They may well be the form team of the Ryman Premier League, but Bury Town boss Richard Wilkins admits to being ‘apprehensive’ ahead of Thamesmead’s visit to Ram Meadow on Saturday.

They may well be the form team of the Ryman Premier League, but Bury Town boss Richard Wilkins admits to being ‘apprehensive’ ahead of Thamesmead’s visit to Ram Meadow on Saturday.

The Blues have won five and drawn two of their last seven league games and go into Saturday’s game as favourites, with the south Londoners in the relegation places in the table.

However, Wilkins knows it will be a tough match.

“We have been on a great run (unbeaten in seven) and then we get a two-week break,” said the Blues boss.

“I don’t think that is likely to do us any favours, a team with momentum is always a tough team to stop. But we have lost that momentum now and I’m a bit apprehensive to be honest.

“I’ve had reports on Thamesmead and they are certainly not doing as badly as their league position suggests. Indeed I’ve been told they are playing well right now.

“They are an improving team and we need to be aware.”

Much of the talk about Bury Town this week has been to do with the off-field financial issues that have hit the club.

However, with them appearing to be stabilised, according to chairman Russell Ward, Wilkins just wants to get on with the football on the pitch.

“Lots of clubs face financial issues at some stage or another,” the Blues boss added.

“Gates are down across the country, all I can do is put out a good squad and hope my team put on a good performance.

“Certainly any player who pulls on a Bury shirt on Saturday will be giving it 110 per cent.”

Wilkins will be without the suspended Seb Dunbar against Thamesmead – who have recently gained creditable draws with Canvey Island and Lowestoft Town – but he is hoping to welcome back John Kennedy.

Bury currently sit in eighth place in the table and are four points off the play-offs. But the recent loss of key players Shane Tolley, David Bridges and Ryan Semple will make their job of pushing for the play-offs a tough one.

“I’m realistic enough to know it’s going to be difficult to sustain a push with the loss of such players,” Wilkins said.

“But we’ll keep going and we’ll keep playing.”

MEANWHILE in Ryman North One Heybridge Swifts boss Jody Brown has signed former Colchester United striker Jamie Guy.

Guy, who started the season at Needham Market, joins Brown and his Swifts’ team and could go straight into the squad for Saturday’s game at Redbridge.

Needham manager Mark Morsley said: It has not really worked out for Jamie, he has been a bit unlucky with injuries and maybe was not suited to our style of play. From a personal point of view I really liked the lad and I am sure he will be good for the Jody Brown ‘revolution’ taking place at Scraley Road.

Brown has also brought in Paul Golby as coach to hold a joint assistant manager’s role with current assistant Chris Moore.’’