Manager who Robbie Savage sacked at Macclesfield doesn't hold back about Forest Green move

Wales Online

2 days ago

Manager who Robbie Savage sacked at Macclesfield doesn't hold back about Forest Green move
After Robbie Savage departed Macclesfield to join Forest Green Rovers, a manager the former Premier League star previously sacked has offered his clear thoughts on the move
Robbie Savage was recently unveiled as the new manager of Forest Green Rovers, and posed for a picture with owner Dale Vince
(Image: FGRFC_Official/X )
A former Macclesfield manager that was sacked by Robbie Savage believes the club will be in a "better position" now the ex-Wales captain has left.
Savage, 50, was recently unveiled as the new manager of League Two side Forest Green Rovers. His move comes one year after he appointed himself as head coach of the Silkmen and four years after he became a board member of the re-launched side.
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Before he inserted himself into the dugout, Savage was a director of football at Macclesfield. He parted with predecessor Michael Clegg, before appointing himself as head coach.
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In his one and only season in charge, Macclesfield dominated the Northern Premier League, winning the title by 26 points and comfortably getting promoted into the National League North – the sixth tier of English football.
Despite committing last month to remain with the Silkmen by extending his contract by two years, Savage ultimately resigned as head coach and director of football, but remained a part-owner of the club. After news of his exit was confirmed, Clegg tweeted his reaction.
He wrote: " A massive day for Macc (Macclesfield). They are now in a better position than ever… this club will fly now.'
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While replying to another fan on social media, Clegg reaffirmed his comment, writing: " My life since Macc has been amazing. From office staff to players to maintenance men. There will be a party tonight. Trust me."
Clegg is now the manager of Atherton Collieries
(Image: MacclesfieldFC/X )
Clegg was appointed as manager of Macclesfield in February 2024 and came within 90 minutes of promotion in the NPL Premier play-off final, but the Silkmen lost 2-1 to Marine. While various reports claimed Clegg was sacked by the club, he told the Bolton News the decision was a mutual one.
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Clegg, who is now the manager of Atherton Collieries, said: "Working at a club of that size it's a lot of phone calls from agents, there was always something, but I just always had a feeling that I wouldn't start the season, whether that was for me or from their side. I was right.
"Everything dragged on longer than it should have done. I wasn't an angel, and I could have handled it better. I didn't need to leave the club.
"A lot of people thought I got sacked but the club was keen for me to stay but the terms of my work there were different to the terms of my contract, and that is what I wasn't happy with.
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Savage guided Macclesfield to promotion to the National League North
(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror )
"Absolutely nothing to do with money, anything but, more that the conditions they wanted me to work under were a no-go. I got on really well with the board, well, there was only one person I didn't get on with, but once they knew how torn that relationship was it proved impossible to carry on."
Not long after Savage's exit, Macclesfield announced the appointment of John Rooney – the younger brother of Manchester United legend Wayne – as manager. Rooney had spent the last two years as a player of the club, but will now become the new head coach.
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He will be supported by a backroom team consisting of Nigel Keogh, Peter Band and Anthony Curran.