Macclesfield Town are keeping silent on the sacking of manager Steve King. King and first-team coach Pablo Asensio were dismissed less than an hour of their loss to Grimsby.
And while the defeat confirmed Macc’s non-league fate for another season, the fact that his dismissal came with the club in eighth place, and having achieved a maiden appearance in the FA Cup fourth round, raised a few eyebrows.
Owners Amar and Bashar Alkadhi were abroad and unavailable for comment as the Express went to press.
Moss Rose chief executive Jon Harris did say that a board meeting is planned for next week and it is hoped that more information will be made public following that meeting.
A statement on the club’s official website was posted on Saturday. That read: “The board of the football club would like to clarify the reasons behind the decision to terminate the contract of the manager, Steve King and Pablo Asensio.
“Although we have witnessed some exciting football this season, there have been a number of off-the-field issues, including the day-to-day preparation of the team, which became a real concern. It was therefore necessary, in the best interests of the football club, to make this change. We wish Steve and Pablo well for the future.
“It is the ambition of this club is to return to the Football League and we are determined to remain focused on this goal. We would like to express our sincere thanks to our fans for their support and for staying behind the team until the end of the season.
“We hope to make an announcement on the managerial position in the near future.”
With regard to the vacancy Mr Harris revealed that they had already received more than 50 applications, despite no advertisement being made for the post, but that no movement is likely before the season ends on April 20. He would say that their intention next season is to remain as a full-time football club but added that finances are as tight as ever.
Caretaker boss John Askey – who has held most positions during his long association with the club – took over after Steve King’s sacking on Wednesday and revealed he does want the job next season.
“I’d definitely be interested in taking over,” he said. “Things need to be right and we need to know where the club’s going but it’s something I’d relish, to start a season and get the players in that I’d want and have a good go at it.
“It’s nice to be part of a football club for so long. I’ve always enjoyed it and whatever role I’ve been in I’d like to think I’ve done a decent job and I want to try to continue that.”
King declined to comment on the events or circumstances surrounding his dismissal.
