RYAN Lowe has admitted his pride at not just leading Bury to promotion but at “doing it my way”.

After a turbulent month off the field, which threatened to scupper the team’s bid for an immediate return to League One, the Shakers clinched promotion in Tuesday’s rearranged game at Tranmere.

A 1-1 draw was enough to ensure Lowe capped his first full season in management with a top-three

finish, becoming the first man to win promotion with Bury as a player and a manager.

And they have done it by playing passing, fluid football, staying true to the style Lowe set out in the aftermath of last season’s dismal relegation to League Two.

Even after falling behind they have continued to play that way, repeatedly fighting back to earn positive results and scoring 103 goals in all competitions.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Lowe. “I’m glad I’ve done it my way and nobody else’s. Our goal was to do it our way and our way only. I wanted to play a good brand of football and even when we go a goal down you can see that we get back into it by playing football.

“I wanted to do it my way, and my staff and players have been a credit. They’ve bought into everything I’ve asked them to do so I can’t thank them enough.

“To score so many goals when we’re in League Two, it’s different class. We’ve got special players in there that have been a big part of this. They’ve been amazing.”

The draw at Prenton Park, ironically the scene of Bury’s last promotion in 2014/15, means there will be a party atmosphere at Gigg Lane for the final game of the season at home to a lowly Port Vale, who are safe from relegation.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday,” Lowe added. “I want to win it and see us score some more goals!”

Winger Danny Mayor, whose

second-half equaliser on Tuesday secured promotion, said: “I think if you ask any player, this is all down to Lowey. I didn’t want it to go to the last game of the season. Now we’re able to relax and party.”