Bury boss Dave McNabb is keen to lay the building blocks for long-term success at Gigg Lane.

The Shakers are well-placed in their promotion push and have bolstered their squad with a trio of new signings since the turn of the year.

Jimmy Holmes was appointed as the club’s new head of recruitment last month, having previously held roles at Manchester City, Morecambe and Macclesfield.

“It is another foundation block we have put in to work towards the future,” McNabb told The Bury Times.

“We are trying to build a database of players where we have got reports, stats and information on people so that when we move forward – hopefully, if we can get promoted – it allows you to be a little bit more decisive and have more information with your decision-making.

“Jimmy knows the level and what he has done at Macclesfield speaks for itself. I know Jimmy really well and am looking forward to working with him going forward.”

The most recent addition to the squad was Arthur Lomax-Jones, who arrived from Bootle for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old started in Tranmere’s youth ranks before moving to Wigan in 2009. He progressed to Under-18 level with the Latics before returning to Prenton Park.

Lomax-Jones joined Bootle last summer and made 38 appearances for the club, some of those coming under McNabb. He was recalled from a loan at NPL West side Widnes to sign for the Shakers.

“Arthur is an exciting player who can play left-back, in midfield or as a winger,” said McNabb. “A pro last season at Tranmere, he has a great pedigree and a ton of potential to keep pushing up the leagues.”

The youngster added: “I am made up to finally get this over the line. Bury is a massive club and I like the direction the club is heading.

“I am looking forward to linking back up with the manager and making my debut at Gigg Lane very soon.”

Lomax-Jones missed out on a chance to make his debut on Tuesday night, with the home fixture against Ramsbottom postponed due to the weather conditions.

Jacob Holland-Wilkinson also joined the Shakers’ ranks earlier this month, while Ollie Kilner arrived on loan from Oldham.

McNabb had previously spoken about looking for the “right” deals rather than simply adding numbers to the squad to provide cover.

Some players from the Under-23 side have also been around the first-team picture, and the Bury boss is excited about the future.

“The lads who stepped up from the Under-23s have done really well so it wasn’t a case of us going and getting just anybody in, it was about if the right ones became available,” he explained.

“I think we have got some really good players at the club and the job the lads are doing with the 23s is brilliant. We have got depth in that area.”