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Macclesfield Town have sacked manager Steve King with the side eighth in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Wednesday's 3-1 home defeat by Grimsby left the Silkmen 12 points adrift of the play-offs with five games to play.

King replaced Brian Horton at Moss Rose at the end of last season, following the club's relegation from League Two.

First team coach Pablo Asensio has also been relieved of his duties and youth team manager John Askey will take temporary charge of the side.

Macclesfield were winless in their last four games and former Lewes boss King departs with a record of 20 wins from his 48 games in charge.

His tenure, which began following Macclesfield's relegation from the Football League at the end of last season, will be remembered for taking the Cheshire outfit to the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's 139-year history.

The Silkmen saw off Swindon of League One and Championship leaders Cardiff on the way to the last 32, where they were beaten 1-0 by Premier League side Wigan Athletic.

Meanwhile, top scorer Matthew Barnes-91Èȱ¬r is expected to be out of action for the remainder of the season.

The former Luton striker fractured a cheekbone against Wrexham on Monday and will undergo surgery later this week.