MACCLESFIELD Town will unveil Paul Ince as their new manager tomorrow.

The former England captain and Manchester United ace is understood to be in the final stage of negotiations to take over at the Moss Rose.

It is understood that Ian Brightwell will remain as caretaker for Saturday's trip to Bristol Rovers as Ince would prefer a full week in charge before his first game at home to Mansfield on October 28.

Silkmen chairman Robert Bickerton refused to be drawn on whether Ince was definitely his chosen candidate but said: "I can't confirm that until pen is put to paper.

"But I have been impressed by Paul's conduct, manner and gentlemanliness. Paul may not have the knowledge of League Two as some of the men we have interviewed but none of the others has been an England captain. I am sure he would raise our profile and attract new players."

Bickerton added: "We will not be relegated. I can say that with assurance because I know the level of resources we have at this club and we intend to utilise all our advantages."

Ince, however, might have had second thoughts as he watched derby rivals Stockport play the Silkmen off the park in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Stockport wasted the best chance of the first-half moments before the break when Michael Malcolm took the ball too wide of Jon Brain before turning it back for a Liam Dickinson shot to be blocked on the six-yard line.

Malcolm made no mistake with the only goal of the game in he 59th minute as he glanced home a David Poole cross.

The striker might have added another six minutes later but could only pick out Brain from 12 yards with Dickinson again testing the keeper four minutes later with a fierce shot on the turn. Tweet