It's been a very difficult week for the Silkmen who now face an away trip to Hereford United looking for three points, not just to help climb away from the bottom two, but to celebrate the life of manager Keith Alexander in what would have been his 100th game in charge of the club.

We spoke to Caretaker Manager Gary Simpson ahead of the match.

The lads have been back in training for a couple of days. What has the mood been like?

"It's been upsetting. There's been a lot of emotion because we've got players who have been with Keith for a long time. And we've got a lot of young lads who we don't really know how they are going to react.

"At least having the game to play means they have had something to focus on and we'll only see how they cope on Saturday really.

"Training on Thursday was very difficult. They'd all had Wednesday off and most of them had been up at the club for the evening. On Thursday we had to talk to the players. We were all in bits really, but we did a bit of a training session and they could focus on that and were quite lively. We weren't really able to do much on Thursday or Friday, but emotion and adrenaline will kick in on the day."

There was some talk of the game being postponed - is that something you ever thought would happen?

"I certainly didn't want the game to be postponed and I don't think the players really did either. But the decision was ultimately with the family and when Keith's son Matt got in touch and said that they wanted us to play then we were happy to go along with their wishes.

"Had we not played on Saturday everyone would have been at home twiddling their thumbs and we'd have waited until Tuesday night at Accrington. But Saturday at 3.00pm is traditionally the time for Football and Keith would have wanted us out playing at that time."

Keith was always very well prepared, so I expect you've done the homework on Hereford.

"We've had the usual reports in about them and we've played them once already this season so we have an idea what to expect. They've gone out and got a couple of wins under their belts recently and won in the week which has helped them climb the table.

"If you asked me what was going to happen, then I really couldn't tell you. We'll have to wait and see how the players react. We'll do the best we can and hopefully get something from the game.

"I'll make a late decision on the team I am going to send out. I'll talk to the players beforehand and let them know my thoughts, but there's some things to consider before I make my decision.

"I want to have a look at their playing surface first for example. But I've also told the players that if any of them don't feel up to the game tomorrow, they only have to come and talk to me.

"They have all been very vocal about wanting to play but I don't want anyone to play because they feel they have to. They can always come and talk to me because this is a very difficult time for everyone.

"Everyone is travelling down with us, even the injured players. They all want to be at the game and show their respects."

There should be a good Macclesfield following. Will that help the lads?

"It's obviously going to give them a bit of a lift. We have appreciated the support all season away from home. We had a good number at Grimsby and County recently and the players really notice and appreciate seeing all the faces there.

"Hopefully this time we can give them a good day so they can go home and remember a good performance and a good afternoon to celebrate Keith's life."