DAVID Flitcroft is close to unveiling the four or five “key” signings he believes will form the major part of his summer transfer dealings.

And while the Shakers manager refused to name names, he is confident of having the core unit of his squad in place long before his players officially return for pre-season training.

Nicky Adams’ departure to Northampton Town on a free transfer this week, coupled with goalkeeper Rob Lainton’s decision to sign a 12-month contract has left 13 senior players signed up at at the club.

Experienced striker Danny Nardiello continues to mull over the offer of a new contract, but Flitcroft believes he will soon have a squad of at least 18.

“We have worked very hard to bring in the right players and are working on four or five deals now who will be our key summer signings,” he said, refusing to confirm links with rumoured targets Lewis Alessandra, Paddy McCourt and Jacob Mellis.

“That is the first phase of the summer.

“The second phase will come when players come off their summer holidays.

“I believe there will be maybe two or three players who will seek us out and come to find us.

“You may get a few gems that way, but we are well on our way to completing our core business.”

The Bury boss can barely hide his enthusiasm for the task ahead as he prepares to do battle in the third tier for the first time since November 2013, when he lost his job at Barnsley.

Flitcroft believes he has learned a lot as a manager since then and is confident the experience of winning promotion from League Two has also helped his players mature as a group.

“I have seen players the improvement in players like Nathan Cameron and Danny Mayor over the past 18 months,” he said.

“And I can tell the Bury fans that we should have nothing to fear in League One.

“The bookmakers may have made us one of the favourites to go down and that is okay with me. I enjoy being the underdog, I thrive on that.

“But there is no fear or worry in the camp.

“The feeling is one of excitement and enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.”

While Flitcroft is excited by the future, he was quick to pay tribute to Adams following his departure to Northampton.

“Nicky was a big part of the group that won us promotion and I think he has to be the most important player the club has produced through the youth system in recent times,” he said.

“I was really impressed with way he dealt with being left out of the team at the end of last season and the way he supported the group.

“I really respect what he did for the team but at this stage of his career I fully understand he wants to play games and wish him well at Northampton.”