JOHN Askey's six-month tenure as Macclesfield Town boss started with a magnificent 2-2 draw at the KC Stadium in Hull.
Danny Whitaker's last-minute equaliser gave the then caretaker boss a superb start - which was continued in the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over Boston United.
Another last-minute equaliser - this time from Matt Tipton - gave Macc a 2-2 draw against Scunthorpe United before Askey sampled defeat for the first time at Oxford United.
A run of five games without defeat throughout December left the Silkmen eyeing a play-off berth, but their run was ended on Boxing Day at Cheltenham Town.
Askey had been appointed as full-time boss on December 17 after a showdown with the board over the length of contract he had been offered by the club.
But the Cheltenham defeat proved to be a turning point, and the Silkmen managed only one win out of their next 13 games.
Danny Adams' much-publicised contract dispute led to his exit to Stockport County - but Askey brought in the likes of Graham Potter, Paul Harsley, Matt Carragher, Jon Parkin and Steve Payne to help stop the rot.
George Abbey's return from African Nations boosted the squad, but defeats against fellow strugglers Carlisle United and Darlington left Macc in serious trouble.
A switch to a 4-3-3 formation gave Askey surprise victories against Swansea City and Kidderminster, but the Silkmen were brought down to earth with a thumping 4-0 defeat against Northampton Town.
Askey's last game in charge was a 0-0 draw at home to Lincoln City.
Total games in charge - 27 (including four in FA Cup)
Wins - 8
Draws - 7
Defeats - 12
Goals scored - 35
Goals conceded - 43
