KEITH Alexander isn't about to get himself tied-up with numbers.

At the start of this week, the Shakers had 15 professional players tied to contracts, with three others mulling over offers from the club.

For most of the summer, Alexander has been pleading for patience from supporters eager for transfer gossip, and though there are only 16 days left until the season kick-off against MK Dons, he is not about to change his stance now.

"Certainly you need to look at filling the relevant positions in your squad - but you shouldn't tie yourself down to numbers," Alexander said.

"I have said all along that it is about getting the right men in, no matter how long it takes.

"You get as many players in as you can within the budget. It isn't a case of saying you need 16, 17 or 18.

"I have had budgets in the past where I have had 25 players, and then found I could only get 16 the next season."

Meanwhile, geography would seem to have scuppered Ahmed Deen's chances of playing for Bury.

London-based Deen has impressed during three trial games for the club, and a contract offer was put to the flying full-back last week.

However, the former St Albans and Aldershot man is understood to want considerably better terms than those currently offered as he would have to move up north.

"I'd like to add Ahmed to the squad, but he is a Londoner coming up here so that is causing a problem," admitted Keith Alexander.

"It is difficult to get anywhere near the sort of terms he is looking for."