SOCCER: Eagle eyed visitors to the Moss Rose may have spotted a new, familiar face at Macclesfield Town.

Closer inspection will reveal a former player more accustomed to the grandeur of Everton, Aston Villa and England than the more muted surroundings of the Moss' press box.

Earl Barrett, who hit the heights as a player under Joe Royle and Ron Atkinson, is now working his ticket as one of several ex-professionals supplying the facts and stats at every game as they happen for the ubiquitous Press Association (PA).

"It's all came about through the PFA," said 34-year-old Barrett.

"They contact PA about footballers who have finished playing, so I'm covering clubs all around the Cheshire area from Macc through to Crewe and United and City."

Attending more than 60 games a season, Earl feeds through, quite literally, the details of every single kick of the game.

"It's not rocket science but they are bringing in new things all the time. Previously we would have moments of silence but now we need to say who is in possession so they can compile a dominator chart."

Every Tinno tackle, Glover goal or Byrne brilliance is logged and looked at as Big Brother comes to the Moss.

A schedule mixing Champions League games at Old Trafford one week with Stalybridge the next, keeps the feet firmly on the ground.

Not that that's a problem with Earl. Quite the reverse in fact.

"It's nice to get around the area and see the different sides of football," he said.

Which may help him in more ways than one.

As with many, football stays in the blood and the temptation of a day-to-day involvement in the game remains.

"I've just sent my CV off to a few clubs," said the man who is close to completing his UEFA B coaching badge and intent upon a career on the coaching, and perhaps, management side of football.

His assessment of Macclesfield Town meanwhile, throws up some interesting observations.

"They're capable of being good but lack consistency. I think they have the tools to be consistent. They can play well for an hour or so then things seem to change.

"There are one or two good players there."

Kyle Lightbourne can prove himself a good player in the blue silk says Barrett, but needs to get back to basics first.

"He has got to do the simple things well," Earl added.

"It does take time to get used to another team. Some strikers will click straight away but it doesn't happen to every striker."

Earl is adamant that one element of modern play stands alone, irrespective of the division.

"Pace is everything, full stop. If you have got pace and some ability then you have a good chance."

As a full back who played more than 400 league games throughout the eighties and nineties, Earl knows his football.

His managers too, top calibre all, have passed one or two tricks of the trade in their time.

"Aston Villa under Ron Atkinson was a great club to play for. Oldham was great but moving to Villa was going to a club with different expectations."

Watching Macc Town presents a whole new level again for a man desperate to get back to the game's daily coaching challenges.

Playing pedigree doesn't always count when the playing days end and the boot shifts to the other foot. Despite an enjoyable time assessing the Silkmen, coaching - not commentary - is the future for Earl.

The sooner the better.