DESPITE signing a new two-year contract earlier this month Warrington Rylands’ manager Michael Clegg has left the club to join Macclesfield FC where Robbie Savage is Director of Football.
Rylands rejected a bid for Clegg yesterday but a source at the club has revealed he has now left with immediate effect.
Clegg has been at Rylands for just over a year and got the club competing for the title after 46 games in charge, including 22 victories.
Michael Clegg thanking supporters
It is understood Clegg will take assistant manager Nicky Hunt and coach Lewis Hardcastle with him to replace Alex Bruce, who left the Silkmen earlier this week to become assistant manager at EFL club Salford City.
Clegg has left Rylands with Macclesfield two places and three points behind them with a game in hand.
Commenting on the appointment on their club website Macclesfield FC said they are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Clegg as the club’s new First Team Manager.
“Clegg joins us from fellow Northern Premier League side Warrington Rylands where he has seen success during his time with The Blues taking them into play off contention.
“Having a wealth of experience managing at this level, Clegg has had spells at Ashton United and Atherton Collieries before joining Rylands in February 2023.
Clegg’s backroom team will be announced tomorrow.
Director of Football Robbie Savage said the following:“Firstly, I would like to wish Alex Bruce, Phil Bardsley and all his staff all the best. I would like to wish Alex success in his new role at Salford City and whilst we are disappointed at the timing of the decision, we wish him well in his future coaching career.”
“We are delighted to appoint Michael Clegg and his backroom staff to Macclesfield Football Club. Michael has many years of experience having managed nearly 500 games at this level of football.
“We believe that this is the right time to offer Michael the chance to manage at one of the biggest clubs in Non League with the objectives being clear in trying to get out of the league and a potential trip to Wembley.”
Robbie went on to say:“Michael has signed an 18 month contract at the club and we are looking forward to welcoming him and his staff to the Leasing.com Stadium.
“What he has done with Warrington Rylands is remarkable in leading them into a play-off place this season. He leaves a fantastic club in a great place and now has an opportunity to progress the club into the National League system.”
“We have given young, hungry managers a chance with their first job in management who have then progressed into the EFL.
“We also recognise the talent of hardworking managers in the league and Michael who has earned this opportunity now has a chance to showcase his skills in front of 4,000 fans.”
Chairman Rob Smethurst said the following:“We are delighted to welcome Michael Clegg as the new first-team manager of Macclesfield Football Club.
“It is an amazing opportunity for Michael to take us on the next step of our journey as a football club and we are excited for the future.”
Macclesfield FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Clegg as the club’s new First Team Manager.
Welcome to The Silkmen Michael 💪 https://t.co/7bu6I7zeAa
— Macclesfield FC (@thesilkmen) February 22, 2024
