League Two Season Preview 2011/12: Macclesfield Town

Macclesfield Town are the next in line for a preview with another potentially tricky season in store for the Silkman.

Links for the other teams previewed so far by myself, @maxihobbs and @greenwichgull are at the foot of the page…

Recap of last season	Tragedy has hit Macclesfield in each of the last two seasons with the sad passing of Keith Alexander in 2010 and of midfielder Richard Butcher in January of this year. Dealing with these great losses to the club puts their creditable 15th place last season in an even better light. The 2011/12 season will be their 13th consecutive season in League Two, making them the division’s longest serving team.
Personnel in	Waide Fairhurst drops down two divisions from Doncaster Rovers to sign for Macclesfield after a number of loan spells away from the Keepmoat Stadium in recent years. Jon Bateson (Accrington, free) Ben Tomlinson (Worksop, Undisclosed)
Personnel out	Izak Reid left the club on a free transfer this summer with League Two rivals Morecambe quickly snapping the midfielder up on a two year deal. Another major loss is that of Hamza Bencherif with the Algerian signing for Notts County at the end of his deal at Moss Rose. Tyrone Bennett has also left after joining newcomers and big spenders Crawley Town on an undisclosed fee. Paul Bolland (Mansfield, free) Matt Lowe (released) Ricky Sappleton (released) Jason Beardsley (released)
Strengths	Team spirit is always needed in abundance at Moss Rose and never more so this season.
Weaknesses	Finances will again be a problem for Macc who year on year strive for survival first and foremost. The loss of Hamza Bencherif could also be costly after the striker joined Notts County. Bencherif a big loss and Barnett, Reid also not replaced – could well be going down!
Key man	Waide Fairhurst – After a number of loan spells from Donny in the last two years, Fairhurst has finally found a permanent home and the Silkmen faithful will be relying on that equating to goals. Could be a shrewd acquisition.
One to watch	Ben Tomlinson – An unknown quantity to League Two, Tomlinson arrives from Worksop Town where he netted 29 times last season.
Outlook	Gary Simpson has a real job on his hands to steer his side away from the relegation battle once again but I fear that this could be a season to far for plucky Macc.
Predictions	Ben: I really hope I’m wrong, but it looks like the Silkmen will struggle to stay in the league this season. Relegation is a real danger. Danny: Too much improvement elsewhere plus impressive promoted sides could mean the drop for poor Macc. Maxi: If the new signings don’t pay off, another season of struggle for the Silkmen.