Wednesday 15 February 2017 15:17, UK
Lee Clark has joined Bury from Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, according to the League One club
The 44-year-old former Huddersfield, Birmingham and Blackpool manager arrived at Rugby Park exactly one year ago.
Clark's departure has come out of the blue though, with Kilmarnock sitting in sixth position in the table, but he believes he can fulfil his ambition of becoming a manager in the English Premier League by making his move.
"I have had a wonderful year as Kilmarnock manager. The club and fans have treated myself and my family fantastically - we are in a good position with a strong and loyal squad and staff," Clark said.
"The directors have given me their full support in rebuilding the squad and the fans will always have a special place in my heart but I still have huge ambition to one day manage at the highest level in England, which is obviously the Premier League, and I feel that the fresh challenge of managing a club in England's League One could provide me with the platform to build towards this goal."
Kilmarnock assistant manager Lee McCulloch will take over from Clark in the short term and be in charge of the team for Sunday's match against Aberdeen, live on Sky Sports 1.
Bury chairman Stewart Day is pleased to have persuaded Clark to join his club, and is hopeful they can avoid relegation.
Day said: "We are delighted to have agreed terms with Kilmarnock for the services of Lee as our next manager.
"I have been extremely impressed about what Lee has achieved and I have to thank the directors of Kilmarnock in the professionalism of how they have dealt with the matter. I wish Kilmarnock all the best for the future."
