MICHAEL Smith has revealed new manager Chris Lucketti spelled out exactly what it should mean to the players to pull on a Bury shirt.

Lucketti did that more than 200 times between 1993 and 1999, helping the Shakers win back-to-back promotions during his spell at Gigg Lane.

And striker Smith feels that experience benefits Lucketti when the former centre-half talks about what the current side needs in order to climb to League One safety.

After being appointed last Wednesday, Lucketti had time to tell his new players exactly what he expects from them before Saturday's 0-0 draw at Northampton Town.

“He knows what it means to play for this club,” said Smith. “He stressed that in training on Friday.

“Always giving your all and being committed – they're a given as a footballer but he stressed that on Friday and before the game.

“Character is infectious around the training ground and in the changing room,” Smith added.

“The lads all have that deep down.

"We didn't show that in a few games but I think the gaffer can bring that out of all of us.

“It's been enjoyable so far. We only had two days with him (before Northampton) but he got his philosophy across really well in training so I'm looking forward to working with him.”

Lucketti and Ryan Lowe, who had been caretaker manager, were stood in the technical area for virtually the entire game, and the new boss later confirmed that it would not be a one-off.

“I like to be on the touchline,” said Lucketti. “It's as close to the players as possible. I just think you get a better feel for it and it's how I like to manage.”

Lowe has returned to his role of player-coach and will now have the opportunity to learn under Lucketti, just as he did under Graham Alexander at Fleetwood and Scunthorpe.

Smith hailed the job Lowe did in boosting morale and confidence among the players after the sacking of Lee Clark, and he feels the veteran striker still has a big part to play.

“Ryan was one of the lads before he got the caretaker job so he's a massive character around the place and we know what he brings,” he said.

“The lads have been spot on since I've come in, Lowey and everyone. They've all been really welcoming, so I've loved it.

“I can't speak highly enough of the job Lowey did when he was in charge, but to have a manager now, especially after the result on Tuesday, they're all building blocks.”

After Lowe signed off by overseeing a surprise win against league leaders Shrewsbury, Bury earned another positive result in Lucketti's first game in charge.

And although Northampton had chances, Bury created a handful of gilt-edged opportunities near the end.

Rohan Ince twice went close before a poor defensive header gave Smith a late opportunity to win it.

The chance was reminiscent of Smith's opener in the FA Cup tie at Woking, when Smith could not believe his luck as he was gifted a tap-in in the first minute. But this time the home keeper recovered to claw away Smith's header and deny him what would have been his third goal in 19 games for Bury.

“I thought it was over the line – but then I would say that, wouldn't I?” joked the ex-Portsmouth striker.

“It was still a good point away from home and another clean sheet.

"We had a few good chances second half but if we keep plugging away we'll get the results.

“We're going to have to start taking these chances, myself included. We're down there for a reason, we haven't scored enough goals, so we need to start hitting the net.

“But you can always build on the clean sheets and the lads at the back were tremendous.

"It was a great result Tuesday and it's another point on the board today. We just have to go again next Saturday and try to keep building.”