BURY manager David Flitcroft has urged fans to give new assistant manager Chris Brass a warm welcome on his return to the JD Stadium.

The 38-year-old coach was officially unveiled yesterday following protracted compensation negotiations with Torquay United, where Brass was working under Alan Knill.

Knill and Brass originally teamed up as a mangement duo at Bury but left to take over at then Championship side Scunthorpe United in March, 2011, with the Shakers on the brink of promotion from League Two.

And Flitcroft is impressed with the loyalty Brass has shown for Knill down the years.

“I know only too well from my time working with Keith Hill how far you can go by showing loyalty to someone,” he said.

“The loyalty that Brassy has shown to Knilly over the years was one of the key qualities that attracted me.

“Brassy had the opportunity to work at a Championship club and he took it, but you have to remember what he and Knilly did for Bury. They left this club on a strong footing with a group of dynamic, fit young players which Richie Barker was able to take on.

“So I am delighted to be working with Brassy.

“He is someone who knows this club inside out, he has a wealth of experience and he is a workaholic.

“Brassy also has fantastic contacts in the North West and I know he is overjoyed to be back up here living closer to his family, which is very important to me.”

Brass played 29 games for the Shakers at the tail end of his career following longer spells as a defender at Burnley and then York City.

He took over the running of Bury's centre of excellence after hanging up his boots and was later appointed caretaker manager following the departure of Chris Casper, before linking up with Knill.

Following an unsuccessful spell with the Iron the pair moved to Plainmoor, where Brass signed a one-year rolling contract in the summer.

Flitcroft revealed on Saturday after Bury’s 1-1 draw with Northampton Town – his first match in charge – that he expected Brass to be unveiled at the start of the week.

But it is understood protracted negotiations over a compensation pay-off to Torquay had delayed the official announcement.

A statement from the Bury board confirmed: "The deal was completed on Wednesday and compensation has been agreed, though details of the deal will remain undisclosed.”

While Brass is now in place, Flitcroft confirmed talks are ongoing with three coaches as he bids to fill the remaining positions in his backroom staff.

His top target is 41-year-old Bolton-born stopper Mike Pollitt, who he hopes to tempt from Wigan Athletic to join as goalkeeping and distribution coach, but admits that deal is far from certain.

“It is not done and dusted by any means, so we are keeping our options open,” he said.

“We have got another two coaches we are talking to.”