MACCLESFIELD'S giant centre-back Danny Swailes says the Cheshire club are ready to challenge for honours next season.

The 6ft 2ins man-of-steel was described as a 'colossus' by his admiring manager Paul Ince after their vital 2-1 win over Grimsby on Saturday.

"Without Danny we would not have taken as many points as we have done recently.

"He's been an inspirational figure at the centre of our defence," said the former England captain.

That is why Ince has moved to sign up the former Bury stalwart on a two-year extension to his current deal.

Confidence

Swailes was signed by former manager Brian Horton from Bury in January 2005 and has just passed the 100-game mark for the Silkmen.

He said: "I am enjoying my football at Macc. Obviously we just want to cement our position in the League this year but next season we all think you could see big things from Macc.

"We all know there is still work to do this year but confidence is sky high and our dressing room is a great place to be at the moment.

"The gaffer works hard on attacking play, but he also works hard with the back four as well and I think all that work is now paying off.

"My strength is really in the air where I try to dominate, but then I just give the ball to my skipper David Morley to distribute out of our defence, as he seems to think he can play a bit," joked the delighted defender.

Do you share Swailes' optimism? Have your say.

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