EFE Sodje is confident the Shakers can still mount a promotion push — despite a disappointing start to the season.

The 36-year-old centre-half has played in enough promotion-winning campaigns to know what it takes, and he believes Bury are still capable of matching last season’s exploits.

“I am confident of another promotion push — we only missed out by one goal last season,” said Sodje. “I still have the belief we can do it.

“I want to stay at this club for a long time and I want to be a part of it when we get promotion.

“Promotion here would be as good as at any time in my career.

“The manager is a good man, and so are all his staff, so when people are good to you, you should be good to them.”

Sodje realises he is being pushed all the way for a starting place from the young Ryan Cresswell, but he is just concentrating on retaining his own shirt.

“I’m not bothered about who is pressing for a place,” said Sodje. “Whichever club I go to I work hard and you could have 20 people in my position — it doesn’t matter to me.

“I will keep working hard to be playing on a Saturday. My main duty here is to perform on the pitch. It doesn’t matter what I have done in the past, I just give my best in every training session.

“One thing is for sure, I’m happy here and enjoying my football.”