Former Birmingham City midfielder Robbie Savage is poised to take the reins as the new manager of Macclesfield.
The 49-year-old ex-Wales international, who has been serving as Macclesfield’s Director of Football since 2020, is expected to step up to the managerial role following the sudden departure of Michael Clegg by mutual consent.
Clegg took over in February after ex-Blues defender Alex Bruce moved to Salford City to become Karl Robinson’s assistant manager. Macclesfield swiftly appointed the 40-year-old as his successor, luring him away from their Northern Premier League rivals Warrington Rylands.
Savage will embark on his first-ever managerial role, a full 13 years after hanging up his boots. It’s understood that Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy will be joining him as assistant manager.
In a brief 55-word statement released on Monday, Macclesfield confirmed they had parted ways with Clegg effective immediately. “Macclesfield FC can confirm that Michael Clegg has left his role as First Team Manager by mutual consent this afternoon,” the statement read.
“We would like to thank Michael for all his efforts whilst at the Club and wish him well in the future. A further statement will be issued regarding our First Team management in due course.”
Under Clegg’s leadership, Rylands exceeded expectations, holding the second spot in the table for most of his full season before making a move to Moss Rose. During his 16-match tenure with the Silkmen, he secured 11 victories and suffered five losses, including a 2-1 defeat at home to Marine in the Northern Premier League playoff final.
Macclesfield has been active this summer, signing several top-tier players from higher leagues – including Justin Johnson from Chorley and Elliott Whitehouse, formerly of Chester.
Since the phoenix club’s inception, Macclesfield has achieved consecutive promotions from the North West Counties Premier Division and the Northern Premier League West. With Savage at the helm, they aim to secure promotion to the National League North next season, putting them just two promotions away from the Football League.
In that period, Macclesfield has seen six permanent managers, two of whom, Danny Whitaker and former Blues winger Mark Duffy, were dismissed. The appointment of the former United youth product will be their seventh since their reformation in 2020.
Their latest managerial hunt is their sixth in the past 18 months following Whitaker’s dismissal in October 2022. Savage made 88 appearances for Blues, scoring 12 goals.