Silkmen terminate Byrne's contract

The 28-year-old was in his third spell with The Silkmen but suffered a setback when he was shot in the leg in a non football-related incident back in November.

The injuries sustained from the incident have hampered his career as a professional footballer and both parties have now decided to part ways.

"Under the circumstances this is the right decision for both parties," Macclesfield's chief executive Colin Garlick told the club's official website.

"It is very sad that this decision had to be made after such tragic events but Chris will now be able to concentrate on getting himself fit and back to full health before he looks at the possibility of resuming his footballing career.

"He also has some personal decisions to make which he will now be able to consider without the distraction of his football.

"Chris is very happy with the treatment he is currently receiving and he is now going to concentrate on getting himself through the next phase of his recovery and hopefully on the road to resuming his career as a professional footballer."