Man Utd Class of '92 star joined by ex-Liverpool striker as he lands shock new role after sudden exit

The Northern Premier League club’s director of football will now be stepping into the dugout after the sudden departure of boss Michael Clegg. In a club statement, it was revealed the decision was in part down to the fact Savage had been approached by a club at a higher level. His coaching staff will feature former England international striker Emile Heskey, his one-time Leicester team-mate.

Clegg had only taken over in February, replacing Alex Bruce after he joined Karl Robinson’s coaching staff at Salford City. The season ended with the Silkmen missing out in the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off final to Marine.

Savage, 49, had been director of football since 2020 as the reformed Silkmen moved up from the North West Counties Premier Division to the Northern Premier League Premier Division with back-to-back promotions. He will now be charged with trying to get them into the National League North.

Macclesfield’s statement read: “As a result of achieving two promotions as well as reaching a play-off final and Isuzu FA Trophy semi-final within the club’s first three years, it came as no surprise when Robbie was offered a senior role elsewhere recently.

“Robbie subsequently agonised over this on numerous levels as it would have meant him relinquishing his role at Macclesfield FC – in addition to his shareholding. This was something which the board was not prepared to let happen and it was unanimously decided that Robbie should be given the chance to prove himself here at Macclesfield FC as he launches his coaching career with us.

“Ahead of a campaign where we simply cannot fail, Robbie will now be accountable for all first team affairs and judged solely on results. To support him, Robbie has brought Peter Band back to the club as assistant manager.

“Peter boasts over 1,000 games worth of experience at these levels and this will be invaluable to us going forward. In addition, Emile Heskey has been given a position-specific role as and when required. A first team coach will be appointed in due course.

“We would also like to reiterate our thanks to Michael Clegg in assembling what he himself has termed “a fantastic group” within which he played a such a vital part.”