LEE Clark believes the blueprint for his astonishing start to life as Bury manager was already in place when he took over from head coach Chris Brass last month.

The ex-Huddersfield Town boss has been nominated for the League One manager award for February despite only taking charge halfway through the month.

After guiding Bury to a 2-1 win in his first game at Chesterfield, further victories followed at Charlton and at home to Coventry.

The winning run extended a sequence of five matches unbeaten after Brass led Bury to a win at home to Swindon and draw against MK Dons.

"It’s (the nomination) a credit to the staff and to the players," said Clark.

"It’s great to be nominated and recognised for the work that we have done.

"The staff take a lot of the plaudits for that. They made it a very easy transition.

"We didn’t have to change a lot. Obviously you have to put your own stamp on things but things were already up and running and going in a good direction."

Clark's winning start came to an end with defeat at home to relegation rivals Gillingham last weekend.

The Shakers, who are two places above the drop zone, will hope to bounce back on Saturday at fellow strugglers Oldham.

The Latics have rallied since the return of John Sheridan as boss. Sheridan has also been nominated for the League One award, alongside Oxford United's Michael Appleton and Neil Harris, of Millwall.