The 30-year-old, who can operate on either flank, was released by Blackpool at the end of the 2004/5 campaign, with our fellow FootyMAD site, www.seasiders.net, reporting that boss Colin Hendry was frustrated by the wide man's refusal to follow instructions. Carlisle United were linked with the flanker, but Southend were also expected to take a look at Bullock given his inspirational display in the 2004 LDV Vans Trophy final against United.
However, with the veteran having spent virtually his entire career in the north of the country, a move to the southeast Essex coastline was unlikely, and he makes the short trip to join Brian Horton's resurgent Silkmen. Macclesfield lost a tight League Two Play-Off semi-final 2-1 to Lincoln City last season, having narrowly escaped the drop to the Nationwide Conference just twelve months later.
Bullock made 33 appearances for Barnsley in the Premiership, and helped the Tykes reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a victory over Manchester United in the 1996/7 season. Having joined the Yorkshire side from non-League Nottinghamshire outfit Eastwood Town, he went on to make over 200 appearances in all competitions for the Oakwell club.
It was a similar story at Blackpool, where he was a firm fans' favourite at Broomfield Road. In his first season with ‘Pool he helped them reach the LDV Vans Trophy final, and upon their return in 2004, he ran Che Wilson ragged in a sublime personal performance to help the Seasiders triumph for a third time at the Millennium Stadium. He appeared 28 times for the northwest club last season, and was thought to be the perfect compliment for Carl Pettefer or Mark Gower in a wide position should Steve Tilson have become interested. Instead, he will look to help Macclesfield return to the third tier of English football after agreeing terms with the Moss Rose outfit.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com