‘I’m living my dream’ - Anthony Johnson celebrates as Bury crowned champions of the West

And Shakers boss Anthony Johnson expressed his gratitude for what is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for himself.

The lifelong Bury fan was appointed back in February and has so far won 11 of his 13 games in charge to help them over the line.

It was a proud moment for Johnson, and he praised his players for how well they handled the occasion to seal back-to-back promotions..

“It’s really important that I congratulate Avro,” he said. 

“A club the size of Avro pushing a club the size of Bury the way they have done… I think everyone expected them to break the goal difference today.

“From our point of view, I was never buying into the notion of drawing games, and I’m a big believer in looking after your own performance and your own results, and that’s what we’ve done.

“It’s been a collective, great effort from everyone involved. It’s the most ridiculous pressure I’ve seen on a young group.”

Tickets for Bury’s season finale sold out almost immediately after going on sale, and a packed house mainly full of away supporters flooded the pitch to celebrate a second successive title.

When the dust settled, Bury boss Johnson was able to enjoy the moment with every fan in the ground. For the Shakers supporter, he describes it as a surreal experience.

And whilst there have been plenty of title celebrations in Johnson’s managerial career, you get the feeling that this one might be the best yet.

“I’m so grateful to be given this opportunity,” he added. 

“I’ve gone round and shaken hands and taken pictures with fans, and the reason I do that is that I’m living their dream. I’m living mine and every Bury fan’s dream of managing our football club.

“I don’t think people understand how profound it is to manage your football club, so to top it off and win the way we have… I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent our football club.

“We’ll celebrate over the next 24 hours, I’ll celebrate harder than I’ve ever done, and I hope the players celebrate harder.”