Joe Skarz has told his Bury team-mates they have nothing to fear in League One this season.

The Shakers open the new campaign away to title favourites Huddersfield tomorrow and many observers are expecting them to struggle after winning promotion last term.

Rookie boss Richie Barker has to rely on an inexperienced squad as Bury prepare for their first season in the third tier since 2001-02.

But left-back Skarz, who was released by Huddersfield last summer, believes that inexperience could in fact work in the side’s favour.

The 22-year-old wants Bury’s young guns to be thinking they have nothing to lose and reckons they should be setting their sights higher than just securing survival.
“For me, fifth from bottom would be a failure to be honest,” he said.

“With this squad we’ve got, we’re a young squad, I think we should just go out this season with no fear.

“Teams will try to come and put us under pressure but we’ve got to keep it tight and stick together.

“We know it’s going to be a tough season and we’re going to pick up injuries, but with maybe just a couple more additions, I think we can do something in this league.”

Bury thumped Prestatyn 8-1 last Saturday in the first-team’s final friendly, with Andy Bishop, Ryan Lowe, Andy Haworth, Mike Jones, youngster Luke McCarthy and loan striker Mark Cullen all getting on the scoresheet.

That has lifted spirits before a challenging start which sees the Shakers face both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday in the first six league games after visiting Huddersfield on the opening day.

“Huddersfield are coming off the back of the play-off final and they’re still one of the top clubs in this division,” said Skarz.

“We’re under no illusions, we know it’s going to be a tough start, but that’s what we want.”

After coming through the youth ranks at Huddersfield, Skarz made his first-team debut aged 17 in November 2006, going on to make 60 league starts for his hometown club.

Town boss Lee Clark deemed he was surplus to requirements last summer and Skarz was swiftly snapped up by former Bury boss Alan Knill to replace David Buchanan.

And after being an ever-present for the Shakers last season, earning a place in the League Two team of the year, Skarz feels he has nothing to prove on his return to the Galpharm.

“The manager’s got his way of playing and he proved last year he’s a good manager,” he added. “I’m just looking forward to the game as it’s a fantastic stadium and there will be a big crowd.”

Key opponent: Jordan Rhodes - Enjoyed a decent season last time out and the Terrirers' main threat

Prediction: Huddersfield 2 Bury 1 - Tough game for the promoted Shakers first game up

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