THE Shakers were heading towards the League Two trapdoor under Chris Casper and Keith Alexander - but there was an amazing change of fortunes when Alan Knill took over in early February, when the side were hovering two points above the drop zone. The former Rotherham defender guided his side to 34 points from a possible 57 - and a 13th-place finish.

STAR MAN: ANDY BISHOP: Twenty-four goals from the striker, who is top of the shopping lists of a few Championship clubs. He could be the catalyst for a promotion push next time. 9

JIM PROVETT: A very mixed campaign for the former Hartlepool man, who lost his place under Knill. 4

PAUL SCOTT: A fine season for the right-back, brilliant at times and added six goals. 8

STEVE HASLAM: A solid first season for the ex-England schoolboys captain. 6

BEN FUTCHER: The former Lincoln man was the rock at the heart of Bury's defence. 8

EFE SODJE: Probably Knill's best signing. His experience was key to Bury's upturn in fortunes. 8

DAVE CHALLINOR: A season beset by injury for the club captain. Will not be at Gigg Lane next year. 4

NICKY ADAMS: The young forward chipped in with 13 goals in a fine season. 8

RICHIE BAKER: A number of important displays from the marauding central midfielder. 6

BRIAN BARRY-MURPHY: After a quiet 2006/7, the Irishman's experience proved crucial. 7

ELLIOTT BENNETT: The Wolves loanee was a key figure in the latter part of the campaign. 7

GLYNN HURST: As a striker, six goals is not enough, despite solid all-round displays. 5

DAVID BUCHANAN: The 22-year-old midfielder is out of contract, but did enough to be offered new terms. Still has not scored a goal in a Bury shirt. 6

COLIN WOODTHORPE: Probably one season too far for the veteran defender. 4

PAUL MORGAN: The Northern Ireland born central defender did OK when called upon. 5

ANDY PARRISH: A similar season to Morgan for the versatile defender, who is now looking for a new club following his surprising release at the end of the campaign. 5

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