Robbie Savage appointed Macclesfield Head Coach

Macclesfield have appointed former Wales international Robbie Savage at their new Head Coach.

Savage replaces Michael Clegg, whose four-month tenure ended yesterday after the club missed out on promotion to National League North in the play-offs.

Clegg was Macclesfield’s third permanent manager of the season after short-lived reigns of Mark Duffy and Alex Bruce. Savage had overseen two wins in October 2023 as part of an interim managerial team alongside Neil Baker and Peter Band, but this is his first permanent appointment in management.

Savage arrived at Moss Rose (renamed Leasing.com Stadium) in October 2020 when the club reformed. He initially joined as a member of the board before becoming Director of Football.

Macclesfield won the North West Counties League in their first season and stormed to a second title a year later, claiming NPL Division One West in 2023.

Last season they finished second in NPL Premier Division and lost at home to Marine in the play-off final.

The official Macclesfield website issued a statement, describing how the management change occurred:

“As a result of achieving two promotions as well as reaching a play-off final and Isuzu FA Trophy semi-final within the Club’s first three years, it came as no surprise when Robbie was offered a senior role elsewhere recently.

“Robbie subsequently agonised over this on numerous levels as it would have meant him relinquishing his role at Macclesfield FC – in addition to his shareholding.

“This was something which the Board was not prepared to let happen and it was unanimously decided that Robbie should be given the chance to prove himself here at Macclesfield FC as he launches his coaching career with us.”

Savage, who made nearly 350 Premier League appearances before retiring in 2011, has appointed Peter Band as assistant manager and former England international Emile Heskey has been given a position-specific role as and when required.

(Credit Alamy for pic)