LEE Clark has drawn up a three-point plan to make sure Bury avoid the mistakes that almost led to relegation from League One last season.

The Shakers boss will address the injury problems that blighted the squad, as well as the lack of strength in depth, and create a pathway for youngsters into the first team to ensure his side ends up challenging at the other end of the table.

At the height of Bury's injury crisis last season, more than 11 players – a full team – were ruled out at the same time.

A series of knee-jerk signings to plug the gaps left Clark with a squad of 36 players to juggle when he took over the hotseat.

“We have a number of changes I want to implement over the summer," Clark told Bury Times.

“One aspect I hope to address is the injury situation. To finish last season with how many players we did was ridiculous and it should never have happened.

“I also want us to be more competitive. The squad is a lot stronger and we want to be competing at the top end of the table.

“We have shown 22 players the door and have brought eight in. We have focussed on quality, not quantity.

“Finally, I want a clear pathway for the younger players.

"If any of our experienced lads suffer an injury or suspension, or for any reason can’t do their job any more, I want the younger lads to be ready to step up.”

The former Newcastle and Sunderland midfielder's most immediate concern is to revamp his backroom staff and medical over the next couple of weeks.

He added: “Hopefully we will have some announcement on the changes to our strategic positions over the next seven to 10 days.

“What goes without saying is that there are many contributing factors to the problem and everyone has to take collective responsibility for that.

“We can’t have a repeat of last season.

“I know we talk a lot about our facilities – we have a Premier League set-up with a Premier League rehabilitation system. We shouldn’t be having the problems we had.

“If someone gets a nasty whack and has to come off then you can understand that, but most of our players' problems were soft-tissue injuries, which should not be happening.”