Richie Barker has eventually won the fight to become Bury’s new manager – but now he faces another battle to hang on to his star striker.

Chairman Brian Fenton has turned to Barker after top target Neil McDonald chose to follow Sam Allardyce to West Ham instead of taking the reins at Gigg Lane.

Barker took temporary charge for the last eight games of the season after Alan Knill was lured to Scunthorpe.

He won his first six games to seal promotion to League One and was named manager of the month for April.

But the hard work has only just started for the former youth team coach with several clubs ready and waiting to snatch top-scorer Ryan Lowe.

Twenty-eight goals in 50 games and the League Two player of the year award have made Lowe hot property.

The 32-year-old has two years left on his current deal and he’s keen to talk to the club about extending his stay.

“I would like to stay at Bury, but you never know what the future holds in football,” said Lowe.

“I did well last year and I’d like to talk to the club about a new contract.

“Hopefully, I can keep scoring goals and help us have a successful season in League One.”

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson is the youngest manager in the Football League, aged just 30, but Barker, six years his senior, isn’t far behind.

But despite his relative lack of experience, Lowe says Barker was the popular choice to replace Knill.

“I think it’s something all the lads wanted,” said Lowe. “He was with us at the end of the last season, he got us over the line and he deserves the chance to take us forward.

“I don’t see any reason why he can’t do that. If he can get us playing like we did at the end of the season and make a few additions here and there, we can have a good season in League One.”

Right back Phil Picken is also convinced Bury can kick on under Barker’s stewardship.

“There are some big teams in League One but it’s more open and I think that will suit the way we try to play,” he said. “If we can stay together and bring one or two players into the squad, who knows? It would be a dream to play in the Championship and if we can build on our good home form it’s a realistic target.”

Barker enlisted the help of senior players after Knill’s departure to Glanford Park. Efe Sodje, Steven Schumacher, Ben Futcher and Lowe  rallied round the caretaker manager to help seal Bury’s promotion.

Lowe admits his role next season is likely to be restricted to that of a player.

“I don’t think that’s going to carry on,” said Lowe. “Richie deserves the utmost respect and I’m sure he’ll want to bring his own number two in.  It was a nervous eight weeks having an input but I’m a player first and I’m looking forward to getting back and scoring goals.

“I’ll be there if the manager needs an opinion but Richie is his own man and he deserves the chance to crack on with the job.”

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