LOOKING after the people that matter in football - the fans - is the top of the list of priorities for new Bury FC chairman Albert Doweck.

The Manchester businessman took over the reins at Gigg Lane this week and spelled out just what he believes is needed to get the Shakers bacsk on the up.

Jamaican-born Mr Doweck (65), who has lived in both Tottington and Whitefield but now resides in Hale, Cheshire, reckons the club is a 'jewel in the community' and intends making sure it shines for a long time yet.

He admits that some tough decisions may have to be made but is confident that an influx of new ideas and views can only be beneficial for the club's future.

"I know the club very well, it is a jewel in the community and has a fantastic tradition and history in the game of football," he said.

"But there are problems here that we need to get to grips with. We must rebalance, retrench and put the club back on an even keel.

"The finances need to be stabilised and that has to be balanced with producing good football on the pitch - that's what the supporters want to see.

"Be firm where you have to be firm but most of all remember the club belongs to the fans and they are the ones that you have to look after."

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

It's Mr Doweck's business acumen earned from more than 50 years in the textile trade, property and as a director and chairman of Carlisle United FC that convinced club directors that he's the man for the job.

He took over the hotseat at Brunton Park following Michael Knighton's highly-publicised resignation and remains a popular figure on the terraces of Brunton Park.

And he has clear views about where a lot of football's current problems began.

"After the Bosman Ruling (that allowed players over the age of 25 to become free agents once a contract had expired) clubs should have begun to run their businesses differently.

"Some footballers and managers think there is a bottomless pit of money in the game but that's not the case.

"The best thing you can do for a football club is to help it get into a position so it can help itself.

"Bury can be put on an even footing, it will be difficult but it can be done.

"The forthcoming season is the most important one as I see it but if we start to put things right it will run smoothly.

"The undertaking isn't something to treat lightly, a football club is very important to people's lives and they get a great deal of enjoyment from it."

Recalling the days of the great Colin Bell Mr Doweck admits he'd love to see another player of his stature come through the ranks.

But he also pointed to popular players of the recent past such as Chris Lucketti as examples of the kind of home grown talent that can be nurtured.

During his time as chairman of governors at Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary School he started a school soccer team and contacted Bury FC for some help.

"The club sent us two coaches down for almost a year," he explained.

"They were wonderful and you don't forget things like that.

"That's just the sort of thing a community club should be doing, encouraging youngsters to come down and support their local team."

A keen cricket fan - he used to turn out for Walshaw Sports Club during his time in Tottington - he still plays the occasional Sunday afternoon game and has a long association with the Chorlton club in the Manchester Association.

But it's the day to day running of Bury FC that will be occupying Mr Doweck for the forseeable future and it remains to be seen if he is just the first of a number of new faces on the board when he chairs the club's AGM on July 24.

"Running a football club is a team effort and as chairman you are just the hand on the tiller," he said.

"But it's important you are all pulling in the same direction in every respect."