VETERAN Shaker Ryan Lowe sent out a Christmas message to his army of fans to keep the faith as he and his team-mates bid to get their season back on track.

Bury’s promotion charge hit full steam earlier in the season after they twice climbed to the top of League Two.

But it hit the buffers at Shrewsbury in October, when Bury slumped to a shock 5-0 defeat, and has threatened to come off the rails since then.

They are currently on a nine-match winless streak, which has included defeats in the Football League Trophy and the FA Cup, as well as a 2-2 draw at home to York on Saturday.

The run has seen the Shakers fall to ninth in the table and they go into Boxing Day's trip to Northampton three points outside the play-off places.

Lowe, however, believes Bury can still achieve their aim of promotion and has called on the club’s followers to share the same positive mental attitude still strong in the players and management.

“I know the fans are disappointed, but we just need them to stick with us,” said the 36-year-old forward.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe (we could win promotion). I probably could have gone to a few other clubs at the start of the season for more money, but chose to come here.

“I knew what the gaffer and the chairman’s philosophy was about, where the club was trying to get to. But it was never going to be easy.

“People will try to knock us down, but don’t dare knock us down because we will get back up, we will climb that ladder and we will keep fighting and keep working hard together.

“We need everyone to be positive – the media, the fans and the players. If everyone could do that it would be a big help towards us all.

“No team will roll over and let us take three points off them. It is up to us to find a cutting edge, pass the ball a little bit better in the final third and be a little bit more solid.

“If we do that I think we will turn the corner very soon.”

David Flitcroft echoed his striker’s sentiments after watching every member of the squad celebrate their opening two goals at home to York.

The Bury boss believes that unity, despite the visitors coming back to force a draw, will help his players overcome their recent dip in form.

“There is no problem with self-belief. You saw the goals, you saw the reaction,” he said.

“What I do know is that I certainly will not give up on the group and they will not give up on me.

“There are some good characters in the dressing room and with that you have always got a chance, and a positive future.

“While those players are driving forward and doing everything in their power to win football matches then I will remain positive.”