Lee Clark quits Kilmarnock for Bury
Lee Clark has been confirmed as manager of Bury after leaving Kilmarnock.
Last updated 15th Feb 2017
Both clubs made the announcement as details emerged of Clark's exit from Rugby Park after a year in charge.
The Sky Bet League One side said on their Twitter account: "Lee Clark has been appointed manager at Bury Football Club."
Clark takes over from Chris Brass, who was appointed head coach on an interim basis until the end of the season after David Flitcroft lost his post as manager in mid-November.
The Shakers, who are in 21st place in League One, two points from safety, revealed they had agreed a compensation package with Kilmarnock to ensure Clark's release.
A statement read: "Bury FC have agreed a compensation package with Kilmarnock FC for Lee Clark to become the Shakers' new manager. After discussions, over the past few days, Kilmarnock have agreed to release Lee from his contract with immediate effect."
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 added in a statement on Kilmarnock's website: "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."
Bury chairman Stewart Day revealed he had taken his time to make a permanent appointment because he wanted someone he could "believe 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."
Clark leaves Killie sixth in the Ladbrokes Premiership exactly a year after taking charge when they were 10th.
The 44-year-old steered the club to safety last season through a 4-1 aggregate play-off victory over Falkirk and immediately set about transforming the squad.
The former Newcastle midfielder told 14 players they were free to leave the next day, and there was eventually a turnover of 35 players just after the transfer window closed.
Eight of his 16 summer signings have already left and he signed seven more players in January, most of them on loan deals.
Assistant manager Lee McCulloch is set to take charge for Sunday's visit of Aberdeen.