An interview with a MAcclesfield Town fan
As part of the new ‘Who Are Ya?’ feature, here is the first interview with Macclesfield Town fan, Dan.
Who Do You Support?
Macclesfield Town
How Long Have You Supported Them?
Lifelong supporter, first game was in 1993 in the FA Cup first round win against Hartlepool United.
Last Season’s League Finish?
11th
What Do You Think Of Your Manager?
Very pleased that club legend John Askey has been given the job, it was a long time in coming following the sacking of Steve King. John has been at the club for decades and with Efe Sodje working with him we have two blokes who know all about Macclesfield Town, they have been part of some of our most cherished memories and will give 100% for the club.
You’ve had a bit of a shake-up behind the scenes and running on a lower budget. For those who aren’t 100% sure, what do the changes mean to Macclesfield Town?
A lot has happened during the pre-season. To cut a very long story short, due to a alarmingly precarious financial situation following last season we were hours from paying the ultimate price. Cheshire East Council stepped forward and purchased the freehold of the Moss Rose ground for £285k which allowed us to pay many of the larger creditors. As part of the deal the football club is to become a Community Interest Company and all director loans were cancelled and all shares transferred into a separate Community ownership meaning we are no longer in sole control of the Alkhadi brothers, who previously were the main shareholders. We were then tasked with raising another 100k to see us through, 50k in July and 50k in August and as far as I am aware we achieved the July goal and with sponsorships brought in and a the high profile ‘pay to play’ scheme then we are either very close, or have already achieved the second 50k.
Its been a shock to be honest and we were kept in the dark for much of it. There are many questions on how and why this was allowed to happen and a lot of bridges to be repaired between the football club and the fans. What has been pleasing though is that in the desperate situation, former chairman Mike Rance and former Chairman Andy Scott have re-joined the cause and really brought everyone together and the appointment of John and Efe has made our club feel ours again.
Hopes/Expectations This Season?
Well, just to survive is first and foremost the aim but looking at the squad John has put together we can’t hep but have a little bit of confidence. With the likes of Chris Holroyd, JP Kissock, Jack Mackreth and Danny Whitaker we surely will have enough for a comfortable mid table position and with hard work and luck then who knows, it’s certainly a much brighter prospect than we all thought in June.
One(s) To Watch?
The lads named in the previously answer will be vital for us this season and are arguably some of the most talented players in the Division. We have also got Connor Jennings on loan from Scunthorpe who comes with great reviews from his time at Stockport and he has looked promising in pre-season.
We’ve shared a few(!) players over the years and this one is no different. We know about Nat Brown, but give us the low-down on Waide Fairhurst.
I am a huge fan of Waide, I think he is a very talented player and his goals to game ratio last season was very good. In fact if he had played for the whole season and not just half he would have scored more than Matthew Barnes Homer. He works hard and is tenacious, has a very powerful shot and his positioning is very good. Naturally for a Conference player he has his downfalls. He isn’t the quickest and Gary Simpson once described him as not being a naturally fit lad.
Top Five Predictions?
1. Grimsby
2. Kidderminster
3. Luton Town
4. Forest Green Rovers
5. Cambridge United
Bottom Four Predictions?
21. Welling
22. Dartford
23. Salisbury
24. Hyde
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
First of all Gary Simpson will offer the stability Lincoln need. He showed that when he came in last season. Looking at some of the signings he has added some good players, solid players and Lincoln will have much more balance. I think the era of relegation battles will be at an end. But I’m sure all Imps would agree that it is a work in progress and I expect a solid mid table finish. Lincoln will be hard to beat and well organised, with some decent attacking options.
Score Prediction?
The unwritten law that Macclesfield don’t beat Lincoln at Sincil Bank took a pleasant turn last season but it still remains a tough place to play. I don’t think many sides will go to Lincoln and get an easy ride, I would be very happy for a point and after a disappointing loss to Nuneaton on the opening day, we would like a reaction to that.
1-1, Holroyd, Fairhurst.
Random Fact About Your Club?
In our recent home pre-season friendly against Stoke City our controversial pay to play offer was taken up by a local businessman who paid £10k to play 20 minutes. Unfortunately he stretched too far for a cross and went off injured after 10 minutes, so he payed £1k per minute to play against Stoke City development squad.
Fair pay to the bloke though and he has done a lot for our club considering the financial worries that we have.
