Over the past few weeks you have been emailing in your questions for youth team boss John Askey. Armed with the best of them we put the Silkmen legend 'in the spotlight' earlier this week.

Here's what he had to say.

Do players and management ever read the forums on the unofficial sites to get the fans take on their performances etc... ? (Matt B)

I think some do and some don't. My dad was a professional footballer, so from an early age I was introduced to the game and saw at first hand how to deal with things like the media. I certainly had a good grounding. For me personally I didn't take that much notice as I think you can take too much to heart. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but there is a danger you get a bit carried away whether the comments are good or bad.

I think it probably happens more at the higher level when players are more concerned about image. But I don't think it does so much at our level. As much as we all like to be loved, it is the manager's view that holds the greatest sway, and always will do.

Who was the greatest player you ever played with during your career? (Max L)

I would have to say it was Chris Bryne. For me he had everything a footballer needs. He scored goals. Had pace and the ability to read the game and make the right decisions. It was such a shame that he wasn't able to make the most of his undoubted talent. Football's history is littered with similar tales but unfortunately he mixed in the wrong circles off the pitch and that in the end proved his downfall. I know from my role with the youth team that no matter how hard you try it is impossible to shield the players from external pressures 24/7. You just have to trust people. You would have had no idea from working with Chris at the club what was happening when he left the ground. It was just one of those things.

Was it a conscious decision to stay at the Moss Rose for so long? (Max L)

When I first joined the club we were in the non-league. I had a good job and enjoyed my football. The extra money I got was a bonus. I had had trials with other clubs but never really saw the need to go anywhere else if truth be known. I even stayed part-time for our first season in the League. It was only after our promotion at the end of that year did I go full-time. I certainly don't have any regrets at that level. I do perhaps think I could have been a bit more pushy and trained harder as a youngster. But that aside I've been very fortunate! I think football has lost a lot of loyalty in the post-Bosman era, money coming in front of loyalty everytime.

You seem to have more of a role on match days since Keith arrived. Is this a conscious decision? (Tom K)

Ian used to regularly seek my opinions but that tended to happen at half-time or in the lead up to the game. Keith is no different to that extent but asked if I would help out on the bench with Gary having commitments elsewhere the other week. I certainly enjoy being more involved and Keith certainly welcomes input from anyone not just myself. To me that is a good thing and I think the results we have achieved in recent weeks are hopefully a sign that things are improving.

What's the best goal you ever scored? (John B)

That's a hard one as most of them were from about five yards. I suppose the most enjoyable, but by no means a classic, were the two I got against Stoke City at the Moss Rose back in 1998. It was a cup game and being a Stoke lad a lot of my friends and family were at the ground that night. So to win and score two in the process was a big buzz even if it did upset a few of my mates from back home!

What were the biggest high and low points during your playing career? (Tracy D)

I think the high, and certainly the thing I am most proud of, is the promotion at the end of our first season in the league. I'd put it above the trip to Wembley and promotion from the Conference, as we defied all expectation that season. Everyone thought we would be heading straight back down. But we just went from strength to strength and made Moss Rose a fortress.

The low point was when I suffered a broken leg towards the end of our non-league days. I was out of the game for about a year which was a long time and there were spells when I thought I might not play again. But I managed to get back to fitness. Some said I came back stronger! More like slower if you ask me but it did make me determined to work harder.

What's your favourite ground? (Richard S)

I suppose I would have to say the old Wembley. When I started out I never for once thought I would get to play under the Twin Towers. And to do it with Macc was a dream come true. Of the club grounds I would have to say the Britannia Stadium, purely because it was the team I used to support as a lad.

Who should we watch out for from your current youth team squad? (Pete B)

There really are too many to choose from. Several of them, the likes of Shaun Brisley, have had some first team experience this season and I really to think there's a good six to eight of them who have the potential to make a career out of the game.

When do you last buy a drink? (Anon!)

I think it was probably back in 1998 the last time we won something!

Do you have any interests outside of football? (Jack S)

Sad I know but football is my one real passion. It's dominated by life for so long now I have had little time to develop any other hobbies. My young lad George, who is eleven, is involved with the Centre of Excellence and I am looking forward to watching him develop.

So you've never been fishing with Mick Holgate? (Ed)

I haven't but come to think of it he has never asked me. He loves his fishing though and can be a bit of a bore at times. But each to their own!

And finally, and we've been sworn not to reveal the poser of this question, why do you never make a brew when you are in the club offices?

I didn't realise there was a kettle over there! I do when I am over the other side. Honest! But it is nowhere near as nice as the ones Julie and Elaine make!