Macc blow as duo leave Moss Rose to sign for rival clubs

MACCLESFIELD Town have suffered a double setback after two of their key players left the club for National League rivals.

Captain Andy Halls has departed to join Chester, while midfielder Ollie Norburn has signed for Tranmere Rovers.

Both were offered new deals at the Moss Rose, but turned them down.

Halls made more than 100 appearances for Macc after arriving in 2013, but felt the time was right to move on.

“I had four great years at Macclesfield but it was time for a change and time for me to get out of my comfort zone,” he said.

“I was named captain last season and it was a season that I really enjoyed, but I knew I needed to try my luck elsewhere and test myself a bit.

“There wasn’t really the security I was looking for at Macclesfield with some of the things happening behind the scenes and I didn’t get the contract I had hoped.

“Chester has always struck me as a great club, one that is run really professional and it is something I want to be a part of.”

Halls came through the youth ranks at Stockport County and spent four years with the team before the defender’s switch to the Silkmen.

As for Norburn, he leaves Macclesfield after joining last summer. The 24-year-old has now signed a two-year deal with Tranmere, and manager Micky Mellon has revealed he has had his eye on the new recruit for a while.

“Ollie is a player we watched closely last season and I’m pleased we are able to bring him to the club,” he said.