THE man who brought Shakers' financial plight to the attention of the nation will be honoured at Gigg Lane tonight.

Top sports writer David Conn of 'The Independent' was the first member of the national press to highlight the cash crisis at Gigg Lane last season and the tremendous amount of blood, sweat and tears put into saving the club from liquidation.

His in-depth articles, which proved a massive boost to the club's fund-raising efforts, have now earned him the Supporters' Football Writer of the Year Award.

The former Bury Grammar School pupil, who writes the newspaper's 'Inside Football' column, will be presented with the award by Football Supporters' Federation deputy chairman Malcolm Clarke before the LDV Vans Trophy clash with Tranmere Rovers.

"As a football fan myself, I recognise in my columns the passion and loyalty that supporters have and why it means so much to them when their clubs run into trouble," said David.

"Having gone to school locally and been to matches at Gigg Lane as a teenager, I felt an added personal commitment to the Bury story. I very much admire the work of all fans, whether in trusts or in the FSF, to improve the running of football.

"I'm delighted that the FSF have recognised my efforts in the column and I feel privileged to receive this award."