Bury FC manager Dave McNabb is excited by the club's ambitions ahead of this weekend's Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie against Garforth Town.
The Greater Manchester club, playing at Step 5 of non-league, are aiming to climb back up the leagues after being expelled from the EFL in 2019 and merging with phoenix club Bury AFC last year.
They have started their North West Counties Football League campaign strongly and are now aiming for success in knock-out football.
McNabb said: "It's been a complicated recent history and the fanbase have huge ambitions to progress back to where the club used to be. It's going to take a lot of time and I think initially our ambitions are to try and work our way through the lower levels of non-league.
"On the football side of things, we see the players three times a week, whether that be two matches and one training session or vice versa. Me and my staff are in charge of recruitment and the way we want to play. We do an awful lot of work to make sure we recruit the right players and the right type of person.
"We need players who can deal with the pressure of playing in front of a huge supporter base for this level. We also want to be a front-foot team. We aim to keep the ball for 60-70% of the match."
Back on the road this weekend, as we head to Garforth Town in the FA Cup.
— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) August 28, 2024
Tickets still on sale. Be #PartOfIt - let's make it another great away day. https://t.co/J5uHsmgtWM#BuryFC | #FACup pic.twitter.com/wQUmiIJB14
McNabb does not shy away from the club's weight of history but also aims to remain focused on the here and now.
He said: "The main focus is on where we are. We can't focus too much on history and what the plans are for the future. The next game is always the most important.
"But there are also key times throughout the season where we walk about how lucky we are to be part of a club like Bury. Our job is to win games now but we can't lose sight of that.
"Our supporters are the best in the country. Obviously lots are still involved from when the club was in the EFL and Bury are their one and only club. Sometimes when something looks like it will be taken away from you, you realise just how much you love it. The expulsion was a really bad time for the club and the community and the fans are happy to have their club back."
McNabb can't wait to get stuck into this weekend's tie against opposition from a level above, with a decent cup run a big focus.
He said: "I think the FA Cup is considered something that can be a big bonus for clubs at our level. If you can get through a few more rounds you can end up playing full-time teams at National League level. That would be an outstanding achievement for us and a great test.
"The prize money can obviously be a huge benefit, particularly when you consider where the club was a few years ago.
"Garforth are in great form and they'll be really confident. It's a big challenge for us and I'm looking forward to it."
