LEON Clarke is eyeing up a better return for the Shakers next season as he bids to put a campaign of mixed emotions behind him.

The 31-year-old striker has been a big hit at Gigg Lane with 18 goals in 37 appearances since his move from Wolves – prompting heavy speculation that he could be a target for other League One clubs this summer.

However, Clarke’s season has been interrupted by a number of personal issues, not least the sad passing of his father at the turn of the year, followed quickly by an illness to his partner and mother.

Those issues have taken the shine off what has been a successful spell on the pitch but Clarke dropped a hint he was preparing to continue life with the Shakers as he spoke to the Bury Times at the end-of-season awards.

“Obviously, there have been a lot of things which have been documented – family problems and things like that – which have been totally out of my hands, but such is life,” he said. “If I would have played more games I would have scored more goals, so hopefully next season I can play a lot more games.”

Clarke got recognition for his efforts by picking up the Golden Boot and Players’ Player of the Season prizes. Fellow forward Tom Pope and winger Danny Mayor came joint second in the top goal-scorer charts with seven apiece.

Clarke’s 18-goal tally was the highest of any Bury player since Ryan Lowe topped the scoring charts with 28 in 2010/11. And though personal achievements were not his main priority on swapping Molineux for the North West at the start of the season, he feels he can be pleased with what he contributed to the Shakers’ cause.

“I am really happy,” said the striker, whose namesake Peter collected the night’s main award. “Obviously getting voted by my team-mates was nice.

“(Peter) Clarkey took all the awards and well done to him. He has deserved them and done really well.

“It was nice to get a couple of awards but that wasn’t the goal, it was to settle in as quickly as I could and try to hit the ground running with goals.

“That was the aim, to try to contribute to the team, which I felt I did.”

Clarke has been suffering with ligament damage since rolling his ankle against Scunthorpe in April but is confident of being fit in time for pre-season training.

Meanwhile, Ryan Lowe is expected to make a decision on his future this week after returning from a family holiday.

Crewe are vying for the 37-year-old’s services and Clarke has backed the veteran front man to continue firing next season.

He said: “Lowe’s a top man. It has been enjoyable to play up front with him as well. I wish him all the best in his future.”