We are delighted to confirm that Assistant Manager Tim Lees has signed a new contract with the Club until the end of the 2027/28 season.
The 40-year old joined the Shakers as part of Dave McNabb’s backroom staff in September 2023 and has played a key role in the Club’s progression from North West Counties Premier League to the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Lees was named Interim Manager after McNabb stepped down from his role in December 2025 and led the Shakers to 6 wins in his 9 games in charge.
When Anthony Johnson arrived in early February 2026, he reverted back to his Assistant Manager role and helped guide the Club to back-to-back league titles for the first time in over 130 years.
Speaking about his new deal, Lees said: “I’m absolutely delighted, honoured, very proud. From the point where Jonno and the board were keen for me to extend, probably the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make in terms of signing a new contract at a club.
Manager Anthony Johnson added: “This is the biggest signing I could have made this summer.
Tim has been brilliant for me since I’ve come to Bury. It made my transition as a joint manager to managing on my own really easy, so I can’t thank Tim enough.
Tim has been brilliant for me since I’ve come to Bury. It made my transition as a joint manager to managing on my own really easy, so I can’t thank Tim enough.
On the training ground he’s outstanding. He commands respect off all of the players and staff at the club due to his knowledge and work ethic around the place. His reputation already preceded him with me but his actual coaching is even better than what I expected.
I’m delighted that I now know he’ll be by my side long term as we take the next step in returning Bury Football Club to where it belongs.”
Football Board chair Gareth Castick commented: “This is exciting news for the club. Tim has been an integral part of back to back promotions.
He is arguably one of the best coaches in the non league structure, and has a track record of improving players and delivering results. I’m looking forward to working with him and what the next chapter brings for our club.”
With Tim’s extension confirmed, we now look forward to next season’s debut campaign in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Season tickets go on sale on Thursday 7th May and you can find more information about those here.