JERMAINE Beckford is confident every player in the Bury squad will step up to help fill the goalscoring void left by James Vaughan.

The 33-year-old striker joined the Shakers in May after his contract ran out at Championship side Preston.

He netted his first goal for the club during the 3-1 defeat to former club Huddersfield on Sunday, but does not feel under any pressure to repeat Vaughan’s haul of 24 goals last season.

“If you look at the way the team plays it’s not just based around one player,” he said.

“This season you will see there will be goals coming from everywhere.

“We have got some really good attacking midfield players, really good wing-backs and really good wingers.

“We have goalscorers all over the pitch.

“It’s always refreshing to score your first goal and get off the mark. I know it’s just a pre-season game but it’s a weight lifted.

“Saying that, my only goal for this season is promotion.”

It was hoped Beckford would form a lethal partnership with Vaughan this season, but following his sale to Sunderland last Thursday, along with fellow forward George Miller’s departure to Middlesbrough, Bury have moved quickly to plug the gap.

Nicky Ajose has arrived on a season-long loan from Charlton, while the Shakers were yesterday close to the signing of Oxford forward Chris Maguire.

Beckford has assured Ajose and Maguire of a warm welcome in a side that he says has already gelled – on and off the pitch – during a training camp in Marbella.

“It feels like we have known each other for years and years, but this is only the second week we have been together, it’s bizarre,” he said.

“I think it’s a sign of things to come and it’s exciting.

"I’ve said it before but I’m really excited about this coming season.

“You all know where this season can go, and that’s what we’re all aiming for – the next level of English football.

“Who is saying we can’t get there? We know we can.”