RICHIE Barker has warned Bury fans not to be deceived by his relaxed management style during last season’s promotion run-in.

The new Bury boss was happy to give the leaders in his dressing room their head as they guided the club to six stunning wins at the end of last season to clinch automatic promotion for the Gigg Lane club.

As caretaker boss, the former Shakers youth team coach had only a gentle influence on the team, realising his men knew what they needed to do to get into League One.

But with his side now at a higher level, Barker has acknowledged he will have to step forward more and will have to assert himself in a difficult opening to the new campaign.

“It wasn’t about me,” said Barker reflecting on those final weeks of the season.

“It was a steep learning curve. I delibertatley took a back seat and let the players get themselves where they are now.

“But now I’m going to have to step forward a little bit. Firstly, because it’s going to be a slightly more difficult season and, secondly, because, as a caretaker manager, I always had the safety net of knowing I could go back to coaching the youth team if it didn’t work out. But that’s not there any more.

“Now, it’s make or break. You have to change and adapt a little bit, but, if we get a good win, I’ll be the first to congratulate the players and not myself.”

Barker has been working towards becoming a Football League manager for 12 years, although the manner in which he took control following the departure of Alan Knill to Scunthorpe was a major surprise.

“A year ago I was the coach of Scunthorpe United’s under-16s and managing their centre of excellence,” said the 36-year-old.

“To go from there to managing a League One side in 12 months is amazing. But, if I’m honest, it’s not something I’ve fallen into.

“I started taking my coaching qualifications when I was 24 and I had my full licence by the age of 29. I finished my degree last year, so it’s been a long time coming.”