THE long-term survival of beleaguered Bury Football Club has taken a giant step forward with the appointment of a new chairman, Manchester businessman Albert Doweck.

Mr Doweck (65) replaces joint-chairmen Fred Mason and John Smith who stand down from the board to become club president and vice-president respectively.

With the new season less than a month away, the Shakers supremo is seen as the ideal man to put the 119-year-old club on a sound footing following the financial crises which threatened its very existence.

He gained valuable experience on the board of Carlisle United where he spent ten years, two as chairman.

And while his arrival will not herald a spending spree for manager Andy Preece it will hopefully ensure the club's long-term future.

Mr Doweck is no stranger to Gigg Lane and made frequent visits over the years, having lived in both Tottington and the Ringley Road area of Whitefield.

A former chairman of governor at Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary School he is well aware of the magnitude of the task ahead of him.

"Bury is a club with a fantastic tradition but they have had a massive amount of problems that we need to get to grips with," he told the Bury Times.

"The priority is to stabilise the club's finances and make sure we give the supporters what they want: good football. I intend to put all my endeavours behind the club and can't wait for the start of the season."

One of the first tasks Mr Doweck will have is to chair the club's AGM, scheduled for July 24.

He joins directors Roger Barlow, the representative of the Forever Bury supporters' trust, and Jim Lomas on what will, temporarily, be a three-man board.

But with other parties interested in getting involved with the Gigg Lane club it seems certain there will soon be more new faces in the boardroom.

"I will give a different slant to the running of the club and will bring different ideas," said Mr Doweck.

"I feel you must be firm where you have to be and always remember that it is the fans' club and they are the people you should be looking after.

"The club cannot survive without the supporters and it's vital they have an input into the running of it."

Born in Jamaica, Mr Doweck moved to England in the late 50s while working in the family textile export business, a company he has been involved with for 50 years. He also has property interests in Manchester city centre.