UNCERTAINTY remains over who will be the next manager of Carlisle United as Bury prepare to visit Brunton Park tomorrow.

But one thing is clear in David Flitcroft’s mind – the Shakers’ supporters expect their team to win.

Bury are sixth in the League Two table and unbeaten in five matches, while Carlisle are third bottom, still waiting for their first win of the season. “I think the expectation from media, from the fans, from the players and the management is to win every game,” said Flitcroft.

“It was no different last season, when we had to win games to stay in the league. This season is a different pressure, but it is a fantastic pressure to have.

“The players have embraced it and Carlisle is another opportunity for us to go and be competitive and pit our wits against what was a League One team last season.”

Carlisle were expected to bounce back from relegation to challenge for League Two honours, but moved quickly to sack manager Graham Kavanagh after a poor start to the campaign.

Tony Caig and Paul Thirlwell have been handed temporary charge of the team, leading Carlisle to victory over Accrington Stanley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and a 4-4 draw at home to Wimbledon last weekend.

Managing director John Nixon moved to quell speculation about a new appointment, saying on Wednesday that he did not expect to have a permanent successor to Kavanagh in place before tomorrow’s game.

But Flitcroft says the uncertainty will not affect his preparations.

“The two lads in charge now have steadied the ship, but there had been talk of another manager coming in this week, so we don’t know who it is going to be,” said the Bury boss.

“When it is like that we just have to concentrate on what we do and the effect we can have on their team.

“That’s what we have been working on – how we can be effective against Carlisle and reach high standards. I am after a real driven performance on Saturday.”

Captain Jim McNulty will return after missing last Saturday’s goalless draw at Wycombe through suspension.

He is also confident striker Danny Nardiello and midfield anchorman Kelvin Etuhu will be fit after the pair were given injections in midweek to help them recover from groin injuries. Veteran striker Clive Platt is also nearing a return from a calf problem.