RYAN Lowe has re-joined Bury for a third spell.

The 38-year-old striker has signed on as a player/coach after League Two Crewe agreed to terminate his contract.

Lowe’s playing deal at Gigg Lane will run at least until the end of the season, after which time the fans' favourite will remain contracted as a coach if he decides to hang up his boots.

Coach Chris Brass believes the popular Liverpudlian still has a lot to offer on the pitch, as well as in the dressing room.

"I think Ryan is somebody a bit like myself," he said. "He has an affinity with the club and an opportunity has arisen for him to aid the football club in moving forward. He has a lot to offer."

Lowe first joined Bury in July 2009, and helped them clinch promotion from League Two in the 2010/11 season with a memorable strike at Chesterfield.

After leaving to join Sheffield Wednesday in August that year he helped the Owls earn a place back in the Championship before going on to enjoy spells at MK Dons and Tranmere.

The front man returned to Bury to help David Flitcroft's men clinch League One football with promotion on the final day of the 2014/15 season but left for Crewe last summer after failing to agree terms to extend his contract.

He made no secret of his desire to one day return to Gigg Lane as a coach, but when Bury chairman Stewart Day opened talks with the Railwaymen in December negotiations quickly reached an impasse.

However, following the sacking of manager Steve Davis, Crewe have since backtracked following their initial refusal to release Lowe from the final 18 months of his deal at Gresty Road, opening up the way for the Shakers' prodigal son to help in their fight for League One survival.

"Ryan returns to Gigg Lane both as player and as a long-term prospect as first-team coach with Bury FC," read a statement from the club.

"He will be using his vast experience and unique talents to coach the future stars of the club, be they youngsters within the youth system or regular first-team players.

"Ryan is also available to head coach Chris Brass as a player and will be available to him for this weekend's game with Walsall and beyond.

"After long discussions between Ryan and chairman Stewart Day, he is both delighted and excited by the future that has been made available to him."