BURY boss David Flitcroft asked to see the true character of his side after last week’s thumping 5-0 defeat at Shrewsbury and admits he liked what he saw Roots Hall.

Vice captain Craig Jones came off the bench to score a late leveller in the 1-1 draw at Southend, ending a run of three consecutive away defeats.

Now the Shakers manager is looking forward to rekindling the JD Stadium’s “feelgood factor” to finally put their recent troubles on the road behind them.

Bury entertain Cambridge United on Saturday in the first of three successive matches on home turf, with Tranmere next up in the area quarter-finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday and Conference South side Hemel Hempstead Town visiting in the first round of the FA Cup next weekend.

“I look forward to football, whether it is a JPT game, FA Cup tie or a league match - I look forward to all football,” said Flitcroft.

“I looked forward to going down to Southend to see what character my team had and I look forward to putting out a team on Saturday at the JD Stadium, where they have been fantastic, as have the fans.

“There has been a real feelgood factor at the JD Stadium, so I can’t wait until Saturday.”

Flitcroft admitted a few days of “soul searching” followed the mauling at the hand of old mate Micky Mellon’s Shrewsbury side.

And he acted quickly to revive his squad with the capture of 19-year-old Everton striker Courtney Duffus and former Shaker Tom Kennedy, both on loan until January.

The Bury boss also reverted to a more direct style and a new 4-5-1 formation at Southend, but has assured loyal fans he will not abandon his attacking philosophy.

“It’s about winning football,” he said. “I want to make sure we are winning games and gaining points. A point away from home and three at home is a good formula.

“If there is any different pressure coming from different quarters – fans not believing in it – listen the fans will do what they want, non-believers will do what they want, that’s what non-believers do.

“We stood firm and we stood fast.

“I’ve got an incredible relationship with the chairman. We talk – after the Shrewsbury game we were on the phone until the long hours.

“We had a long, soul searching period of three or four days as a group, and this group was hurting. This group cares.

“There is real spirit about this group and with a bit more knowledge and know-how we are not a million miles away.”

As well as the two new arrivals, Bury’s ranks were also boosted this week by the return of left-back Joe Widdowson from his loan spell at Morecambe.