Ground: Moss Rose

Capacity: 6,028

Last season: 24th in Div 2

Manager: Sammy McIlroy

Chances: The fragility of a pre-season was never more acutely felt than in Macclesfield. Believed to be ready for a yo-yo ascent to Division Two a tightening financial noose strangled the feeling of well-being. Manager Sammy McIlroy was told he could not afford to retain inspirational defender Efi Sodje, poised now to make a switch to Second Division Luton. The prospect of luring Spanish schemer Pedro Matias back to the club was also snuffed out. Hardly the best backdrop against which to work miracles. But the Silkmen do boast one advantage - their Moss Rose ground has been a graveyard for many a visitor.

Ins: Chris Priest midfielder from Chester City on a Bosman; Richard Barker striker from Brighton, free; Lee Martin goalkeeper from Halifax, free, Simon Collins defender from Plymouth, free; Greg Rioch defender from Hull City, free; Paul Ware midfielder from Hednesford Town, free.

Outs: Efi Sodje defender to Luton Town, free; Pedro Mattias midfielder released; Steve Payne defender to Chesterfield for nominal fee.

One to watch: Greg Rioch. Son of former Everton and Scotland hardman Bruce Rioch, the ex-Hull City man has been given the club captaincy. Free-kick specialist.

Title odds: 33-1.