DAVID Flitcroft is among the four-man shortlist for the manager of the year prize at the 2015 MBNA North West Football Awards, it has been announced.

The Bury has been nominated alongside Preston's Simon Grayson, as well as Manchester City Women's Nick Cushing and Matt Beard, of Liverpool Ladies.

Bolton-based Flitcroft, aged 41, guided the Shakers to automatic promotion from League Two in 2014-2015 with a 1-0 win at Tranmere on the final day of the season.

Bury have since stormed up to fifth place in League One following four straight wins, including a 2-1 victory over fourth-placed Coventry at the weekend.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Point, Emirates Old Trafford, on Monday, November 16.