THEIR shape might have changed, but Chris Casper insists his side will still play football on his terms.

The Shakers have adopted a new formation in their opening pre-season games, with wing-backs employed either side of three central defenders.

The arrival of Ben Futcher and Paul Morgan this summer has been the catalyst for Casper to abandon the 4-4-2 system he has employed since taking over the hotseat.

While Casper insists the new personnel has prompted the change in strategy, he is happy to shelve his tried and trusted formation if the end result is a successful season.

"My principles will not change no matter whether it is 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 - we have still got to play in the right way," Casper said.

"But the most important thing is that we win matches for Bury Football Club.

"At the moment, the system suits the players we have got.

"It is flexible, but I think we have looked strong at the back so far with Paul Morgan playing in behind Dave Challinor and Ben Futcher.

"We still have to work on the attacking side, but we will do that in training, and it is starting to come off."

The Shakers boss has repeatedly called for a change in attitude from top to bottom at Gigg Lane following last season's brush with relegation.

And he emphasised how the arrival of a few fresh faces this week has given the club new impetus.

"Maybe last year, we had just escaped relegation and thought that the job was done," Casper said.

"We thought the season would then take care of itself, and it didn't work out like that. We got sucked back in.

"That can't happen again. We have brought the quality in with Paul Morgan, Ben Futcher and Steven Haslam, and hopefully we can add another couple more to that."