Tim Lees’ new contract is the biggest piece of business Bury will make this summer, says manager Anthony Johnson.
Lees played a key role in the promotion to the NPL Premier Division, both as assistant manager and during a stint as the main man in the dugout, where he oversaw six wins from nine games in charge.
Johnson is excited to work together again next season as the Shakers prepare for the step up in quality.
“This is the biggest signing I could have made this summer. Tim has been brilliant for me since I’ve come to Bury,” he insisted.
“It made my transition as a joint manager to managing on my own really easy, so I can’t thank Tim enough.
“On the training ground he’s outstanding. He commands respect off all of the players and staff at the club due to his knowledge and work ethic around the place.
“His reputation already preceded him with me, but his actual coaching is even better than what I expected.
“I’m delighted that I now know he’ll be by my side long term as we take the next step in returning Bury Football Club to where it belongs.”
Lees has enjoyed working with Johnson over the past few months and said it was a no-brainer to remain at Gigg Lane.
“I’m absolutely delighted, honoured, very proud,” he added. “From the point where Jonno and the board were keen for me to extend, probably the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make in terms of signing a new contract at a club.
“I was really lucky because I had a really good two years with Macca (Dave McNabb). We spend so much time together as staff, particularly manager and assistant, and that relationship is so important.
“This last couple of months, in terms of how (Johnson) is and how I am, as people, principles, morals and integrity, we are very similar.
“Then on the pitch, we are very aligned and see the game in pretty much an identical way. We want the team to look and feel the same.
“In terms of coaching as well, it has been an incredible couple of months. I have probably enjoyed it more than any time in my career and there is a lot to be said for that.”
Preparations are already under way for next season, and the 40-year-old is relishing the challenges ahead as Bury aim to keep building.
“There is more physicality all over the pitch. It is quicker, more explosive and stronger in terms of the physical side,” he said.
“Teams are a lot more organised, you have got some huge clubs in this league with really good budgets.
“It is going to be a tough league, there are some excellent teams in it and we want to finish as high as we can.”
