KEITH Alexander has named Sean Hessey as the Silkmen’s on-field leader for this season.

The defender played 26 games while on loan from Chester City last season, captaining the side on many occasions, and he signed a two-year deal at the Moss Rose last month.

The 29-year-old capped a fine week for him, in which he drilled a stunning winner on Saturday against Bolton Wanderers, by accepting the skipper’s armband.

"Sean did well for me last season and he’s a good leader," said Alexander.

"He leads by example in terms of effort and commitment so, while there were several candidates for the job, I didn’t really have to think too long before asking him to take the job on.

"Sean scored a great goal on Saturday, he’s very capable and he’s got two good feet. He’s a very decent player, as good as you find at this level."

Hessey was arguably one of Macc’s more consistent performers since he arrived in November and played a major role in the club escaping the drop during Alexander’s 12 games in charge at the end of the campaign.

He formed a strong defensive partnership with a number of his team-mates as Macc, switching between a four-man and five-man defensive formation, conceded just eight goals in those final 12 games.

Meanwhile, Alexander says he was more than pleased with Saturday’s morale-boosting victory over their visitors from the Premiership.

"I was delighted with the side that Bolton put out," he said.

"It was a good test for us against good young players. I think maybe they thought it would be easier than it was but I’m delighted with that result.

"We were very strong at the back and that pleased me. That’s how I like to build my teams.

"I was disappointed with how much we gave the ball away but we’re getting our sharpness back and you only get that by playing games."

The Macc boss added that he has received enquiries from other clubs regarding striker Franny Green, the only Silkman on duty not to get on the pitch against Bolton.

"There has been a bit of interest shown in him but I also wanted to have a look at a few others, I know what Franny can do and what he’s capable of.

"Some have had good pre-seasons so far, and there are one or two lads that are finding out what’s expected of them as they get their fitness levels up. It’s all coming together."