RISING star Michael Jackson has gone from The Wild Man to Mr Cool.

The uncompromising 22-year-old central defender uses his brain rather than his brawn more these days as he bids to realise his huge potential.

During his early days at former club Crewe, Jackson was nicknamed 'Wild Man' because of his full-blooded approach.

But he says he has learned to curb his exciteable nature in recent years.

"I have calmed down a bit," admits one of this season's ever-present players who has established himself at the heart of the Shakers' defence with a string of consistent, quality performances.

"I was a bit hot-headed earlier in my career. But I was young and you learn as the years go by to cool down.

"Strikers want you to lose your cool so it's important that you don't react to situations in the wrong way."

Jackson forms part of one of the youngest defences in the lower divisions - although the vast experience picked up by Chris Lucketti, Ian Hughes, Dean West and Paul Butler belies their years.

Lucketti is the 'old head' of the rearguard at just 24 and the impressive form of Andy Woodward, only 23, since stepping in at centre half three games ago sums up the quality competition manager Stan Ternent has for the three central positions.

"We've kept two clean sheets in the last two games which were important after the getting a good hammering at Crystal Palace and conceding three goals at Walsall where defensive lapses from set pieces were responsible," recalled Jackson.

"The defence is the foundation of the side and if we can produce clean sheets the team can build on that foundation.

"Woody has done well since he came into the side and with Ian Hughes and Paul Butler coming back from injury we've got plenty of competition.

"You need that kind of competition if the team is to be successful. Everyone wants to be in the side but you've got to work for it."

The newlook three-at-the-back formation has played its full part in helping the Shakers to third place in Division Two which they occupied going into today's clash at Peterborough.

Five goals conceded in the first seven matches is an indication of their defensive dominance while those seven goals let in against Palace and Walsall was a reminder that they cannot allow their concentration to lapse if Bury are to keep hopes alive of a second successive promotion.

Jackson believes the defence should also figure prominently in the goal action at the other end.

"It's important to get goals from all departments if you are going to win things," says Jackson who has chipped in with three strikes already this season.

"When you look at the top sides in every league you see they get goals from everywhere. They always have a marksman who scores 20 to 30 goals but they also have people from other positions regularly chipping in."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.