LIAM MacDevitt believes continuity will be key for Bury AFC to have a successful season.

And the attacker thinks Andy Welsh is the man to get the best out of the phoenix club hailing him as one of the finest managers he has worked with.

AFC are currently second in First Division North in their inaugural season in the North West Counties Football League and are due to return to action at AFC Blackpool on December 5 following a month-long lockdown lay-off due to coronavirus.

The 26-year-old, who has had spells at Football League clubs Yeovil, Swindon and Bristol City, has twice enjoyed promotion with non-league teams and each occasion he said keeping a settled squad was the key.

“I know there is usually a big turnover of players at non-league level but generally those teams who can keep their squad together are the ones to do well,” said MacDevitt who played for Stalybridge Celtic last season.

“I’ve been promoted twice while at Lewes and Horsham and on each occasion we more or less kept the same squad together and that is vital.

“You need that continuity.

“It’s difficult because everyone wants to play and we have a great squad, anyone of the 20 or so players we have are good enough for the matchday squad so it is a case of trying to keep everyone happy.”

MacDevitt is enjoying life at the Neuven Stadium-based club and knew he wanted to join the “project” as soon as he met Welsh.

“Andy Welsh is one of the best managers I have worked with and that is in full time and non-league football,” he said.

“He is so passionate and dedicated and totally tuned in to what the club is trying do and that rubs off on to all the players.

“As soon as I met him I knew I wanted to join.

“His coaching sessions are very intense, very well organised and some of the best sessions I have been involved in.”

He added: “I am very selective about what club I join because it is a big commitment, it is something you have to buy in to to fully commit yourself.

“Bury AFC was an easy sell purely because of what it is all about. Everyone wants to be a part of it and you can see from the calibre of player that is here.

“There is a great blend, some younger players who have been released from clubs while others, more experienced players, have dropped two or three leagues just to be involved.”