Former City star Skuse handed Bury challenge

FORMER Bristol City favourite Cole Skuse has taken his first steps into management after he was appointed the new head coach of Bury Town, writes Richard Forrester.

Skuse, 37, called time on his playing career at the end of this season following a two-year stint with Colchester. Born in Yate, the former midfielder came through the academy at City and went on to make 307 appearances for the Robins before leaving for Ipswich Town in 2013.

He was part of the City side which earned promotion from League One in the 2006-07 campaign and won the club’s player of the season following the 2009-10 season under former manager Gary Johnson. Skuse was handed his City debut by then player/manager Brian Tinnion in 2005.

Bury, who ply their trade in the Isthmian League North Division in the seventh tier of English football, confirmed the appointment of Skuse on Friday morning. The former City man said of his new role: “I am really looking forward to joining Bury Town and meeting the players and staff.

“Having left Colchester United at the end of my contract I am now ready to start my first job in management and excited to get started.

“The planning for the new season starts now and I will be speaking to all the players in the coming weeks and we will also be sitting down to identify new targets. I look forward to meeting all the supporters at the pre-season friendlies.”

Bury Town’s chairman Russell Ward added of his appointment: “After a long process we are delighted that Cole has accepted our offer to become our new manager.

“This will be Cole’s first managerial appointment and I know that he is keen to get started and we look forward to working with him.”