CHAIRMAN Stewart Day has moved to reassure supporters and shareholders that there is nothing “negative or suspicious” behind the club’s decision to delay holding its annual general meeting.

The Shakers chief released a statement in reaction to claims to the contrary, made by what he described as a “small section of the fan base”.

“There is an alleged historic legal issue that has been identified that needs to be rectified prior to an AGM in order for this to be added to the agenda and corrected,” read the statement.

“This is not detrimental to the future, but it is important that it is put right now to protect the club’s shareholders.

"It is hoped the AGM can be announced in April and held in May.”

The chairman’s statement also included an update on plans to rectify on-going problems with the pitch, as well as information about its search for a site to build a new training complex and the summer’s plans for a pre-season camp in Tenerife.

“We have had the pitch professionally surveyed and inspected and the feedback is not as we had hoped,” said Day, who had initially budgeted for around £50,000 worth of repairs to the drainage.

“Due to a lack of investment over a number of years, we now have to dig out and rebuild the structure of the soil and add new drains as well as add a new sprinkler system.

“The original budgeted sum has now increased by 300 per cent, but works have been contracted to start as soon as the season finishes.

“Our aim is that within two years we will have the best pitch outside the Championship.”

While work on the pitch will be finished in time for next season, the chairman hopes building work can soon begin on a new training complex in the town, although talks are still ongoing over the site.

“Training facilities are now being discussed on a legal footing over a prospective new site that will house all our teams from under-8s to the first team,” the statement added.

“This is an exciting opportunity that will only enhance the club and its ability to attract better quality players at all age groups.”

The update also revealed Bury’s plans for a pre-season training camp in Tenerife, between July 20 and 27, while Day also thanked supporters for their “fantastic backing”.

Manager David Flitcroft understandably greeted the news with optimism: “When the chairman met me I made it quite clear that I am a development coach and wanted to bring players through,” he said.

“I was quite clear that you need an infrastructure and you need a training ground.

“The hours that the chairman and his staff have spent in meetings, looking at different situations, has been relentless.

“The work going on behind the scenes is, for me, unsurpassed.

“Everyone is grafting to get the football club to the next level.

"The Tenerife trip is boxed off so we can really plan the pre-season.

“And we’ve got (offers of) games coming thick and fast.

“We will be meeting players and agents, so we have got a lot of work to do, but it is exciting.”