The club received a big boost this week that the Silkmen Supporters Trust had agreed to provide financial support for the running of the Reserve team next season.

Commenting on the news Chief Executive Patrick Nelson was keen to acknowledge the support of the Trust and was excited by the prospect of running two teams once again.

"The Trust have given the club invaluable support since their inception. This latest offer is fantastic news and further evidence of their commitment to helping us take the club forward both on and off the field," enthused Patrick. "Keith was extremely keen to re-introduce a reserve team. Clearly that comes at a cost but with the Trust's help we are looking forward to the opportunity on entering the Reserve league again."

Andy Worth, SST Chairman, was equally keen to see the reserve team get back into action and we caught up with him to understand a bit more about the background to the decision.

Q: What exactly is the SST Offering?

The Trust is offering to spend a four figure sum, spread in equal monthly amounts over the season, as a contribution to the cost of running Reserve team games - subject to the Reserve team's acceptance into the relevant League which should come through in the next few weeks.

Q: Why has the Trust chosen to do it?

We feel our initiative is something that all Macc fans can get behind, whether SST members or not, and is a practical and positive way of using the Trust funds. The club has wanted to field a Reserve team for quite a while now, and the Trust is keen to support the Club in this new initiative.

Q: What benefits do you think it will bring?

The Trust feels that the introduction of a Reserve team this season will provide the following benefits:

- A transition stage between the Youth Team and the Senior Squad - it is a big leap up from the Youth team straight into the Senior squad

- An opportunity for players who have been injured to recover their match fitness during their recovery process

- The Reserve team will allow more players to flow through the club, from the bottom up, and will provide a greater player pool

- And finally, we believe that the SST's contribution will ease the financial burden on the Club"

Andy also pointed out that the Trust has approached the SST membership asking for volunteers to steward the reserve games - in order to keep costs down.

The club would like to formally acknowledge the Trust's support and would encourage anyone not yet a member to sign up today. Further information on the Silkmen Supporters Trust can be found on the Trust's website at http://www.silkmensupporterstrust.co.uk