MICHAEL Nelson had no hesitation in taking on the Shakers' captaincy when asked by boss Andy Preece last week.

The influential defender has been appointed skipper until further notice as Preece attempts to help Jon Newby back to his early season goalscoring form.

The Bury boss reckons the added responsibility of being captain may have had a bearing on Newby's barren spell and spoke to the former Liverpool striker about the situation last week.

Both agreed that relinquishing the skipper's job could work in his favour and at York City on Saturday there were definite signs that the Shakers' leading scorer could be about to turn the corner.

But Newby's loss is Nelson's gain and the genial Geordie, who will be 21 next month, is hoping he can establish himself as the club's leader both on and off the pitch.

"I agreed instantly when the gaffer asked me to take over," said the Gateshead-born stopper.

"I really enjoyed the experience. I'd love to carry on in the role and hopefully I will do.

"I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem as I was captain at Bishop Auckland, so it isn't new to me."

Meanwhile, Preece hopes that a break from the responsibility will do the trick for Newby who has been the target of some terrace taunts in recent weeks.

"I had a chat with Jon trying to find a way to get him back to his best and he's in agreement about the decision," explained Preece.

"Maybe now he can concentrate solely on playing. I am looking at anything that will improve the team and each player's performance.

"I thought he did well against York and was lively and bright and was our most threatening player, we'll just have to keep our eye on the situation."

Nelson's appointment is sure to be a popular one with the Gigg Lane faithful.

The no-nonsense defender has become a firm favourite with the Shakers fans for his consistency and 100 per cent commitment.

He was originally on Portsmouth's books as a junior but stringent cost-cutting meant Pompey were forced to let him return to the north-east.

He then embarked on a career as a window fitter while playing part-time football with Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor United, and it was while with the Bishops he caught the attention of Andy Preece.

Arriving at Gigg Lane on trial in March 2001 and made an immediate impression, scoring on his debut against Wycombe Wanderers the day after signing a contract.

But it was nearly a memorable captain's debut for all the wrong reasons on Saturday when Nelson gave away the penalty that gave the Minstermen the lead.

Though he was far from happy with the refereeing decision that let big Jon Parkin dust himself off, step up and score from the spot.

"I didn't think it was a penalty," admitted Nelson.

"It was just two big lads going for the ball. We'd been challenging each other all day like that and the referee never pulled us up for it.

"I don't know what he saw that time but that's football.

"I really enjoyed the experience of being captain, apart from the result of course!

"Hopefully we can now start transfer our away form to home. We really need a good result against Bournemouth next week, it would kick us on against the rest of the top teams we have to play.

"There are some massive matches coming up next month but we just have to take them one at a time."