BURY are billing their final match of the season as "Ryan Lowe Day" after confirming the fans' favourite had turned down the offer of a new one-year contract.

As a mark of respect for the 37-year-old striker, who has scored 68 goals and achieved two promotions in two spells at the Shakers, Lowe will be made captain and lead the team out for Sunday's League One climax at home to Southend United.

A statement released jointly by chairman Stewart Day and manager David Flitcroft revealed Lowe had opted to take up the offer of a longer deal elsewhere.

Lowe was also quoted on the club website as saying he had chosen not to accept an "appearance incentivised contract" at Bury, and would be taking up a "very good offer" from another club.

Crewe boss Steve Davis said last week he had a "gentleman's agreement" with Lowe he would be moving to the League Two club next season.

While Lowe said in his statement through Bury FC that his next move would allow him the opportunity to extend his playing career.

Joint statement from Day and Flitcroft: "We want to thank the service that Ryan has offered the club during both periods he has served us as a player.

"At all times he has worn the Bury shirt with great pride and represented the badge and his family with distinction.

"Moving forward, we want to wish Ryan all the very best and as such we want to make his last game one to remember.

"He will wear the captain’s armband and lead the team out at Gigg Lane for his last game.

"As a club we wanted Ryan to stay, but we know he wanted a longer-term deal that we could not offer and as such offered him the best deal we could as a business.

"Ryan felt there was a better opportunity out there and we must respect his decision.

"We wish him well. He will always be a Bury legend and he knows he will always be welcomed back with great affection.

"Now come along on Sunday and make it a Ryan Lowe day."

Lowe statement: "With huge regret, I will be leaving the football club that I love at the end of the current season.

"I have thought long and hard about this decision, and I can honestly say it hasn’t been an easy decision to make.

"To the friends I have made in the club and the fans that have shown me personally so much love and support over the years, I cannot and will never be able to thank you enough.

"I would like to thank the chairman and manager for bringing me back to the club and (giving me) the opportunity to help the club gain a promotion from League Two and achieve a healthy League One position.

"It has been explained to me and I do understand the club’s decision and reasons for offering me an appearance incentivised contract, however I have a real ambition to play as many games as I can and for as long as I possibly can.

"With this in mind I have made the tough choice to leave this great football club as I have received a very good offer from another club that gives me that opportunity.

"Two promotions, the 68 goals, the celebrations and the song the fans sing for me every single game – there are so many memories that my family and I will cherish from Bury Football Club.

"Unfortunately, Sunday’s game with Southend United will be my last in a Bury shirt.

"My family and I would personally love to see as many of you as possible at the game so that I can say a big thank you to you all for the continued love and support that I have received throughout my career as a Bury player.

"I have always cherished every goal I have scored and scoring my 200th career goal whilst in a Bury shirt is a memory that will stay with me forever.

"I hope I will be welcomed back in the future to Gigg Lane as well as I was on my return for my second spell with this great football club."