THE feelgood factor might have returned to Gigg Lane after a long, long absence, but some things never change.

Once again, Mr Consistency, Paul Scott was handed the club's highest honour on a night on which the fans finally had something to celebrate.

It might only have been survival for another year, but the manner in which Alan Knill's side have transformed their campaign gives even the most cynical Shakers fan a reason to be optimistic for the future.

Far from the doldrums of defeat at Darlington, Alan Knill's arrival has put the buzz back in Bury.

But by contrast, the quiet man in the middle of it all has continued to perform in the same no-fuss, all-action style that has become his trademark since arriving at Gigg Lane three years ago.

It is no coincidence that Scott is often described as "three players in one."

Be it at right-back, centre-half or his new midfield role, 29-year-old Yorkshireman rarely grabs the headlines but is never far from the lips of anyone dishing out praise after the final whistle.

Typically, the modest midfielder produced an understated response after receiving the award.

"It's obviously an honour, but I think Andy Bishop probably deserves it more than me," he said. "He has been brilliant.

"Without his goals we would probably have been relegated - but the rest of the team have played a massive part as well. The award is for them as much as for me."

Scott's transition from defence to midfield has added another string to his bow - the skipper having netted seven goals this season.

"I'm starting to favour midfield more now," said Scott, who also picked up the Disabled Supporters' Association award. "I can get more involved even though it isn't my natural position.

"I think you can tell that sometimes, but I keep going at it.

"The gaffer just wants me to keep it safe in the middle and that is what I have tried to do this season."

Bishop, runner-up to Scott in the Forever Bury award, took the players' vote by a landslide.

"It's extra special that you get this from your team-mates," said the 23-goal top-scorer.

"In many ways it has been a frustrating season for me and I can't believe that I have got more goals than last year. It makes me wonder what I can do with a full pre-season behind me."

Bishop also took the Billy Ayre Memorial Website and the Junior Shakers award, leaving the Social Club with another bounty of trophies. Perhaps a few of those goal bonuses can go towards buying a bigger mantlepiece.

"I came out with a few last year as well," the striker said. "It is really rewarding, but this year has been really great because of the atmosphere.

"The expectation levels are up now, and it would be great to keep that going next season."

Knill also revealed that contract discussions with Nicky Adams, voted Young Player of the Year, and David Buchanan will begin soon.

Adams leads League Two in assists this season and attributed his rapid improvement this term to the support he has been given by his family.

"I'm really happy with how the season has gone. I feel that I have improved as a player and as a person," he said.

"Fifty-eight games tells its own story and last year I didn't get a fair crack of the whip. I was in for five games and then out for two.

"I'm still young and learning my trade, but when I got back into the side this year it was a case of saying I wasn't happy with that any more. It's my time, I'll show them.

"I have got a girlfriend and a baby, so whereas before I was a bit of a loose cannon, I can't afford to do that any more.

"My family are the most important thing in my life, so I knew it was about time I showed what talent I had."