DAVID Flitcroft has paid tribute to Jim McNulty as the “catalyst” for Bury’s promotion after his former captain joined League One rivals Rochdale.

McNulty’s place at the heart of the Shakers’ defence has been filled by experienced centre-back Peter Clarke, aged 33, who has joined on a two-year deal after being released by Blackpool.

Clarke was the first of two signings this week, with namesake Leon Clarke, 30, the former Wolves striker, putting pen to paper on a three-year contract after being picked up on another free transfer.

Both players bring a wealth of Championship experience to the JD Stadium and Flitcroft believes their arrival would have been unthinkable 18 months ago when he first took over as manager.

“We would never have had the opportunity to attract players like Peter or Leon to the club if it was not for Jim McNulty,” said Flitcroft.

“He was the first Championship player to sign for the club and everything that happened after that was because of Jim.

“You have to say that he was the catalyst for our promotion.

“After Jim arrived I would hold him up as an example to other players I was trying to attract to the club. His arrival was proof of the club’s ambition and our other signings bought into that.”

In many ways, McNulty was a victim of his own success at Bury.

The 30-year-old former Barnsley defender lost his place in the starting line-up midway through last season following the arrival of Adam El-Abd on loan from Bristol City and was released at the end of the League Two promotion campaign.

Flitcroft explained: “Nathan Cameron came up through the ranks to partner Jim at centre-back and then we were able to attract talented young defenders in Chris Hussey and Joe Riley, as well as Nick Pope in goal.

“That is a very young back-line and we needed maybe a more domineering centre-half to help their development on the pitch.

“Adam came in to do that job in the short term, but Jim continued to support the players from the sidelines and I will always be grateful to him for that.

"When it became clear we could get Peter Clarke on a permanent deal I had a choice to make.

“Jim wanted regular games and we could not guarantee that, but I know he will be a great signing for Rochdale. Going back working with Hilly (Rochdale boss Keith Hill) is a good fit for him and I wish him well.”

The reshaping of Bury’s squad continues this week, with the club understood to be in competition with a host of Championship clubs for their next two targets.

Flitcroft also confirmed he remains interested in the signing of former loan keeper Nick Pope, but added: “He is Charlton’s player so his future is in their hands, but he is one we are monitoring.”