MACCLESFIELD Town are running out of time to improve their squad as they try to escape the relegation zone.

On-loan centre-back Phil Doughty has rejected an offer to sign for manager Ian Brightwell on a permanent basis and has moved to Accrington.

It's another major blow for Brightwell after Jimmy McNulty rejected a Moss Rose offer and moved to neighbours Stockport at Edgeley Park.

The highly-rated youngster feels he deserved a more lucrative deal than the Macc board had put on the table.

Brightwell has also allowed fans' favourite Jordan Hadfield to remain with his former mentor Paul Ince at MK Dons.

With five loan signings already at the Moss, in striker Michael Symes, left-back Neil Ashton, centre-backs Ryan Cresswell and Sean Hessey until the end of the season and midfielder James Ashmore for one month, Brightwell now has a limited period until the end of January to bolster his squad with some permanent deals.

"Whatever we do now, it will have to be on a permanent basis," said the ex-City star.

While Macc's crucial relegation clash against Lincoln on Saturday was called off, relegation rivals Wrexham and Notts County pulled off unlikely home wins, leaving any two of seven clubs, including the Silkmen, in the fight to avoid the drop. Tweet