Sol Campbell hopes his "solid" approach to a first managerial job at Macclesfield can help bring out some "magic" as the Silkmen look to haul themselves off the bottom of Sky Bet League Two.

The former England, Tottenham and Arsenal defender signed an 18-month deal with the Silkmen, who last month sacked Mark Yates but are now just four points adrift of safety after beating Exeter on Tuesday night.

Campbell retired from playing in 2012 after a career which brought him two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and 73 England caps.

"There are moments to be strong, moments to be daring, it is all about finding the right balance."

Campbell added: "I think we can play more football to really control the games and then at the right moments I want a little bit of magic in the last third.

"For me it is all about being solid, that is the kind of guy I am, but then in the last third I want players to be daring, to try thing, I want crosses, people looking for second balls, things like that.

"I want the magic coming out, that is what it is all about."

Macclesfield host Newcastle Under-21s in the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy on December 4, with a first league match for Campbell's side set to be the trip to promotion-chasing Colchester.

"For me, I see potential, I see growth, I see people fighting to do the right things," the former England defender said.

"I am raring to go and ready for the challenge. I know it is going to be a challenge, but that is what I am all about."