John Askey and Shrewsbury Town poised for talks over vacant managerial role

Silkmen legend Askey, who led his side to the National League title by 10 points last season, is understood to be keen to succeed Paul Hurst at Montgomery Waters Meadow.

Askey is under contract at Moss Rose, meaning a move for the Stoke-born boss would require the beaten League One play-off finalists paying the National League champions compensation.

Askey, 53, has a 35-year association with Macclesfield. He spent 19 years there as a player, racking up more than 400 appearances.

He was given the freedom of Macclesfield earlier this month after guiding the side to a remarkable National League title – despite one of the division’s more modest budgets.

Askey is said to be similar to former Town boss Hurst in his quiet and reserved approach.

He has enjoyed fine success unearthing players from lower levels and developing talent.

He was in charge of the youth team at Macclesfield when Town’s James Bolton progressed through the ranks. He also worked with another Shrews man, Arthur Gnahoua.

In four full seasons managing Macclesfield since taking over in April 2013, Askey’s side have not finished lower than 10th in the National League.

Grimsby Town were reportedly keen on his services in February but Askey stayed in Cheshire to see the job through with Macclesfield, who sealed the title in April – after beginning the previous summer with just three players.

Former favourite for the role David Hopkin quit Scottish outfit Livingston yesterday.

Hopkin won back-to-back promotions with Livingston – where he has been in his first permanent role since 2015.

Town chief executive Brian Caldwell admitted that Hopkin’s ‘incredible’ achievements were of interest.