Football Season Guide

It has been a rollercoaster summer for Macclesfield Town following their return to the Football League after a six-year absence. Living in the shadow of their more illustrious Manchester neighbours, there has rarely been more of stark contrast in the gulf in finances in modern football yet John Askey made a mockery as he made a silk purse from a sow’s ear and guided the Silkman to the National League title in April. It all looked rather fanciful the previous summer as he was left with just three players signed up yet built a squad that took the league by storm and they finished ten points clear of runners-up Tranmere Rovers at the top of the National League table. With his reputation enhanced it came as little surprise when other clubs showed interest in his services and he chose to take over the reigns at League One Shrewsbury Town. It is a huge blow for the club and they have turned to the experience of Mark Yates, who has been appointed as his successor. Yates faces a huge task to keep the club in the Football League this season and will be working with one of the smallest budgets in the division. He has been dealt a blow with a trio of regulars from the title-winning side leaving this summer in goalkeeper Shwan Jalal and defender Kieran Kennedy and Mitch Hancox. He can take some encouragement with last season’s player-of-the-year Keith Lowe and leading goalscorer Scott Wilson both signing new one and two- year deals respectively. Winger Koby Arthur and Nathan Blissett have both made their loan moves permanent whilst goalkeeper Rhys Taylor, defenders James Pearson and Jamie Grimes, midfielder Michael Rose and striker Harry Smith have all signed as Yates looks to strengthen his squad for the new campaign.