The big news for the Silkmen so far this season has been the appointment of Paul Ince as manager. The former England International jumped into his first managerial position after Brian Horton was sacked towards the end of October. Winless at the time in all competitions, indeed after four league games in charge Ince is also winless, though he inspired his side to an FA Cup upset at league leaders Walsall, Horton found himself becoming the first
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Since losing the talismanic Jonathon Parkin to Hull City last season, Macclesfield have been on a downward spiral. Parkin's goals, enthusiasm and all-round ability took Horton's side into the Playoffs in the 2004/2005 season. However, with them well-placed to do the same in the last campaign, the board refused to back Horton and sold Parkin on the cheap. With no funds released, the Moss Rose outfit have tumbled to the bottom of the professional league ladder. Despite Ince's arrival, there seems to be no let up.
After nineteen league games, Town are not only winless, but also struggling for goals and draws. Indeed, they are a massive eleven points from safety. With few funds available, Ince will have to get the best out of what he has. That doesn't appear to be much, and there has been much movement in the bookies as to what Ince will be doing during the summer. Would he remain in charge if Macclesfield do what appears to be the inevitable and drop back into the Conference for the first time since 1997? Critics doubt it, and almost everyone doubts that the blues will hold on to their league status.
Manager: Paul Ince
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League position (as of 28 November): 24/24
Top Goalscorer: 7 players on two including Spencer Weir-Daley, their on-loan Nottingham Forest striker.
Goals For: 18
Goals Against: 36
Player of the season so far: There couldn't be a harder decision in the league, but fans favourite Martin Bullock continues to be their main threat, with his experience important to their fading hopes in League 2.
V Notts County. Yet to meet, Notts host Macclesfield on December 9, whilst the Magpies travel to Moss Rose for what could be a nail biting last game of the season for different reasons on the 5th of May.
Drapes' Prediction: 24th… They are so far behind, with so little finances and an inexperienced manager, that there appears no way back for the sorry Silkmen.