Former Manchester United and Wales midfielder Robbie Savage has officially concluded his transformative tenure at Macclesfield FC, moving on to a new challenge in the National League. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the phoenix club, which he helped build from the ground up.
From Director to Record-Breaking Manager
Robbie Savage joined forces with businessman Rob Smethurst in October 2020 to resurrect professional football in the town following the collapse of Macclesfield Town. As a board member and director of football, he was instrumental in renovating the Leasing.com Stadium and constructing a competitive squad from scratch.
In a bold move in June 2024, Savage appointed himself as manager after Michael Clegg's departure, marking his first step into dugout management. The gamble paid off spectacularly during the 2024/25 campaign. He guided the Silkmen to a historic promotion from the Northern Premier League Premier Division, amassing a record 109 points and scoring 109 goals, sealing the title by a remarkable 26-point margin.
A New Challenge and Continued Ties
Savage's successful spell culminated in his exit on July 1, 2025, to take the managerial position at Forest Green Rovers. He cited the allure of managing at a higher level in the National League as an opportunity he could not refuse. Despite stepping away from his day-to-day role, Savage remains a part-owner of Macclesfield FC, though he has stated his intention to sell his shares to prevent any potential conflict of interest with his new job.
The club moved swiftly to appoint John Rooney, younger brother of Wayne and a former star player for the side, as the new head coach. He will lead Macclesfield in their National League North campaign.
FA Cup Magic on the Horizon
Macclesfield FC's story continues to captivate as they prepare for a fairy-tale FA Cup Third Round tie. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, they will host Premier League side and reigning FA Cup holders Crystal Palace at a sold-out Leasing.com Stadium. The match kicks off at 12.15pm GMT.
For fans across the UK, the game will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer, as well as on TNT Sports 1 and the discovery+ app for subscribers, offering a national spotlight on the club Savage helped to rebuild.
