Thanks to Macclesfield Town fan, Dave, for answering this matchdays questions!
Thanks to Macclesfield Town fan, Dave, for answering this matchdays questions!
How Long Have You Supported Macclesfield?
25 years.
Last Season’s League Finish?
6th.
What Do You Think Of Your Manager?
Obviously a club legend and has a lot of credit in the bank with the vast majority of fans, but can sometimes be a little negative when approaching games. i.e 1 up front at home against generally weaker opposition. Builds a great spirit within the squad though, and players have a lot of time and respect for him.
Hopes/Expectations This Season?
Hopes – build on last seasons near superb ending. Expectation – we far over-achieved last year and anything 8th-12th would be decent enough.
One(s) To Watch?
Hmm, non really standing out in the squad so far this year. Danny Whitehead is technically excellent though and could be a real diamond once he’s fully settled in and up to speed.
In the summer, your Chairman said, “On the financial front I am delighted to say that we will be able to go in to next season with a substantially bigger player budget than we started the 2014/15 season with.”
Didn’t your budget start low and increase before the start of the season anyway, so in theory, all he could be saying is that it’s going to be the same as this season? So is it higher this season or the same?!
I don’t think any Macc fans know the answer to that! Not enough transparency with what statements like that actually mean, despite looking very positive on the crust of it. Mixed signals from owner, board and management is something we’re well accustomed to now!
Ex-Imp Paul Turnbull didn’t set the world alight here in his loan spell. How has he rated at Macc?
Superb. I was extremely disappointed when we signed ‘Bully a few years ago based on his performances I saw and general arrogant persona for Stockport, but he won me over very quickly with his attitude to the game, team and club. An excellent captain, who we miss very much if not playing. Links the whole team together well and drives the team forward. Chips in with a few quality free-kicks each season too. Could easily have moved back into the league after his performances last season but chose to stay with us – again having Askey at them helm has a lot to do with this.
Tony Diagne. Likey, or no likey?
Seems a really likeable bloke, and his first stint with Macc he was pretty decent. Not seen anything of the like against us for since, and just looks bereft of confidence now. Its where were are with our budget though so got to give him full backing whilst in a blue shirt. Is that diplomatic enough?!!
How many of last season’s squad have you managed to keep? From the outside, with losing 3 players to FL sides, it looks like a bit of a re-build this summer albeit not on the same scale as last season. On that basis, you have to say that it’s going to be a big ask for Askey to get you to where you were last season?
Lost 3 key players in Rhys Taylor, Scott Barrow & Thierry Audel, and decided not to keep on likes of Waide Fairhurst and Matthew Barnes Homer. Only a handful of new faces have come in, though most are familiar anyway – Kristian Dennis started his career with us before leaving for the non-league circuit, and obviously Tony D. Jack Sampson was with us on loan last year before signing permanently in the summer. As mentioned above, matching last year would be a huge ask, and I don’t expect us to be challenging as strongly this season.
Top Five Predictions?
1. Grimsby
2. Tranmere
3. Eastleigh (play off winners)
4. Forest Green
5. Wrexham
Bottom Four Predictions?
Alty (bottom!!)
Welling
Halifax
Southport
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
Strong dislike for you lot after the battle of the Moss in our first season in the football league (!), but grown to enjoy the annual get togethers it is now written in to law that the two clubs must have! A couple of lads I’ve traveled the world watching England with are Imps so always like to see you do well. And this couldn’t be complete without the huge mutual respect the clubs have built up over the years from the tragic losses of Keith and Butch, RIP lads.
Score Prediction?
Can’t see anything but the usual home 3 points, 2-0 at a guess.
Random Fact About Your Club?
Macc scored the very last football league goal of the 20th century. Chris Priest scored a few minutes into injury time in our game against Carlisle on 28th December 1999. It was only the final goal because kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes!
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