Francis Jeffers has spoken for the first time since being announced as Macclesfield FC's new assistant manager.

The former England international has been out of the game for around 18 months since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah, where he worked with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.

Now, he is looking forward to working with John Rooney as the Silkmen prepare for a fresh challenge in the Naitonal League North.

"It's a massive opportunity," he said.

"The gaffer (Rooney) is someone I've known for a long time.

"I've coached him, so I know what he's about.

"So, I'm really looking forward to it."

Jeffers previously played for the likes of Arsenal and Everton (Credit: Macclesfield FC)

Jeffers admitted he has already been to a few Macclesfield games and first spoke with Rooney about the role a few weeks ago.

"He didn't have to sell it to me," the 44-year-old said.

"It was something I already knew about. It was something that I'd recognised from afar, that it was a club moving in the right direction.

"As I said, massive club for the level they're at and let's hope we can be successful."

Jeffers arrived at the Leasing.com Stadium a week ago, officially being announced on Thursday, July 31.

While he's been impressed by what he has seen so far, he isn't getting too carried away with the club's promotion ambitions.

He said: "Some good football players here. They showed that last season, didn't they?

"Don't want to put too much pressure on them this season.

"Last season, they've obviously walked the league.

"We go up a level now, but listen, the standard of football players is easily capable of doing the same again, I hope."

Jeffers will be in the dugout for the first time on Saturday, August 2 (Credit: Nub News)

Jeffers added: "There's no need to be looking towards the end of the season of where we want to be.

"Let's just try and start the season well and get that belief in the group. It should be there, shouldn't it? From the success they've had last season.

"Hopefully there's no apprehension there about going up a league because there certainly shouldn't be from what I've seen in training."

Jeffers will be in the dugout for the first time on Saturday as Macclesfield welcome Manchester City U21s.