The relegated Tigers, who went through the whole of last season with only one league win to their credit, have lost all three matches played and are bottom of Vanarama North.
On Wednesday, they issued a statement saying that McNiven and his assistant, Rhys Day, had been called in by club owner Jonathan Manship and chief executive Pete Ainger, and left under no illusion that results must improve.
Many people commenting on the independent hyde-fans forum claim Mr Manship told a supporters' club meeting last season that the manager's position would be reassessed after six matches. Games four and five take place over the next three days.
McNiven has a full squad to choose from for tomorrow's home clash with Colwyn Bay. Kyle Brownhill has recovered from the knock that kept him out of the Barrow match.
The Tigers boss has also signed 18-year-old defender Jimmy Ball from Bolton Wanderers.
Stalybridge Celtic visit newly-promoted Chorley hoping to bounce back immediately from the 3-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of Solihull Moors.
Manager Keith Briggs has a fully fit squad but the announcement of a new signing has had to be put on hold because international clearance did not come through in time.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, Curzon Ashton are away to Grantham Town and have no absentees as they attempt to extend their 100 per cent record before Monday's home derby with Ashton United - the first league encounter between the clubs for 17 years.
The Robins' only doubt ahead of Buxton's visit to Hurst Cross is midfielder Gary Gee who is 50/50 with a dead leg.
Table-topping Salford City, now in the ownership of Manchester United's Class of 92, are at Seel Park in the Evo-stik first division north.
Knocks sustained in Tuesday's defeat by Northwich Victoria mean that Mossley boss Peter Band is forced to make changes.
Coming into the squad are Kevin McGrath, Tom Pratt, Ryan Barrow and Dean Warburton. John Bennett (hamstring), James Blair (knee) and Tom Murray (ankle) are all likely to miss out.
Josh Granite and Mike Fish both face late fitness tests. If they fail, they are expected to be available for Monday's trip to Padiham.
Droylsden welcome Harrogate Railway Athletic. Dave Pace has a fully fit squad but is still waiting for international clearance for Adam Morning who has returned from Australia.
Ben Richardson remains the only absentee for Glossop North End, who face Silsden at Surrey Street. He has a damaged meta-tarsal and is around six weeks from making a return.
The Hillmen will be looking to extend the 100 per cent record which has put them second in the NWCL premier division and taken them into the preliminary round of the FA Cup where they will visit Maltby Main on August 30.