THE respect shown by Bury fans for Neville Neville in the club’s first two games of the season has provided a real inspiration for manager David Flitcroft.

And while the Shakers boss says he and his players will continue to strive for more points in their first home game of the campaign against Swindon on Saturday, he says it will be impossible to detach himself from the emotion of the occasion.

Bury supporters performed their own tribute to the club’s former commercial director and ambassador in Saturday’s League One draw at Doncaster and Tuesday’s 2-1 Capital One Cup win at Wigan, chanting Neville’s name in the 66th minute following his death of a heart attack last Friday, aged 65.

The club will hold an official minute’s applause before kick-off this weekend, while the players will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect.

But for Flitcroft it is the fans’ own tribute that speaks volumes about the impact Neville had on his beloved club.

“Saturday’s game, I wanted to win that for Neville Neville, but our fans – wow – the tribute they showed on 66 minutes, and again on Tuesday night, was absolutely stunning support,” he said.

“They know what Nev has done for the football club and I have enjoyed that aspect of it, that the fans understand the contribution made by Nev.”

There is, of course, a danger that the emotion of the day could have an impact on the Bury side’s performance but Flitcroft believes it will give his players and staff strength rather than cause a distraction.

“I think it will be positive. I think there is a positive vibe at the football club," he said.

“I have seen that on 66 minutes with the applause.

“I think people want to celebrate what Neville has given to Bury Football Club.

“Of course, there is sorrow within that, but I do believe the fans want to try to celebrate Neville’s life and I am sure they will do.

“We will concentrate on the football, but as a football club I think we will also be concentrating on making sure we pay our ultimate respects to Neville.”

While news of Neville’s death in Australia – where he had gone with wife Jill, the Bury FC secretary, to support daughter Tracey as she leads the England netball team in the World Cup – there was plenty to celebrate on the pitch.

The Shakers could and probably should have left South Yorkshire with all three points on Saturday, before the late drama of Leon Clarke’s walk-in goal, and Flitcroft was “delighted” to be able to reward the fans and chairman with a potential big draw in the second round of the League Cup.

“I’d love that (a Premier League club at Gigg Lane),” he said.

“I desperately wanted to win at Wigan for the chairman.

“The chairman backs me with everything so it was a night for him.”

The draw for the second round of the Capital One Cup will be held tonight on Sky after the tie between Doncaster and Leeds. Bury face a hectic run of cup action, with the next round due to be played a week on Tuesday and their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first round tie at Accrington on September 1.