MACC Town boss Brian Horton is set to put his faith in youth next season.
The manager will not be afraid to turn to his hungry young troops as the Silkmen look to bounce back from last seasonés disappointment.
The Cheshire club reported back for pre-season training on Monday - and Horton admitted he is delighted with his new-look squad.
The Moss Rose chief has high hopes for Andrew Teague and Andrew Smart, while teenagers Isak Reid, Jordan Hadfield and James Jennings, as well as striker Marvin McDonald, are all expected to play a role.
"Ités very exciting," said Horton, whose side face Congleton Town in their first friendly on July 12. "Ités a very young squad; we must have three or four 18-year-olds and a several in their early twenties.
"The thing you notice about the young players is they have an energy about them, which is good to see. Weéve still got the nucleus of the team and a bit of experience with the likes of Ian Brightwell, Martin Bullock and David Morley, but Iéll be giving the youngsters a chance.
"Ités important players like Smarty and Teaguey push on; they must see themselves as first-team players now."
Horton has assembled a 21-man squad - including two unnamed trialists - but has not ruled out further additions before the start of the season on August 5.
"Thereés still room on the budget, but thereés no point bringing them in unless I need them," said Horton, who admitted he may look to strengthen the midfield area following the departure of Danny Whitaker and Paul Harsley to Port Vale.
The manager is still waiting to discover whether he has been successful in securing the services of a young Premiership striker on a season-long loan deal, but has ruled out a move for Manchester Cityés Ishmael Miller.
