RYAN Lowe has been appointed permanent manager of Bury.

The former Shakers striker has filled the role on a caretaker basis since last autumn but was unable to prevent them from being relegated from League One.

He was the third boss to take the helm this season, following after a disastrous opening three months.

After relegation was confirmed, Bury finished the campaign with a four-match unbeaten run – three away draws and a home victory.

Lowe was given the post full-time on Thursday, signing a two-year contract.

Lowe initially took caretaker charge following a 1-0 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers at the end of October and picked up four points from his three league games in charge.

He was then given the role until the end of the season after Chris Lucketti left the club.

He told the club website: “This club is my club, and I am going to do what’s needed to bring the good times back to Bury.

“Recruitment is already underway with potential signings coming in, who I believe will give me and the club everything they have out on the pitch. I want players who will play for the badge on their shirts with passion, pride, and fight. We are currently in the process of working on the retained list which will see some players staying with us and others moving on.”

Chairman Stewart Day said: “Ryan is very passionate about bringing success to the club; he understands that we are going to be very diligent with player budgets and that we want a manager who will give opportunities to young players at the right time.

“He has worked hard over the last few months with players that he has inherited and now has the opportunity to recruit players he feels are right for the club to progress forward.

"We will be recruiting an assistant manager to work with Ryan and offer him the benefit of their experience and knowledge; Steven Schumacher will remain as first team coach.

“Ryan will now work tirelessly on moving players both in and out over the next few weeks so that we have a squad that will be ready for the challenges of next season and hopefully bring success to Bury Football Club.”