NEW Macclesfield manager Paul Ince has appointed Ray Mathias as his assistant ahead of the clash with Mansfield.

Mathias has managed Wigan and Tranmere while also taking caretaker charge at Chester and holding the post of assistant manager at Bury.

Ince, who takes charge of his first game against the Stags tomorrow, said: "I just felt that I'm not really accustomed to this league and I don't really know many of the players.

"Ray has been in this league, he knows who the players are and which players we require. I need that bit of experience.

Ideas

"It's my first job in football and I need to bounce ideas off Ray. He is the ideal man and has been fantastic."

Ince has demanded more leadership qualities from his senior players.

He said: "We are a quiet team and we need more leadership from our experienced professionals if we are to take control of matters on the pitch."

Each member of the squad knows they will be playing for their footballing futures with just 10 games left before the transfer window opens on January 1 when Ince has promised to bring four or five players, including himself, into the starting ranks.

Macc's Achilles heel has been their central defence and Ince may choose to use home-grown youngster Andrew Teague in a defensive role alongside either skipper David Morley or Danny Swailes.

Former Macc striker Richard Barker will return for Mansfield.

Last season: Macc 1 Mansfield 1

Key opponent: Richard Barker - Experienced striker has scored three goals in his last two games

Prediction: Macclesfield 1 Mansfield 0

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 13/2 on Macc winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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