Askey Not Panicking Over Lack Of Signings

The Silkmen began preparations for a sixth consecutive season in the National League yesterday, hoping to improve on their ninth-placed finish last time out.

But despite a busy summer behind-the-scenes, signings have been few and far between.

Goalkeeper Shwan Jalal has returned for his second stint at the club, while Jared Hodgkiss and most recently Keith Lowe joined from Kidderminster Harriers.

Forward Scott Wilson signed from Eastleigh along with Torquay United midfielder Courtney Richards, and winger Ryan Lloyd from Port Vale, who had previously been on loan at Macclesfield's National League rivals Chester.

George Pilkington and David Fitzpatrick also re-signed.

The experienced Askey knows there is plenty of work to be done but is not rushing to have his squad already in place.

"We are quite a bit of a way off yet to getting a squad that we want to get together, it’s obviously a little bit frustrating," he told the club's website.

"I think we’ve got eight players signed at the moment but what I’m not prepared to do is sign people because we can afford them at this point, who are not good enough for this league just because they’re on low wages.

"I don’t think it’s fair on myself to be expected to do that, so until we are in a position where we can sign the players that we want then I won’t be signing people.

"Ideally we need another goalkeeper, centre half, a centre-half/right-back, as left back we are more than adequately covered for. Plus two or three midfield players and then probably three or four forwards."