LEE CLARK has left Kilmarnock to take over as manager of English League One side Bury.

The 44-year-old's departure was confirmed by Killie exactly a year after his appointment at Rugby Park and he leaves the club in sixth place in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Kilmarnock confirmed in a club statement that they agreed the early termination of Clark's contract after the manager expressed interest in moving south.

The former Huddersfield, Birmingham and Blackpool boss avoided the drop last season after beating Falkirk 4-1 in the play-off final to stave off relegation.

"I have had a wonderful year as Kilmarnock manager," Clark said.

"The club & fans have treated myself and my family fantastically- we are in a good position with a strong and loyal squad and staff.

"The Directors have given me their full support in rebuilding the squad and the fans will always have a special place in my heart but I still have huge ambition to one day manage at the highest level in England, which is obviously the Premier League, and I feel that the fresh challenge of managing a club in England's League One could provide me with the platform to build towards this goal."

Bury are currently in 21st place in the League One table, two points from safety, with only two league wins since September.