RONNIE Jepson moved this week to up the age of his squad as he looks for men, rather than boys to lead Bury away from the foot of League Two.

The Shakers caretaker boss chose not to extend the loan of 22-year-old Wigan Athletic left-back Jordan Mustoe, instead bringing in experienced defender Dean Howell from Fleetwood Town until the end of the year.

Jepson has also extended the loan of striker Danny Hylton from Rotherham until January, after the 24-year-old recovered from a knee injury that kept him out of last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Torquay, which saw Bury drop to one place above the drop zone.

“I just felt that we needed more players who were proven at this level,” said Jepson, after handing 32-year-old Howell the 14th move of his career, bringing him back to Gigg Lane following a brief spell in 2008.

“Dean knows all about this division. We have had him watched and the reports have been good.

“Danny is the same. He has scored goals at this level and that’s what we need at this point.

“I also felt we needed more men in the team, rather than boys.

“Dean and Danny are men.

“I am happy to play youngsters if they are good enough, but you can have too many. They struggle more with the physical side of things and need more rest in between games.”

Jepson confirmed Hylton has recovered from his injury and would be fit to play in Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie at home to Skrill Premier leaders Cambridge United.

He also revealed that, while former captain Gareth Roberts remains at the club and available for selection, Howell would be considered ahead of him, for the time being at least.

“I have spoken with Gareth and he understands the situation,” said Jepson.

“He understands he has had a bad time of it this season, but he is a good pro and continues to work hard to win back his place.”

While Jepson has worked hard to bring in more experience, he has also moved to trim down the squad further, releasing summer signing Aiden Chippendale.

But that move opened up the chance to offer youth team striker Regan Walker his first pro contract.

Jepson has signed the 17-year-old former Manchester City trainee, who made his first team debut from the bench last Saturday, on a two-year deal.

“Reggie has been training with the first team for a few weeks now and has really impressed everybody,” said Jepson.

“He will have to be given time to get used to the physical side of the game, but he has all the attributes to be a top-class striker.”

Walker could be handed his first start on Saturday as Jepson bids to freshen up a side that struggled against Torquay.

Both Craig Jones (groin) and Marco Navas (hamstring) have trained this week, but may not be risked on what is likely to be a boggy pitch.