Lee Clark joins Bury to 'further ambitions of Premier League management'
Lee Clark claimed he had left Kilmarnock to further his Premier League ambitions after joining Sky Bet League One strugglers Bury.
Last updated 15th Feb 2017
The former Newcastle midfielder departed Rugby Park exactly a year after arriving as Kilmarnock accepted a compensation package.
Bury are 21st in England's third tier, two points from safety following their goalless draw with MK Dons on Tuesday night, but Clark views the move from Ayrshire to Greater Manchester as a stepping stone.
In a statement on Kilmarnock's website, the 44-year-old said: "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.
"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."
"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."
Killie are now looking for a fourth manager in little over two years following the earlier departures of Allan Johnston and Gary Locke, although assistant Lee McCulloch could be given the chance to take charge beyond Sunday's Ladbrokes Premiership match against Aberdeen rather than serve under a third boss.
Kilmarnock decided they could not stand in the former Huddersfield, Birmingham and Blackpool manager's way.
A club statement read: "When Lee expressed a desire to move back to his homeland, the clubs swiftly agreed terms for the early termination of his contract which was due to run until May 2019.
"While disappointed to lose Lee so soon, the board of Kilmarnock understood his desire to be closer to his family and embrace a new challenge."
Clark departs a much-changed club having signed a total of 26 players, nine of whom are among 26 who have departed during his tenure.
He leaves them sixth in the Premiership having kept them up last season via a play-off win over Falkirk after taking over a team in 10th place. They are also better off financially after selling his summer free transfer signing, Souleymane Coulibaly, to Egyptian side Al Ahly for about £750,000.
But they are only four points above the play-off place and Kilmarnock fans will hope Clark's departure is not one change too many.
Although Clark had been linked with Bury's relegation rivals Port Vale in recent weeks, his exit comes as a shock given the Shakers had appointed Chris Brass as caretaker boss until the end of the season.
Bury chairman Stewart Day revealed he had taken his time to make a permanent appointment following David Flitcroft's exit in mid-November because he wanted someone he "believes in".
He added: "I firmly believe that Lee is the right man and he has an enthusiasm and passionate desire to take this club forward.
"I was overwhelmed with his knowledge of the club and the contacts he has in the game and how he believes in what we can achieve together."