Lee Clark has quit the manager's position at Kilmarnock to join Bury, saying it will further his ambition to manage in the English Premier League.

Bury confirmed his appointment on Wednesday afternoon and he will start work on trying to preserve the Shakers' League One status. The club are currently in 21st position in their league.

Kilmarnock have placed Lee McCulloch and Peter Leven in charge on an interim basis.

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

A Kilmarnock spokesperson said: "When Lee expressed a desire to move back to his homeland, the clubs swiftly agreed terms for the early termination of his contract which was due to run until May, 2019.

"While disappointed to lose Lee so soon, the board of Kilmarnock understood his desire to be closer to his family and embrace a new challenge."

Clark leaves Rugby Park one year to the day after being appointed at the Ayrshire club. He has taken charge of 44 matches during his time at the club.

The Englishman was appointed to steer the club clear of relegation last season and was successful, managing an 11th -place finish in the Premiership ahead of Dundee United and defeating Falkirk 4-1 on aggregate in the play-off final.