JOHN Askey has praised Macclesfield Town fans for their magnificent support.

The assistant manager was given six-monthsé notice last November, but the clubés decision to terminate Askeyés contract outraged supporters, who wanted him to stay.

But two weeks ago, Express Sport revealed the Town legend will be staying at Moss Rose next season.

And Askey, who admitted he considered a career outside football, has hailed fans for the role THEY played in him being offered a new deal, including a 600-name petition which supporters handed to Silkmen chairman Rob Bickerton.

éIéd like to thank the supporters for all the help they have given me,é said the 41-year-old. éThe fans have always shown me a lot of loyalty ever since I joined the club; I donét why they have but ités been great to know they have always been behind me and that I can count on them. You canét ask for any more than that.é

éSiré John, who made nearly 700 appearances for the Silkmen and held virtually every position within the club since joining as a player 23 years ago, added: éIém delighted to be staying. I always wanted to as Macclesfield Town has been part of my life for more than 20 years. To find out I was being offered another contract was a massive boost.é

Askey and the club will not reveal the exact nature of his new role - an announcement is expected at the end of June - but it seems highly unlikely he will be reinstalled as Brian Hortonés No2.

Askey, who he has been running the clubés Under-19s side, has not been involved with the first team on matchdays since having his contract terminated. Speculation has linked the former Silkmen manager with a new role in charge of the centre of excellence, which will undergo major investment over the next three years.

But whatever it is, the fansé favourite, who quashed rumours he had been offered a coaching position at Northwich, is just happy to be still at the club he loves.

éItés on the football side which is the most important thing,é said Askey. éI never wanted to go anywhere else and I always said Iéd take any job opportunity which meant I could stay at Macc. Iém just delighted to be staying.é