New striker on Askey wish list
MACCLESFIELD Town manager John Askey has revealed he still hopes to sign a striker before the National League season gets underway.
The Silkmen are currently deep into their preseason schedule, and were set to take on Rochdale as the Express went to print on Tuesday.
It’s only 10 days until Macc kick off their league campaign with a home game against Torquay at the Moss Rose.
Askey is keen to add to his squad before then, and admitted that he needs to strengthen in the forward department.
“We need to get hold of a centre-forward but obviously they are the most costly position,” he said.
“Unless we can pick someone up from lower level or even someone from a league club then we’ll have to see what happens.”
Someone else who Askey remains keen to sign is trialist Ollie Norburn, who has impressed for the Silkmen so far this summer.
It’s still unclear whether or not Macclesfield will be able to keep him on a permanent basis, but Askey insists he is doing everything he can to get him.
“We’re still hoping to get Ollie signed and at the moment that is the most important thing,” he said.
“We’ve got the Silkmen campaign fund and that will give us a chance, so if enough money comes in from that then it will enable us to get him. If it doesn’t then we’ll just have to go on with what we’ve got.”
Another trialist that has impressed for Macc is Emmett O’Connor, who scored two goals during the 3-0 victory over Nantwich Town on Saturday, and Askey was pleased with what he saw from him.
“Emmett did well in spells and he showed us that he can play,” he said.
“He finished his chances well and it’s pleasing to have a trialist with the club who can do that.”
Tuesday’s game against Rochdale was set to be the second time this summer that Macclesfield have gone up against a team from a higher division, following the friendly against Championship side Wigan Athletic last week.
The Silkmen managed to hold Latics to a 0-0 draw in that game, and Askey was expecting the same sort of match against League One club Rochdale.
Speaking ahead of the game, he said: “Just like Wigan it will be tough as we’ll be the ones doing the running.
“We’ll be looking at playing a team more like the one we’ll have in the opening National League match, so it’s up to the players to play for their places.”
Following Tuesday’s match with Rochdale, Macclesfield bring their pre-season schedule to an end when they host National League North side Stockport County at the Moss Rose on Saturday.