Macclesfield appoint Brian Horton until end of the season

Brian Horton has been assistant to Phil Brown (GETTY IMAGES)

Macclesfield have appointed Brian Horton as their new manager until the end of the season.

The Silkmen sacked Gary Simpson yesterday following the weekend defeat to Dagenham and a winless run of 14 games that leaves the club outside the npower League Two relegation zone on goal difference.

Former Manchester City and Port Vale boss Horton returns for a second spell at the Moss Rose having taken charge in similar circumstances in April 2004.

After steering Macclesfield to Football League safety he guided them to the Division Three play-offs the following season, where they came up short against Lincoln at the semi-final stage.

Horton has not managed since his departure from the club in 2006, instead serving as assistant to Phil Brown at Hull and Preston.

The first game of the 63-year-old's second spell with Macclesfield will be Tuesday night's trip to Rotherham where he will be assisted by Simpson's number two, Glyn Chamberlain.

PA