It seems like an age since the spring sun beamed down on the Shakers fans at the B2net stadium last April. The Bury talisman that clinched promotion that day has since settled in Sheffield and every influential loanee has since been replaced.

A new period of change sees Bury lie 10th in League One above minnows, Rochdale and even Alan Knill’s Scunthorpe United. So, it’s all gone a bit quiet since the September rot was stopped. Wins against relegation rivals, Yeovil, Exeter, Bournemouth and Walsall have silenced the critics and it looks as if this Bury squad is able to consolidate their position in League One this season, which would be a great success considering the loss of key players.

This change around in form has also come at the same time as the introduction of Richie Barker’s new fluid formation. Fellow Shakers followers became accustomed to the basic 4-4-2 formation throughout the Knill era, yet Barker appears to have broadened the tactical minds of Bury fans. The formation sees a 4-5-1 system which is able to attack teams on the break, yet is still questioned by many Bury fans. The inability to win consistently at home seems to be its only downfall, but last Saturdays win over near neighbours Preston silenced the critics.

For me, the top performer so far this season is Peter Sweeney. His eloquent style of play sees the 27 year old stealth behind players to pick out inch perfect passes to his teammates; a real luxury playmaker. Though when Sweeney has an ‘off game’ it seems the rest of the team can’t function without him – a perfect example being Crawley in the FA Cup. Sweeney will be vital if the Shakers are to stay in this division or, perhaps even launch a play-off bid. Perhaps.

Andy Bishop, has seemingly been able to fill Ryan Lowe's huge boots since regaining full fitness after a frustrating couple of years spent on the sidelines and attempting to play through a brick wall. Bishop has notched eight goals so far this league campaign, leaving most fans eagerly anticipating the 29-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season.

Despite Bishop’s best efforts however, Bury no longer rely on a talisman to earn the three points. Since Barker took charge, this side have been running on team spirit and adrenalin. When it will run out may be the deciding factor in success this season, but as floodlit Saturday games arise, the Shakers are still playing entertaining and fluid football that is seemingly able to get results. Long may the Barker revolution continue.

Up the Shakers.