BURY boss Stan Ternent today emphasised the Shakers' good luck in attracting Sam Ellis back to Gigg Lane,writes NEIL BONNAR.

Former Bury manager Ellis began his new job as number two to Ternent this morning, five years after leaving to take on the assistant manager's post at Manchester City.

And the manager declared: "We are fortunate to be able to entice somebody of Sam's ability, experience and knowledge of football back to the club.

"It's criminal that somebody with his quality could be out of work but it was fortunate for us. He is a top class coach."

Ellis, sacked from the job as Lincoln City boss eight weeks ago, is looking forward to the job of helping restore Bury to the Second Division in which he led them to the play-offs in his only full season in charge at Gigg Lane.

He said: "The ground has changed for the better since I was last here which shows what a well run club this is. If we can get a team to match the off-the-field facilities then we will be alright. "It's a smashing club and I had 18 great months here last time. They say they still have their old ambitions and I just hope things can go as well this time as last time.

"But my job is to assist Stan. At a small club you have to do a bit of everything and each morning when I come in I will do what I am told."

Ellis will see his new team in action for the first time tomorrow when the Shakers aim to halt in-form Darlington's run of five straight wins and inflict their first Third Division away defeat of the season.

Ternent must wait to see whether midfielder Ian Hughes and defenders Ryan Cross and Chris Lucketti shrug off the effects of a flu bug before learning if he can name an unchanged side for the fourth successive game.

Bury fans who travelled to the abandoned Coca-Cola Cup third round game at Reading ten days ago get their final opportunity tomorrow to purchase a discounted travel and match ticket for the rearranged game.

The £10 tickets cover the price of the coach and a main stand seat for the game next Tuesday night.

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