CHRIS Casper has pledged to stay positive in a bid to coax better results out of his threadbare Shakers squad.

With few options available, the Bury boss has his work cut out to end a winless run that now stretches to nine games.

Shrewsbury are next up for the Gigg Lane men at the weekend, who will be boosted by the return of senior midfielder Brian Barry-Murphy for their last-ever trip to the Gay Meadow before the Shropshire club move to a new ground in time for next season.

And Casper faces a week of trying to rebuild his young squad's confidence in time for what could be a crucial game.

"I'll work in the same style as I always do. I'm very positive, I never get on peoples' backs because I can't get the best out of them if I did that," he said.

"At the same time, people need to stand up and get us out of this rut.

"I'll go away and look at how we should change things, see who deserves a shirt next week."

The club were unable to conjure the finances to bring in any extra bodies during the transfer window, despite advanced talks with Hereford's Ben Smith and Burton Albion's Paul Carden.

But Casper hopes the loan window, which opens tomorrow, will provide more joy.

"I haven't been able to bring in anyone to replace Dwayne, and for me that is frustrating and very disappointing," admitted Casper.

"It's not for me to comment on the finances at the club, we just get on with it.

"I'd like to have brought someone in before the deadline, but that has gone now, and perhaps we will be a bit luckier in the loan market."