Macclesfield: John Askey offered contract but Efe Sodje leaves

Askey and Sodje took over at Macclesfield after Steve King was sacked

Macclesfield have offered a new 12-month rolling contract to manager John Askey, but his assistant Efe Sodje is to leave the Conference Premier club.

In a statement, majority shareholder Amar Alkadhi said a reduced budget was the reason for Sodje's departure.

However, Alkadhi hopes Sodje, 41, may return to the Silkmen in the future.

Askey and Sodje took charge in June 2013 and guided Macclesfield to 15th last season, as well as reaching the third round of the FA Cup.

The statement also confirmed that Macclesfield are in talks with several players over new contracts.

News of the contract offer to Askey comes days after Alkadhi confirmed he will maintain ownership of the club and had cleared its debts.

The businessman, who has been involved with Macclesfield since 2003, said their position in the Conference Premier was in doubt without his latest financial input, as any proposed takeover would not have been completed in time to meet Football Conference rules.