MACCLESFIELD'S promotion hopes have received a major blow on the eve of the new season after captain Jason Knight suffered a horrific injury.
The new skipper was air-lifted to hospital after breaking his leg while playing football on Sunday - and has been ruled out for the whole campaign.
Former captain Paul Hughes will take charge of the Cheshire County League Division One outfit until a long-term successor can be found.
It is a bitter blow for the Victoria Road club who, after a period of transition - Macclesfield and Parkside merged last year - had their sights firmly set on a return to the top flight.
"It's devastating news," said Danny Ackerley, who Knight took over the captaincy from. "It's a great loss to the team and everyone at the club wishes Jason a speedy recovery."
Macc finished just below midtable last term but Knight, a top-order batsman, had his sights firmly set on a more successful season this time around.
"We're definitely looking for promotion," he said last week before his injury. "Last season was a transitional period for us with both clubs coming together for the first time, but now we feel we are in a position to build on that.
"If we play to our potential, and can be a little bit more consistent, then I'm sure we will be up there come the end of the season."
The club is happy to put it's faith in youth and hope left-arm spinner Simon Patterson can build on an impressive first season in the County League, while talented King's duo Khalid Sarwaz and Tom Parfitt-Manning will play once they have finished their school commitments.
And Knight reckons the Cheshire club have unearthed another rising star in 15-year-old batsman Peter Barron.
"He's definitely one for the future," said Knight. "He looks a top young player and has already represented North of England, and we will be looking to bring him on slowly.
"The young players coming through were definitely one of the major plus points last season, and they will be another year older, and another year wiser this time around."
But if Macc are looking for good omens for a successful season then it is surely the return of talisman Mark Hillaby. After announcing his retirement last year, 'Ronnie' has returned to Victoria Road with a new-found hunger for the game.
"Ronnie is top quality and a good club man," said Knight, of the opening bowler. "He will really make a difference."
Another off-shoot of the merger was Macclesfield now have strong second and third teams, led by Knight's brother, Jonathon, and Gary Foy respectively. Knight added: "The club went from having two struggling sides to three strong ones - now it case of keeping everybody happy."
