Macclesfield Town’s new manager Steve King has been handed a vote of confidence by chairman Mike Rance.

But, far from signalling an imminent parting of ways, the boost stems from Mr Rance’s delight at the start King has made to his Moss Rose reign.

Mr Rance is remaining as chairman, in a non-executive role, and says he is confident in leaving Jon Harris in charge of the day-to-day matters.

And after the disappointment of relegation in May, he’s further buoyed by King’s summer so far.

“I have been really impressed, I think Steve’s doing a very good job,” he told the Express. “He’s very driven and professional and the four signings that he has brought to the club so far  look like very good ones.

“Ryan Jackson is clearly a class act and he was a key part of AFC Wimbledon’s promotion-winning team and Peter Winn played a large part in Stevenage’s success.

“Lance Cronin is an England C international and is clearly regarded as the best goalkeeper in non-league football while Jack Mackreth is a player that we know a lot of clubs were hoping to sign.

“And another signing, a striker, is expected this week, which will be another eyebrow-raiser for our supporters.”

Barrow boss Dave Bayliss says that Macc fans will see bags of pace in Mackreth – a player he was loathe to lose – but says the in-demand 20-year-old still has a lot to learn.

“We were disappointed to lose Jack,” admitted Bayliss. “We thought we’d agreed terms with him and it’s left a bit of a sour taste. We helped him progress and develop and he got first-team opportunities.

“He has pace to burn, he’s very direct and will cause problems at times but he is raw and is still learning how to adapt his game to different circumstances.”