THERE has been a flurry of activity behind the scenes at Carrington today as the Bury management hold a crunch strategy meeting, with the future of Ryan Lowe at the top of the agenda.

The 37-year-old striker was called into the club to speak with the manager and senior officials this morning following the end of his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra.

It is still unclear whether the fans' favourite will remain at Gigg Lane or seek regular football elsewhere.

However, an experienced forward could be the medicine the Shakers require to cure a dip in form over the past few weeks.

It is not clear if the club's top goalscorer, Leon Clarke, will figure in this weekend's FA Cup tie against Bradford City following the death of his father.

The Bury Times understands, however, that the 30-year-old has been training as usual in the build-up to the third-round clash, but ultimately the decision to play will be left with the striker himself.

Bury have also been in contact with Stoke City to try to extend the loan deal of goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann.

The 21-year-old's current spell is due to end at midnight on Saturday.

Bury number one Rob Lainton and reserve Jack Ruddy are still struggling to overcome injuries, meaning the Shakers are desperate to tie down the youngster on a longer deal.

Bachmann is eligible to play in the FA Cup having started and kept a clean sheet in the second-round victory over Rochdale.

Weather permitting, this weekend will be the Shakers' first match on home soil since their Boxing Day match against Barnsley was postponed due to flooding in and around the ground.

Storm Eva wreaked havoc across the borough, flooding the homes of many Bury supporters.

And manager David Flitcroft is hoping a win on Saturday will help put a smile back on the fans' faces.

“It was a phenomenon. It was ridiculous. It was horrendous,” Flitcroft said of the floods.

“I got to the ground at about half nine and to see the chaos, we were just driving in rivers, it was an absolute phenomenon.

“When you see top stadiums like Blackburn off and Blackpool off, it's incredible.

“It will be nice for the fans to get a home game and we will really try to give them something to cheer about.”

The Bantams have sold out their second ticket allocation meaning around 3,000 supporters will make the trip from West Yorkshire.

Flitcroft is well aware of the impact a mass away following can give the visitors as Bury's "wall of noise" at Spotland lifted them to a 1-0 victory in the previous round.

The manager acknowledges it will be a tough test against a side that have earned a reputation as cup specialists in recent seasons.

“It is a different competition but it certainly won't differ how we prepare and get this group ready for a really tough encounter at Gigg,” he said.

“We have got a big job on our hands but we will certainly be up for the fight.”