BURY’S focus has been on their own skills rather than their opponents in the build up to Saturday’s League Two opener at home to Cheltenham Town.

And manager David Flitcroft wants his players to take that mindset into their 130th anniversary year as they fight for promotion.

After being made favourites by a number of bookmakers, the Shakers boss is genuinely excited about the squad he has assembled and is confident they have the potential to call the shots in the title race.

“It’s all about us, it really is, the season is all about us,” he said.

“You put in some detailed planning, of course you do, but it’s about how we react to games.

“Like I said from day one, we have got some technically gifted players at this football club, who have a cause and are all fit and that’s a powerful combination.

“We are excited as a group to hit this campaign and it doesn’t really matter who it is on Saturday, we have concentrated all pre-season on us and doing the right thing and I just can’t wait to get started.”

Flitcroft confirmed Clive Platt - who had an operation in the summer to correct a long-standing calf problem – is the only member of his 19-man squad who will be unavailable for selection.

And while Platt’s absence leaves only two first-team strikers – Ryan Lowe and Danny Nardiello - he is confident there is enough strength in depth in his squad to allow the 35-year-old targetman enough time to recover properly.

“I have got Soares who can play shadow striker and I have got Nicky Adams who can play striker – he was fantastic against Blackburn when we brought off Nards (Nardiello),” said Flitcroft.

“So we have got a very flexible team, which can play different systems.”

Flitcroft continues to bide his time in the loan market, maintaining he will not be rushed into supplementing his senior squad.

Once those deals are completed, his next mission will be to convince any remaining doubters in the stands.

“The majority of fans believe, but there are still doubters out there,” he added.

“I suppose you get negative people in life, but we have got to change their views and change their mentality because this is a project that is not going to go away.

“You have seen the ambition and drive from the chairman.

“I have seen him out in Tenerife (on our pre- season training camp) engaging with the fans, and the players have as well.

“So we want to be a part of that and I think the togetherness we are trying to bring to the football club is going to be key for the season.”