New Macclesfield Town general manager Robert Stirling believes the club is in a positive place at the moment despite just missing out on the Conference play-offs.

Stirling was appointed as general manager earlier this week after previously working for the club as ticket office manager.

That role came from 2011 to 2012, before moving on to become a development manager at Langtree Group PLC.

He has now returned to Macclesfield on a full-time basis, though, and will focus his attention on overseeing off-the-field matters at the Moss Rose, along with co-ordinating a team of volunteers.

Stirling’s appointment shows that the club is already putting in plans for next season, and he is excited for what the future holds at the football club.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I am delighted to be back at the club.

“I have always stayed involved in some way and when the opportunity arose to return on a full-time basis I jumped at the chance.

“I think it is exciting times at the club at the minute. Despite just missing out on a play-off spot, there is a real feelgood factor around the place as shown in the encouraging season ticket sales so far.”

Macclesfield are currently offering a season-ticket discount of 15 per cent, available to those who purchase tickets before this weekend.

With that in mind, Stirling is encouraging supporters to purchase their tickets quickly before the offer runs out.

“I think we are all expecting to be busy this week as the deadline approaches. It really seems like people want to come out and support this club at the minute and that is good to see,” he said.

“We had a great home record last season, so it is hardly surprising that people want to come and support John Askey and the team.

“But away from the football, my aim is to help the club become more involved with the community and make the most of the great facilitates we have to offer here.

“We want to appeal to more people, whether that means they attend a function at the club or a match.

“We are making progress but there is still plenty of work ahead. But I am sure we can continue to keep pushing things forward.”

Club chairman Mark Blower was the man who decided to hand Stirling this new role and he is confident that his appointment will be a massive success.

He said: “It is great to have Robert on board to support me, but importantly him and his team of volunteers are there to help provide fans with the service and match experience they are looking for.”

League One side Rochdale will make the trip down the M60 for a pre-season clash with Macc at the Mose Rose on July 18th, 3pm kick-off.

Rochdale finished eighth in League One in the 2014/15 campaign, narrowly missing out on the play-offs after a late dip in form which saw them pick up just one league win in their last six games.

It was a very similar ending to the Silkmen’s season, as one victory in their last eight league games saw them finish agonisingly close to the final play-off spot.