TOM Pope believes the Shakers can benefit this season from being dark horses for promotion from League One.

While the bookies have picked out the big budgets of Wigan Athletic, Sheffield United and Coventry City for potential success, David Flitcroft’s ever-improving side have been quietly going about their business so far this season.

And Pope, who knows a thing or two about this level of football having played most of his career in the third tier, believes Bury have pitched themselves just right when it comes to looking at the promotion picture.

“I think it’s better for fans to be optimistic rather than expectant,” he said. “There are some big clubs in this league like Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic and their supporters expect them to get promoted. Anything else and it will feel like a big failure.

“I always said at Port Vale that if you can assemble a good squad in this league and stay consistent, then you can get to the play-offs. That is where I’d rather pitch Bury, too.

“The trouble with getting up there too early is that the expectation levels rise with it and you can often find yourself battling against that. It feels worse then when you pick up a couple of defeats.

“But we’ve got a good squad here and the fans have been very good with us, so I’d like to think we’re in good stead.”

Flitcroft recruited Pope from Port Vale in the summer, adding to a competitive frontline that matches most in League One.

And the 30-year-old has been pleased with his first few months at Gigg Lane, after weighing in with four goals, including the matchwinner at Peterborough on Tuesday.

Ryan Lowe is also looking to add to the equation in the near future coming weeks as he recovers works on his rehabilitation from a calf injury.

But Pope believes there is enough goal threat at Flitcroft’s disposal.

“Aside from my first game, where I really felt I should have done better, I’ve been happy with how things have gone,” He added: “The manager has got options up front and it’s something you have to get used to, I suppose, because you won’t always start every game.

“You should never stop wanting to start games. But I think each of us offers something different so it enables him to pick and choose a little easier.

“Danny Rose is so sharp around the penalty box whereas Leon Clarke is strong, powerful and quick. I’m more of a target man and I don’t think in this division there are many better at what I do.

“We’re strong up front and we’ve scored plenty of goals, so it has been very good on that front, I think.”