2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup First Round (replay) vs Scunthorpe United (a) - lost 1-0 after extra time Carling Cup First Round vs Leicester City (h) - lost 3-0 Football League Trophy Northern Section First Round vs Halifax Town (a) - lost 6-1
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Simon Whaley (midfielder) - seven goals.
Players In Richie Baker (Preston North End - Free), Marc Goodfellow (Grimsby Town - Free), Alan Fettis (Macclesfield Town - Free), Andy Bishop (York City - Free).
Players Out Allan Smart (Portadown - Free), Jon Newby (Released), Craig Dootson (Released), Neil Edwards (Released), Steve Burke (Released).
Bury have struggled in League Two during the last two seasons and were one of a number of clubs involved in last season's tense relegation battle. Chris Casper's side dug deep and ground out four draws and one win as they remained unbeaten in their last five matches of the campaign - surviving by four points.
Goals were hard to come by - the Shakers scored just 45 goals in 46 matches last season. The club's top goalscorer was midfielder Simon Whaley, who left for Preston North End in January for ?250,000 after scoring seven goals in League Two. Creative midfielder Marc Goodfellow, who had spells at both Swansea City and Grimsby Town last season has been drafted in on a 12 month contract to try and add extra spark.
After an injury ravaged season, former Preston North End, Carlisle United, Watford, Oldham Athletic and Dundee United striker Allan Smart joined Northern Irish outfit Portadown on a free transfer while assistant manager Ian Miller left to join Championship side Leicester City in a similar role.
However, Bury have been boosted by the news that midfielder David Flitcroft committed himself to a further 12 months at Gigg Lane as have defensive duo Chris Brass and Colin Woodthorpe. Experienced goalkeeper Alan Fettis, with spells at Hull City, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers to his credit, has been drafted in to fill the void left by Kasper Schmeichel, who returned to Manchester City after a successful loan spell.
Verdict Bury lack overall quality and are in desperate need for a proven goal scorer after Whaley ended the campaign as the leading marksman despite moving on in the January transfer window. They are likely to be involved in another relegation battle but this time it could be one they could lose at 4/1 odds.
Cup Progress 2005/06 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round (replay) vs Worcester City (a) - lost 3-2. FA Trophy Third Round (replay) vs Worksop (a) - lost 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Paul Mullin (striker) - 14 goals.
Players In Sean Doherty (Port Vale - Free), Julien N'Da (Niort - Free).
Players Out Mark Boyd (Southport - Free), Steve Jagielka (Released), Danny Alcock (Released).
Accrington Stanley stormed the Football Conference last season and won the division by 11 clear points. Just four years ago the club, made famous in the classic milk advert, were playing in the Unibond Premier but are now back in the Football League for the first time since March 3 1962, when they lost 4-0 away to Crewe Alexandra.
Stanley manager John Coleman has been rewarded with a new two year contract after leading the club into League Two while assistant manager Jimmy Bell has also agreed a two year deal. The pair took charge at the club in May 1999 when the club was still in the Unibond League First Division but have since guided Stanley to three titles and league football for the first time in 44 years.
The club have been boosted by midfielder Ian Craney's decision to extend his stay at Livingstone Road. Craney, whose contract still had 12 months to run, is ready to commit himself to the club after being named as the Conference's player-of-the-year. Winger Andy Todd, who enjoyed a successful loan spell from Burton Albion last season, has also signed a 12 month deal.
However, not everyone is keen to remain at the club. Winger Gary Roberts no longer wants to play for the club according to chairman Eric Whalley due to interest from League One side Yeovil Town. Roberts was also an integral part of last season's squad, having scored 13 goals and earning a call-up to the England non league squad. Midfielder Mark Boyd links up with last season's player-coach Paul Cook by leaving to join Conference side Southport on a free transfer.
Verdict Accrington could follow in the footsteps of Carlisle United and Doncaster Rovers, both of whom won back to back promotions from the Conference into League Two and then into League One although a play-off place may be a more realistic goal for John Coleman's side.
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