Macclesfield have parted ways with Ian Brightwell following a poor run of results and swiftly appointed Keith Alexander as their new manager.The former Manchester City defender and his assistant Asa Hartford have left the club with immediate effect with Brightwell rejecting a new role as Alexander's assistant.

Following three successive defeats the Silkmen are just two points clear of the League Two drop zone and will now have former Bury director of football Alexander in charge until the end of the season, with a view to a longer deal.

Alexander, 51, previously led Lincoln to the League Two play-offs in each of his four years at Sincil Bank before moving to Peterborough, and was at Gigg Lane for just under a year before being sacked last month.

Chairman Mike Rance told the club's official website: "It is no secret that results of late haven't been what we have wanted. With other sides picking up points around us in the table we felt a change was needed and in doing so now we wanted to give the new man as much time as possible to make an impact.

"Ian was offered the opportunity to work with Keith as his number two but declined the new role, a decision we understand."

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