BURY will be reunited with their old foes Bolton Wanderers this season as both clubs ply their trade in the same division for the first time in 18 years.

The sides have only met twice since the 1997/98 season, with the most recent in the Captial One Cup two years ago when Bury lost 3-2 after extra-time.

The Shakers were victims of the ultimate smash and grab that evening and have been gunning for revenge ever since.

Neil Danns scored twice in three extra-time minutes to steal the bragging rights for Bolton.

But the midfielder has now swapped allegiances after relegation with the Whites and aims to restore Bury's pride when the clubs clash at Gigg Lane on Saturday, October 22.

“I'm well aware of the rivalry between the two sides given what happened the last time the two clubs met,” Danns said.

“I'm expecting it to be a fiery derby. On a personal level for me it will probably be a bit weird having just come from Bolton but I'm now at Bury and they are my focus.

“My priority is with Bury now so I'll be looking to put one over on them, of course.”

Danns has spent the majority of his 400-plus career appearances in the Championship and says he wants to return there with the Shakers this season.

On making the drop to League One, the 33-year-old is expecting a similar standard to what he is accustomed to in the higher leagues.

“The main goal is to have a good season and obviously be pushing for promotion,” he said. “Obviously, if you ask anyone in any team that's always the main goal to get as high in the league and I'm no different.”

“To be honest, I don't think the drop is as big as people think anymore.

"I think you have seen from the teams that get promoted from League One, they always seem to do well in the Championship when they come up.

“I don't think it's a massive drop, it's just as competitive and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

“I think we've got a good enough set of boys here to be able to hold our own next season, so I'm excited to see what happens.”

The midfielder was one of eight new signings drafted in during pre-season, but he says knowing a couple of the players helped him make the transition into the squad.

He added: “I knew Antony Kay and Niall Maher so it's been pretty easy to settle in. Being a Northern lad, that helped too.

“A lot of players came in this pre-season so we are all learning each other's game.

“It's just a test really, getting to know each other, but the lads seem to be gelling pretty quick.”