ANDY Welsh has dedicated his manager of the year award to everyone connected with Bury AFC.

Welsh led AFC to the NWCL First Division North title where they finished 11 points clear of nearest rivals Holker Old Boys.

“It’s an incredible privilege, but this award is really not about me,”said Welsh. “It’s not about me or an individual or a striker who scores the winner or a keeper who stops a penalty, it’s about this club.

“We’ve been a solid group and this first season couldn’t have gone any better- it hasn’t fully sunk in for anyone involved with the club.”

AFC lost just one of their 36 league games having gone an astonishing 28 games before tasting defeat - a 2-0 loss at AFC Blackpool in early February. They also boasted an unbeaten home record with 15 wins and three draws.

“To win the league with only one defeat, it’s huge credit to the players, the fans and the volunteers who have worked to make this club so great,” added Welsh. “Next season will be harder, but we’ve started working towards it and are looking forward to the challenge.”