Askey hopeful over Norburn
MACCLESFIELD Town manager John Askey is hopeful that a deal can be completed to sign trialist Oliver Norburn.
The 23-year-old has been part of the Silkmen squad during pre-season, impressing during the 3-1 victory at Leek. Askey is keen to keep him on a permanent basis, but admits that the final decision won’t be made by him.
“I was really pleased with Ollie and he’s someone we have tried to sign before,” he said. “Whether we get him now is just down to finances, so we might struggle.
“He’s got good quality and is one I would love to get. We’re strong in every department and it’s just a matter of getting an extra few in the squad as that would make a big difference. We are where we are so if we can’t do it then so be it.”
Macc have had two friendlies so far, kicking off their pre-season with a 2-0 loss at Buxton before the triumph over Leek during the weekend.
Their preparations continue when they’re set to host Championship side Wigan Athletic at the Moss Rose tonight (Wednesday).
While the Silkmen were in control for the majority during the match against Leek, Askey expects it to be different against Latics.
“We made Leek chase during that game and Wigan will be trying to make us run after the ball instead,” he said.
“It will be a different game and have different qualities, but will be one where we can learn from. It will be almost be all about organisation and how we can get the ball back, so we’ll need to be positive.”
Wigan have had a busy pre-season so far, playing Chester last week and Manchester United and Liverpool at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Macclesfield have announced the appointment of Gary Lewis as their new head groundsman. He replaces Danny Walker in the role who left earlier this summer, and Lewis is excited to get started.
“I’ve done a fair bit of work in the field. I started off at Manchester United and moved to Salford Rugby and then Accrington Stanley,” he said.
“At the end of the day it is about helping nature do her job.
“It is not an easy job but one that I enjoy and hopefully I can help make the pitch the best it can be and give the team the best chance of success.”