Danny Mayor has been put on notice by his former boss Ryan Lowe, who says he will be taking a keen interest in Bury’s out-of-contract players this summer.

Speaking for the first time since being appointed as Plymouth Argyle boss, Lowe admits several stars who helped the Shakers to gain promotion from League Two last season would be on the shortlist at his new club.

The uncertainty over Bury’s finances and continued stand-off with owner Steve Dale has left the majority of the squad at Gigg Lane in limbo, including the highly-rated Mayor.

Asked if he would be actively pursuing the signature of his former charges, Lowe said: “It depends because they are in a bit of a tough situation at the moment and there are a lot of players there who – I can’t go into too much detail – but are in a financial situation, so it depends. I can’t sit here and say ‘oh yeah, I’m going to take them all’. 

“I’d like to take a lot of them but they are all contracted and I have to respect that.

The Bolton News:

“We’ll be looking for players who are out of contract to come down to Argyle and it won’t be a case of bombarding Bury to take all of their players. I don’t think that’s fair.

“If they become available then it might be something we can take a look at.”

Lowe has stepped back into League Two with Plymouth after a year in permanent charge of the Shakers.

Including both of his caretaker spells the Liverpudlian had presided over 81 matches in all competitions, winning 34 and drawing 22.

Cash issues hit the headlines in his final few months and the team scrapped its way to automatic promotion at the first time of asking – but Lowe insists money was not the primary reason for moving to the South Coast.

“It was tough because of what we had achieved (at Bury) and I had to leave a lot of memories behind, a lot of good people at the club, who I will miss,” he said.

“But when a football club like Plymouth Argyle comes calling for you, it’s a no-brainer, you have to make the decision.

“That decision was based on football because it’s a fantastic football club.”

Asked if the Shakers can survive next season with ownership still unresolved, Lowe added: “I am worried and concerned because I’d like the club to stay in League One because I think they deserve to be there.

“I’ll always have a love of the club. Hopefully it can sustain its position and status.”

Lowe also revealed he has forged a link with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp during his time at Gigg Lane.

“I’ve been to see him, I’ve built a bit of a relationship with him and I was quoted saying ‘Why can’t Bury play like Man City or Liverpool?’. Well why can’t Argyle play the same?”