Pilkington has eyes on top-five spot
GEORGE Pilkington has warned his Macclesfield Town side that the National League will be extremely competitive this season.
The veteran defender will be taking part in his third full season with the club, and will be hoping to guide the team to promotion.
While he insists that a return to League Two is his aim, the 34-year-old admits that it will be tough competing with some of the other sides in the division.
“You always aim for the top spot. The last couple of seasons we’ve challenged for the play-offs, but we had a bit of a lull where we lost our form, saw the squad side reduced, and some inconsistencies,” he told the club’s official website.
“We started and finished strong, and with the squad we’ve got this year we’re more than capable to go on and compete again.
“We should be eyeing a top-five spot, but as you saw last year, the league’s really competitive and it will be again this year.
“Obviously you’ve got the likes of Tranmere, Dagenham have come down, York will be well organised, Forest Green and Dover will have money to spend.
“It will be a big ask again, but we saw the likes of Braintree challenge last year so there’s no reason why we can’t.”
Pilkington made over 40 appearances for Macclesfield last season, making him a key member of the starting 11.
The Silkmen have a number of defensive options available to them this time around, and Pilkington knows he will have to battle to keep his place in the side.
“We’ve got competition for places this year, with three centre-halves in the squad,” he said.
“I’ve just got to try and be the best I can be and hopefully that will be enough to get me in the team.”