Macclesfield Town say they are at an advanced stage in their search for a permanent successor to former manager Steve King.

King – appointed 12 months ago and tasked with returning the club to League Two – was sacked ahead of a disappointing mid-table finish for the Silkmen in their first year back in non-league football.

Interviews were taking place at the start of the week, with youth team manager John?Askey among those looking to have the chance to lead Macc back to the Football?League.

Askey took over for the final few weeks of last season and has made no secret of his ambition to take the position on a permanent basis.

He struggled to turn around the fortunes of a team low on numbers, even lower on confidence and with little motivation once it became clear that the club was consigned to a second season in the fifth tier.

Askey said at the end of the season that he would relish the chance to construct his own team and start next season with players he’d brought in. He was consulted on the end-of-season retained list, details of which were expected to be revealed today (Wednesday).

Competition for the post was rife, however, as Macc Town had received more than 50 applications once King’s departure was confirmed.

Thought to be among the candidates are Liam?Watson, who left Blue Square Bet rivals Southport this summer, former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler, ex-Accrington Stanley boss John?Coleman, Stockport County fans’ favourite Jim Gannon,?Gary?Lowe who won the Blue Square?Bet?North title with Hyde FC and Macc’s legendary boss Sammy McIlroy, who was the manager when they first won promotion to the Football?League in 1997.

“We’ve been speaking to the candidates this week, and putting to them that our sole aim is to return to the Football?League” confirmed chief executive Jon?Harris. “Consideration is being given to all our candidates and they are very credible, there is a lot of potential in the shortlist we’ve drawn up.

“People are convinced by recent rumours that we’re about to go into administration but as I’ve said before, there’s no benefit to doing that in non-league football – that’s not on our agenda and we remain committed to staying a full-time club next season.

“We hope to have a big announcement very soon that will prove very popular.

“This club has suffered more tragedy in a short space of time than any club should reasonably be expected to endure so we’re hoping to have some positive news to lift the club soon.”