Having been hit hard by financial worries, Macclesfield Town chairman Rob Bickerton has announced the club have given assistant boss John Askey a six-month notice period.
Rumoured to be losing £250,000 a year, Bickerton has also laid off a number of other staff at the Mose Rose club as he blamed falling attendances for the Silkmen’s current predicament.
‘Our income is significantly lower than the income we budgeted for,’ explained Bickerton. ‘That is mainly caused by a significant fall in gates. Our expenditure is above budget which is caused by having to bring in additional players to cover injuries.
‘There are a number of people throughout the club (given notice), but John is high profile. We’ve given him six months’ notice with regard to his position as assistant manager, but we hope ? we can’t guarantee ? there will be a role for him within the club after that six-month period.
‘It’s caught us by surprise, but we’d be foolish if we ignored it. We’re facing up to the reality of the situation and acting in an appropriate manner. We’ve got a real financial situation that has to be addressed.’
Manager Brian Horton expressed his disappointment at the news, but is still hopeful of some good news concerning Askey’s future at the club.
‘I was at the meeting on Monday and I have arranged to meet with John on Thursday,’ said Horton. ‘He has taken a couple of days off to consider things. I would like to stress that we all hope there is still a role for John at Macclesfield Town Football Club as fewer people have to handle the same work load.’
