PETER Shirtliff has been told he is not part of a five-man shortlist drawn up by the Shakers board to be the next manager.

Although he will take charge of tomorrow’s home game with MK Dons, the former Mansfield boss will not be part of the interviewing process when it begins on Monday morning.

The club issued a statement this afternoon, which read: “The board of directors have drawn up a shortlist of five potential managers for Bury Football Club. Interviews will take place within the next few days and we hope to be able to reveal the Shakers new manager in time for next weekend’s game at Stevenage.

“The chairman and board of directors would like to place on record their thanks and appreciation to Peter Shirtliff and Ben Futcher for their professionalism and loyalty to the club. Both Peter and Ben will remain in our plans for the future, working with the new manager.

“We would also like to thank all our supporters for their patience shown whilst we appoint the right person for the job. Whilst we fully understand the frustration shown by many, we wish to stress that the task of finding the right man for the job is not an easy one.”