As Macclesfield Town prepare for more trials and tribulations in 2015 their manager is calling for the same effort from his charges, not least in Thursday's year-opener at Grimsby.

They'll need every ounce of their mettle as they head for the second Mariners match in eight days, as they'll be taking on a fourth-placed side that could enjoy the luxury of making personnel changes last Sunday, although they were defeated in that game, at home to Lincoln City.

“We're in a fantastic position but we need some help to maintain it,” said Macc boss Askey, who's hoping to arrest a mini-slide of two defeats in two games.

“I know Grimsby lost on Sunday but they rested a few, they made changes and they were able to bring in some players of equal quality. When you look at it like that we have to be realistic and appreciate what we have - we're in third place and that's something to celebrate and be proud of, even though we've achieved nothing yet.

“In the last two games there was nothing in the first Grimsby game, or in the first half against Bristol - they just got away from us in the second half, that was a game where it just wasn't going to happen for us.

The Boxing Day match against Grimsby led to a frustrating defeat for Macc
 

“We just need to have the same effort next year as the players have been putting in in 2014. We need everybody to pull together, there are always one or two that are going to moan but we need everyone pulling as one. They don't realise the club is still in a mess but we're still here, still struggling but still fighting.”

Askey had a 14-man squad for his side's own defeat on Sunday, at second-placed Bristol Rovers and while the Gas appear the strongest contenders to overhaul Barnet at the Conference summit the Macc manager still has designs on maintaining their own position.

But he'll be trying to do so without Liam Hogan.

The defender was replaced at half-time in the Boxing Day clash with Grimsby and it was revealed that he's broken a bone in his foot, which effectively ends his loan from Fleetwood.

“Liam has gone back, he did well for us but he's in a cast with that broken bone, he's going to be out for at least six weeks so that's the end of his time with us,” confirmed Askey, who still hopes the New Year will bring new fortunes – and especially new faces.

“We've no more news on investment, we wouldn't be able to do anything just yet anyway. “I'm hoping it will happen but I'm more in hope than expectation if I'm honest.

“We think we've done well with what we've got, it's just that at this time other teams, whether they're up at the top or down near the bottom of the table, are looking at rejigging their squads, and we can't do that, certainly not until one or two people are moved out.

“We were promised in summer that, if we were in a play-off position, we'd be able to have a go for it but as it stands it doesn't look like that's going to happen.”

 

With most outfield positions in need of a bolstering Askey (above) would have to be shrewd with whatever he does get to splash out. However, there was good news surrounding his defence as, although Hogan and Adam Thomas' loan spells have ended (the latter returning to Stoke City today) the Potters have agreed to extend Alex Grant's stay until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has appeared 10 times in league and cup matches and his contribution could be vital in the coming months.

Elsewhere Askey revealed that strikers Domaine Rouse and Malachi Lavelle-Moore haven't had the impact he was hoping for and are likely to be seeking fresh pastures.

Will Bailey is sidelined by injury and while Liam Gibson and Milan Thompson currently train with the Silkmen they're embroiled in North West Counties action with Woodley, now Stockport Sports.

Two Jacks, Hunter and Disney, are still with the club but Askey is reluctant to play them before he feels they're ready to make the step up.

“Domaine isn't getting paid so he's still with us but he's not been progressing as I thought he would and Malachi hasn't shown enough to be pushing for a place. He is contracted until the end of the season so we need to get him out on loan which would be best for everybody,” he added. “And Efe (Sodje, assistant manager) hasn't kicked a ball in about 18 months so we couldn't consider putting him in at Bristol either.

“So it's clear that we have a small squad and we need some help.”