Division's big movers will test validity of Shakers revival - Bury Times - Friday, 03 November 1995:
At the same time Bury boss Stan Ternent welcomed new number two Sam Ellis yesterday he said au revoir to half his first team squad. A flu bug has swept through Gigg Lane leaving senior stars Ryan Cross, lan Hughes, Chris Lucketti, David Pugh, and Tony Rigby in their sickbeds. Tement would like to name an unchanged side against Darlington tomorrow but will have to hold a fitness parade in the morning. John Paskin, who needs an operation on his achilles, is out until Christmas and Mark Carter continues to have hamstring problems. Darlington come to Gigg Lane unbeaten away from home in the league and with five straight wins behind them. They will prove an accurate guide to the validity of the Shakers' revival. Assistant boss Ellis watched the Quakers beat Wigan on Tuesday night and was impressed. "They are a strong well organised side and it was easy to see why they have put together a nice run," he said. Commenting on his return to Gigg Lane after spells at Man City and Lincoln, Ellis couldn't disguise his pleasure. "I enjoyed my time here as manager enormously and I'm looking forward with great optimism," he declared. "The club itself has been improved a lot since I was last here and everything is geared towards success. I have maintained close connections here. Bury is a wonderful place. "There are some quality players at the club and there is no reason why we shouldn't be right in amongst the promotion contenders. "I am here to help Stan in any way I can," he added. "We've not worked together before but we have known each other for a long time and we have an excellent understanding." Ternent confirmed that Ellis, who will be working without a contract, would share the coaching duties as they continue with the changed style that has been labelled a 'passing revolution' in some quarters. "Sam has invaluable experience and I am absolutely positive that we will be a good and successful partnership," declared the manager. "We are in the business of acquiring people with football knowledge and ability and Sam fits perfectly into both categories. "I was delighted that he said yes when I asked him to join us. He will be doing the same job I was doing when Mike Walsh was manager. "We are one-third of the way into the season and while we've not had the most auspicious of starts by our own standards of last season we are still handily placed and fully expect to go higher."