You need to get a little bit of luck and hope that somebody likes you and gives you an opportunity and, if someone like that does come in then great.

“But if they didn’t then I would play at any level.

“It’s out of my hands. I believe in my ability and, if I’m given the chance to go somewhere I think I could do a good job.”

Despite Schumacher sounding as if he is already preparing for the Gigg Lane exit, the young father of two is eager to ensure Bury fans understand he remains fully committed to the club.

“If I go somewhere I hope the Bury fans don’t think that I’m jumping ship or anything like that,” he said.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with everybody here, not only the fans but the staff and everyone.

“I would say it has probably been the best time in my football career. I’ve enjoyed it the most, so if it continues, then great, but if not then I’ll only have good memories.”