JOHN Miles thought his Macclesfield Town days were over.

The enigmatic striker has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal - but was surprised to even be offered one.

Miles has admitted he thought he would be one of the players released by Silkmen boss Brian Horton.

'I'm made up about it and I have to say I was a little bit surprised because I thought I'd be playing in the home leg,' said the 23-year-old who was left out for Kevin Townson in the second play-off semi-final against Lincoln City.

'After that didn't happen I thought my days would be numbered - but I went in to see the gaffer and I was pleasantly surprised by what he told me. I didn't have to think about it because I've always wanted to stay.'

Miles has, at times, infuriated Horton with his inability to fulfil his undoubted talent. And the former Crewe player's days at Moss Rose appeared to be short-lived when he failed to make a start for nearly three months.

But a string of impressive displays after coming on as substitute was rewarded with a run in the team and he has now targeted a more consistent season next term.

'He says I drive him up the wall sometimes because I'm good one week and then not the next so that's something I've got to rectify,' he said.

Miles follows Mark Bailey, Danny Whitaker, Neil Morgan, Andrew Smart, Tim Deasey, Marvin McDonald and Andrew Teague in pledging his future to the Silkmen. Only Tony Barras has not yet re-signed.

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