FORMER Bury manager Martin Dobson has hailed current Shakers boss David Flitcroft for transforming the Gigg Lane outfit into genuine League One play-off contenders.

The former England international managed Bury between 1984 and 1989 and guided the club from the bottom of the fourth-tier into a solid third division side – a feat similar to that of Flitcroft.

But the current boss will hope to go one better by securing back-to-back promotions after an already impressive start to the season which sees his side sit only one point outside the play-off places.

And Dobson firmly believes the current young manager has plenty to offer the game and can continue to create a buzz around the town as the club looks to continue to rise up through the leagues.

“The transformation has been marvellous,” he said.

“Obviously I look out for the results because it is one of my former clubs but what he has done to turn them around has been fantastic.

“I have always respected him because of what he did at Barnsley, I thought that was incredible.

“I am scouting now for Leicester and when I came back two years ago all these people were ringing up from Barnsley because it was just incredible the success he had there.

“The way he comes across in interviews I think there is a lot of character there. He knows his stuff and of course when he came to Bury I was absolutely delighted.”

And with key players coming back from injury in time for the cramped festive fixture schedule, Dobson is hoping his former side can continue to build on the current momentum.

“The club is on a wave of success with promotion last season, nobody expected that," he added. "They came through at the end of the season very, very strong.

“I saw a few games last season and I was impressed with the team spirit within and also the individual players confidence-wise. Some had been released from other clubs and have got their confidence back and they are playing for each other, which is superb.

“To actually take that into the new season and into a better division now is wonderful. They are at the top end of the table and David can take credit for that.

"Who is to say where they may finish at the end of the season?”