SOCCER: Matt Woolley must prove next season that he is good enough to play for Macclesfield Town.

That is the challenge manager David Moss has given the 20-year-old midfielder after awarding him a one-year contract. Woolley says that is capable of meeting the challenge.

Woolley, a former Henbury High School pupil, captained the reserve side to the Avon Insurance Division Two title last season.

But now Moss wants him to impose himself on the field - even if he does not do so in the dressing room.

The manager believes that Woolley can follow in the footsteps of Danny Whitaker - a quiet youngster off the field who showed his star quality on the pitch.

Woolley said: "I've got a really good chance of establishing myself next season, because we've got a smaller squad.

"I didn't get too many chances in the first team last season, but I know I'm going to do well this time."

Moss said that a more confident Woolley could make huge strides in the game.

The manager said: "Matt needs to take his reserve team form and confidence into the first team.

"He's got something to offer, but it's a make-or-break season for him. He's got to push himself into the first team. He's got the ability, but I want him to show he's got the self-belief.

"I think Matt's a bit of a worrier. He's got to get out of that habit and start relaxing.

"Danny Whitaker was the same. When I came to the club, Danny lacked confidence in himself. But his confidence came through his football.

"I want Matt to do that. I don't care if he doesn't utter a word in the dressing room, so long as he does well on the field."

Meanwhile, Moss has said he believes the club are in a better position than 12 months ago.

Moss believes that young players such as Danny Whitaker can help the Silkmen avoid a repeat of their dreadful start to last season.

The manager is convinced that his first-team squad - which now consists of 19 full-time players plus assistant boss John Askey - is stronger than the one Gil Prescott had 12 months ago.

Moss has released several players - including goalkeeper Steve Hodgson, defender Mike Bamber, and midfielders Richard Eyre, Damien Whitehead and Andy McAvoy - since taking the manager's chair last November.

He said: "From a football perspective, we are better than we were 12 months ago.

"We got two or three young players who have established themselves.

"Rickie Lambert has since moved on to brighter things, and people are now starting to look at our team in a different light.

"I will be giving the youngsters a chance next season, because that's the way we've got to go."