NEIL Warnock knew he was destined to become the new manager at Gigg Lane from the moment he stepped into his local Post Office.

The 49-year-old was living in Cornwall when the vacancy arose and was quickly urged to throw his hat in the ring from his local shopkeeper.

"I called in at the Post Office in the village for some groceries and the chap who runs the shop is from Bury," he explained.

"He is a massive Shakers fan and told me I had to go for the job and to forget Sheffield United, where I was already down for an interview.

"From the moment he knew I was being linked with the job he started carrying my groceries to the car for me!"

Warnock makes no secret of the fact he was short-listed at Bramall Lane.

He is a life-long Blades supporter and the chance to manage the team he loves was too great to ignore.

He said: "I ended up having an interview at Sheffield United on one day, then another at Bury the next.

"I remember telling the Sheffield board how I would spend £6m on three players and then, within 24 hours, I was telling Terry Robinson how I would want three or four free transfers. It is another world.

"But I am delighted to be here and can't wait to get started. If I spend £6m or £6, I will give everything I have and I think the club and the players will enjoy working with me."

Many managers would feel daunted stepping into the boots of the most successful manager in Bury's history - but not Warnock.

"I don't think anybody would relish taking over from Stan Ternent. He has worked wonders. In fact, I have voted for him in the Manager of the Year awards for the last two years," he revealed.

And Warnock is sure to win popularity points from the Bury players too. Instead of calling them in to put them through their paces he has given them two weeks off!

"I will be sending a letter to the players telling them to have two weeks rest because they have been training all through the summer," he said.

"I think they will enjoy working for me. I love motivating players; man management is one of my strengths."

Only time will tell how long Warnock intends sticking around at Gigg Lane. He turned down the manager's job at Chelsea six years ago but clearly has plenty of ambition to take charge of a Premiership club - not only for the prestige, but for the financial security it would bring him and his family.

Bury fans may not be too familiar with Warnock's number two, Ron Reid, but, like the new manager, he has an impressive CV.

As well as working with Warnock at Oldham Athletic, he managed the England semi-professional team, has a full FA coaching licence and a UEFA A licence.

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