INTERIM bosses Leon Mike and Stephen Sheil have told players to ‘back each other’ as Bury step up their search for a new manager following the departure of Andy Welsh at the weekend.

The Under 23s bosses oversaw Tuesday night’s much-needed 2-0 win at Squires Gate following the 2-1 defeat at Lower Breck which ended Welsh’s three-year association with Bury AFC and Bury FC.

The duo are uncertain if they will be in charge for Saturday’s visit of Colne - with interviews set to take place for a new manager - but they want the Shakers to carry on Welsh’s hard work.

“The mood is very good,” said Mike. “What I do want to say is that I know Andy personally, top guy, top coach, top manager and I am sure he will have a great managerial career.

“The lads have just carried on his work, they just need to carry on his work. We told them all it needed to do was turn and we hope that turning point is tonight (Tuesday’s win at Squires Gate).”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash against Colne, Mike added: “We need to carry on the momentum they have got and take that in to training and move positively in to Saturday and back each other. 

“Hopefully there will be a big crowd at Gigg Lane and hopefully everyone is together which is what we need this season if we are to get promoted.

Mike and Sheil thanked senior players Dan Lafferty, Jimmy Moore and Chris Rowney for helping prepare the side for Squires Gate - a victory secured thanks to goals for Rowney and Connor Comber.

“I found it quite easy because the boys did a lot of that work on the  pitch,” added Mike. “Off the pitch we have the help of the likes of Laffs, Jimmy and Rounds.

“We asked for their help and they have been absolutely brilliant and all we have done is tell them how good they are, simple as that. How good they are and how they should project themselves on the pitch.”

Shiel added: “The 23s had a game last night (Monday), they ended up picking up a 2-1 win so we had to leave the rest of our staff to go and take the training session and have a chat with the lads.

 “But the three lads mentioned, they have done all the work to be fair.”
Applications for the new manager closed earlier this week and the club said: “A number of high quality candidates have come forward prior to closing for applications on Tuesday.

 “The club will be interviewing with a view to appointing the new manager as soon as possible.”