Commenting on the appointment Johnson said, “I am pleased that Paul has decided to give it a go, I tried to get him here earlier in the season but he decided to stay where he was.

“Paul sees things the way I do and will take a lot of the pressure off my shoulders.

“It’s been difficult working in the dugout without assistance but I’d like to thank kit manager Ken Ashford for his contribution whenever I’ve called on him for his views.

“I originally issued Norton with seven days notice for Paul’s services but after he spoke to the United manager he gave his blessing to the move” he added.

Macari, son of former Man United, Celtic and Scotland striker Lou Macari, who also managed Stoke City, began his career as a trainee at Stoke in 1993, making a handful of first team appearances before moving to Sheffield United in 1999.

In August 2001, he joined Huddersfield Town and made 11 appearances for the Terriers, mainly from the substitute’s bench.

He originally signed for Leek in December 2003 and was swiftly promoted to the role of player/coach but he spent much of the 2004/05 season on loan at Alsager Town, a move that was subsequently made permanent before moving on to Norton United.

During his initial spell at Harrison Park, Macari made 24 appearances in a Blues’ shirt and scored 4 goals.