Article courtesy of the Bury Times

Alan Knill is close to signing two top quality players as he plots another assault on the League Two promotion places next season.

The Shakers manager is keeping coy on the identity of the players until everything is signed and sealed, but he is happy with the way his summer recruitment drive is going so far.

"I think we are close to signing a couple of players and we hope to announce them in the next week or so," said Knill.

"It makes June a bit easier knowing that we are close to these signings and the pleasing thing about it is that we set out to get the two players we are close to.

"It's been easier to persuade players to come here this year because they have watched us on TV and want to be a part of what we have going here.

"We will probably start next season as one of the favourites for promotion and we are trying our best to push the club forward.

"If we do manage to sign these two players I will probably be looking to bring in a couple more and then take a look at some trialists in pre-season."

Knill, pictured, has also received a boost with the news that Andy Bishop's knee operation has been rated a success.

The 26-year-old played with the injury for the second half of last season, and the Bury boss believes a fully fit Bishop will be like a new signing in itself.

"I spoke to him on Tuesday and he has come through it well," Knill added. "He has played with the problem since December and he got through the season to help us out.

"I think you could probably see the difference in his performances from before and after Christmas, but we couldn't really afford to do it earlier.

"Hopefully he comes back for pre-season fully fit and ready to hit the ground running."