Former Premier League stars Wes Brown, Shay Given and Alex Bruce are training with Vanarama National League side Macclesfield.
All three live locally and have joined the Silkmen, who finished ninth in the table and were FA Trophy finalists at Wembley, for pre-season to maintain their fitness levels and undertake some coaching.
This summer ex-Manchester United and Sunderland defender Brown - who won the Champions League in 2008 and also has a medal from 1999 - was released by Blackburn.
The former Republic of Ireland, Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa goalkeeper Given's contract expired with Stoke and Bruce - son of Villa manager Steve - was let go by Hull.