ANDY Preece has revealed his blueprint for next season - 25 goals from Jon Newby and a young team challenging for promotion.

And the Bury boss admitted he would be desperately disappointed if he wasn't the man in charge to reap the rewards of this season's hard graft.

Preece and his coaching staff have spent the last 18 months concentrating on developing the club's youth team.

Next season a host of young players will come through and, with Jon Newby signed for the next two years, Preece believes the team will be good enough to put in a serious bid to reach the First Division.

"I'm excited by the younger players we've got at the club," explained Preece. "I've worked very hard for the last 18 months to bring the young lads through and we are seeing the results now. "The current situation makes it difficult at the moment but I'd be extremely disappointed if I wasn't here next year and someone else benefits from our work, or worse still decides on a different policy and lets the young lads go.

"This side has got great potential. We've managed to sign Jon and a player like him is likely to score 20 or 25 goals next year.

"If we can hang on to one or two of the more experienced players to help the younger ones then I think we can mount a serious challenge."

Whatever happens during the summer, tomorrow's match at Brentford is sure to be a farewell appearance for many of the first team ... that's if any of the first team are playing.

The Shakers have been hit by a catalogue of injuries and suspensions which leaves no fewer than 11 players either out or doubtful.

Definitely missing will be Colin Cramb, Ady Littlejohn and Danny Swailes through suspension while Lee Unsworth, Sam Collins, Glynn Garner, Nicky Hill, Warren Peyton and Radcliffe Boro trialist Neill Hardy are all injured.

Steve Halford (back) and Matt Barrass (virus) are also rated doubtful, though Preece hasn't ruled out either player from making the substitutes bench.

Because of the men missing the team almost picks itself.

After his goalscoring debut against Wycombe, Michael Nelson will keep his place in defence alongside Chris Swailes and Steve Redmond, who returns from a five-match suspension.

Up front Lutel James is likely to partner Jon Newby while Martyn Forrest and talented youngster Adam Martin are pushing for starting places in midfield after both scoring in the reserves midweek 2-2 draw at Notts County.

Two places below Bury, Brentford are a club who aren't too bothered what happens on the pitch against the Shakers. The team can't go down but they can lose their manager.

Watford, and new boss Gianluca Vialli, have made an official approach to the Bees in a bid to get boss Ray Lewington to join their coaching staff.

Lewington, a well respected figure in soccer circles, is unlikely to turn it down and so tomorrow will probably be his final game in charge.

Dangerman for Brentford is goalscoring midfielder Paul Evans, who has cracked in nine goals this season after joining for £100,000 from Shrewsbury.