As weeks go the last seven days have been fairly traumatic for new signing Matt Lowe!

As a recent graduate of the Moss Rose youth team there was first the wait to hear if he had been offered a new contract. Then there was the heartbreak of being told he was being released, only to be offered a one year deal four days later.

And Matt readily admits his forthcoming holiday could not have come at a better time as he looks forward to his first season as a professional footballer.

"Last week was a bit like waiting for your exam results to come through," explained Matt. "I thought I had done ok this past season but I didn't really have much of a clue as to whether I was going to be offered a new deal."

"Like everybody else I was very nervous. I've set my heart on playing footballer and playing for Macclesfield Town, so to be told on Thursday that I was being released was a massive blow."

"Even though you know it's a possibility it still comes as a shock. Suddenly there is a big hole in your life and you are wondering what you are going to do. As much as the educational aspect to our scholarship is geared to giving you the skills to enjoy a life outside of football it is still very hard to take in."

"The gaffer called and left a message the day after to come in on the Tuesday. To say I was over the moon with the news the club wanted to offer me a one year deal is the understatement of the year."

"Obviously I know this is only the first step. There is still a very long way to go before I can say I have established myself. But getting my first contract is clearly a very big first step."

"I've been fortunate to get quite a few run outs for the reserves this season. That has given me a good insight in what is expected of me and where I need to improve as a player. Of course it's going to be tough but you wouldn't expect it to be anything else."

"I am not one for setting myself targets. What I do know is that if I am feature in the first team at some stage throughout the season, I have to get into the gaffer's plans, and give him reasons to pick me."

"He's shown that he's not afraid to give the young lads a go this season. So I know its now down to me! And I am determined to make the very most of the opportunity."