2014/15 Season preview: Macclesfield

Last season’s finish:

15^th

Another mixture of good and bad form, but with less money than before

Players out:

Danny Andrew is the biggest loss. A good, pacy, left-sided player who showed his skill throughout the season, and as a result, he's joined Fleetwood Town for the new season. Very good at free kicks as well. He'd done more than enough to attract the scouts from the lower leagues. All the best to him at Fleetwood.

We've lost two key goal scoring strikers, Scott Boden filled the gap Connor Jennings created after leaving mid season, but all the wrangling over budgets saw him move to Halifax. And although Jennings was a loan signing, he was a vital asset to surviving in the Conference after we'd got off to such a poor start. His goal rate was impressive, but was prone to injury, and he left Macclesfield mid-season as a result. If we can get a regular goal scorer like Jennings (now with Wrexham, should be interesting to see how he fares) for this season, then there's less reason to worry.

There is talk Matthew Barnes-Homer will return, he's been on trial at Macclesfield, the question is whether Askey has the money to sign him

Players in:

Another loan signing from last season, George Pilkington has joined us from Luton and will provide a solid role at the back, a defender with vast League and non-league experience required.

I'm interested in Adriano Moke, a product of the Glenn Hoddle Academy, a pacy winger who has impressed on trial here, enough for the manager to sign him up. He should play a key role down the wing, and set up the opportunities for goals.

With a mixture of promising youth and vast experience (Danny Whitaker, captain Paul Turnbull and Chris Holroyd have all signed new contracts) we're cautiously optimistic for the new season

Club news:

The future of Macclesfield Town. A planned takeover didn't happen after our owner wrote off the debts, yet the budget is still incredibly tight for the manager. Smaller even than last season, though funds are said to be promised mid-season if all is going not very well. I hope it doesn't go to that stage, Askey worked well on last season's small budget, and did incredibly well to stay with the pack in a close battle for the playoffs. Eventually, Macclesfield lost form and drifted into a mid table finish, but given the troubles, it was a relief Macclesfield had survived

Matches to look forward to:

It's been 17 years since Macclesfield last met Altrincham on an equal platform, so the old Non-League rivalry will surely flare up when we meet in September, and again in January.

Local games with Chester and Wrexham should also be a great spectacle, particularly with the Macclesfield connections this season, Chester's new signing Peter Winn being ex-Macc and former club legend Steve Burr in charge; ss well as Connor Jennings up front for Wrexham

Predictions:

Macclesfield to finish 12^th

Champions – Grimsby Town

Play-off winners – Forest Green Rovers

Relegated – Welling United, Nuneaton Town, Southport and Dover Athletic

Thanks to Ian Stewart @ianthenoodle for helping out with this post

2013/14 Season Preview - Part Three

2012/13: 18^th in Conference

Hyde

2012/13: 2^nd in Conference – “Just missed out!”

Kidderminster Harriers 

This season we are looking to go one better and the majority of last season’s squad has remained unchanged with a few exceptions like Pilkington going to Hereford and Vincent going up to Scotland to join Inverness but to replace those we have brought the likes of Lee Fowler and Dior Angus in to name a few to Help strengthen the overall squad.

Steve Burr is one of the best managers that we could find for the Harriers. His knowledge of unknown players is exceptional and he works very hard to get the best out of them, which can be shown with Chey Dunkley who was fairly unknown and is know one of the league’s top defenders. Burr knows if the players work hard then we can achieve big things this season.

Aggborough is a nice ground for this league and holds just over 6000 fans. It has great food here so make sure when you come to Aggborough this season you check out the £4 pies – they are well worth the money!

Fixtures

There are quite a few games to look forward to the season. Top of my list has to be Wrexham as that is always a cracking day out, as well as the other big teams (like Luton, Grimsby and Forest Green). I am also looking forward to the games against the new members especially Chester and Barnet – and look forward to a trip to The Hive later on in the season.

Predictions

To get promoted: Kidderminster (Champions) and Wrexham (Play-offs)

To get relegated: Salisbury, Halifax, Woking and Welling

Kidderminster’s finish: 1^st

Liam
@LiamKHFC

2012/13: 16^th in Conference – “stressful, worrying, frustrating”

Lincoln City

We lost our two best strikers in the summer: Jamie Taylor who scored 16 goals last season left us for Sutton United for family reasons, and Vadaine Oliver who scored 13 goals last season was snapped up by League One Crewe. I feel that our gaffer has done a great job of replacing them by signing four strikers. The two who I am most impressed are Waide Fairhurst (who scored 13 for Macclesfield last season) and Nick Wright who was part of Mansfield’s promotion winning side and has had previous impressive goal scoring records at Conference level with Tamworth and Kidderminster. I am pleased Alan Power, Jake Sheridan and Tom Miller signed new contracts in the summer as they were key for us last season.

I believe Gary Simpson is right for the job as he has a passion and love for the Imps having been our assistant manager to Keith Alexander, and has unfinished business having seen us come close to promotion in League Two. Since being appointed manager back in February he saved us from relegation from the Conference on the final day of the season and masterminded an impressive set of results together. He clearly has a good eye for players in the transfer market, although it may be beyond him to get us promoted in his first season in charge.

We play at Sincil Bank, an all-seater stadium with a capacity of 10,120. This coming season there is a change to where the away fans are being housed – moving from the corner of our biggest stand (the co-op) to our smallest one on the opposite corner which was previously our family stand. The Stacey West stand behind the goal is being closed for this season to cut costs but will be open if necessary for larger away followings to sit in. The whole of the co-op stand is being given to home fans this season – the way it should be in my opinion as it is our biggest stand. The cathedral can be seen from the upper sections of the stadium. We have a bar at the ground which welcomes away fans and shows any live football; there is also a Wetherspoons which is always popular on match days, as well as a selection of bars in the town centre.

Fixtures

I am most looking forward to playing our fierce local rivals Grimsby as since dropping to the Conference, we are yet to beat them. Also looking forward to Alfreton away again this season as it is a short trip, which we have very little of in this league.

Predictions

To get promoted: Luton (Champions) and Forest Green Rovers (Play-offs)

To get relegated: Braintree, Alfreton, Hyde and Salisbury

Lincoln’s finish: 7^th

Karl
@Lincoln_Karl

2012/13: 7^th in Conference – “Paul bucked up!”

Luton Town

Most people will say Stuart Fleetwood is the biggest loss; however, I don't agree. There’s no doubt he can score goals, but his attitude was terrible. The signing of Luke Guttridge being the pick of the bunch, I also expect Mark Cullen to do a job up front!

John Still is now in charge and I'm hoping he's finally the right man to lead us back to the Football League! As expected he’s cleared out a few of the players, but to date has made eight signings.

If you've never been to Kenilworth Road then this is the season to come and visit us. As away fans you almost go through people's gardens to get to the stand but don't let that put you off! The atmosphere inside the ground is fantastic and expect 5-6000 home fans every home game!

Fixtures

I'm personally looking forward to seeing Barnet’s new ground and Cambridge away is always good!

Predictions

To get promoted: Forest Green Rovers (Champions) and Cambridge (Play-offs)

To get relegated: Hyde, Dartford, Welling and Braintree

Luton’s finish: top five

Richard
@HabbyHatter

2012/13: 11^th in Conference – “Interesting, but frustrating”

Macclesfield Town

Sam Wedgbury and Keiran Murtagh are the key midfield losses, but once again they were expected to go. Our Player of the Season Wedgbury gave everything, all the time. And always came across as someone who knew what the supporters expected of him and the team. Such was his effort, it was no surprise when a League club came calling for him. With Murtagh, he was always solid in the centre and Macclesfield were a lot different and underachieving whenever he wasn't playing in the squad. Unfortunately such was his tendency to get booked, Murtagh spent times on the sideline through suspension, and this certainly didn't help us. Matthew Barnes-Homer, our main goalscorer has not yet officially left, but most supporters expect him to. He's currently on trial at Notts County. Given the amount of goals he got for Macclesfield, it will be a key loss. But John Askey has signed Chris Holroyd, a Macclesfield born lad who scored nine goals for us during a short loan period last season. This included a hat-trick against Stockport County at Edgeley Park, which is certainly a good way of endearing yourself to the Macclesfield supporters! I'm also delighted that keeper Rhys Taylor has signed a new contract, and that Jack Mackreth has committed – a young, pacy winger who has great potential to make it in the higher leagues.

John Askey knows Macclesfield Town in and out, and what the supporters want to see at the Moss Rose and away. And that he would most likely commit to the same style of play that his predecessor used. Having been in charge of Macclesfield's youth output, I'm sure a few young prospects will make their way into the squad as the season goes on. Not only that, his new assistant is Efe Sodje, another Macclesfield legend who will bring in his in depth knowledge and status to ensure the squad has passion before the game begins. For a coaching team that have nearly 800 appearances in a Macclesfield shirt between them, they already have the respect from the supporters; they need it from the players though. I just get the feeling they didn't have it last season.

Moss Rose is a very quaint, standard League Two/Conference ground, that combines the modern stands with the old quite well. I suppose it's nicely old fashioned in the sense that it still has a terrace without a roof – away fans be warned if you're playing us in the winter!

Fixtures

Wrexham and Chester are the stand-out games – it's good that after one local rival departs (Stockport County) another can take their place. A bit more local for myself though, based in Staffordshire, is the trip to Tamworth and I went there for the first time last season on a Tuesday night. A dour goalless draw, but I enjoyed good conversation with some of their supporters beforehand, inside a typical lower capacity Conference ground. It was what I would call a proper Conference away game. I look forward to Kidderminster Harriers again this season as well, for the same reason about supporter interaction.

Predictions

To get promoted: Kidderminster (Champions) and Luton (Play-offs)

To get relegated: Southport, Salisbury, Tamworth and Gateshead

Macclesfield’s finish: 11^th again

Ian
@Ianthenoodle

2012/13: 15^th in Conference – “Incredible last third” 

Nuneaton Town

We have signed Louis Moult permanently who we had on loan at back end of last season and formed a great partnership with Andy Brown. Browny himself scored 20 goals last year in a ‘bottom four’ side which is remarkable. We've also just signed Greg Pearson who is a proven conference goal scorer so attacking wise we look good – we just haven't got a goalkeeper yet!

Our boss Kevin Wilkins is absolutely the right man. He stuck with us through demotion and delivered three promotions in four years, as well as Conference survival last season. He was also a brilliant goal scorer for us in the late 90s.

Our ground is adequate and is quite similar to others in the league. With metal terraces either end – one of which holds 1100 for away fans. The Main Stand holds around 400 fans but is located towards the away end.

Fixtures

Look forward to playing any of the big ex Football League teams. Luton away in front of 6200 last year showed how far we had come in four years when we had Dunstable and Marlow as league games! Aldershot will be good as we've never played there and Macclesfield first game when it's warm (rather than a freezing cold December fixture)!

Predictions

To get promoted: Luton (Champions) and Wrexham (Play-offs)

To get relegated: Hyde, Alfreton, Aldershot and Gateshead

Nuneaton’s finish: 17^th

Mark
@markjakeman

Third time lucky..?

It’s funny how a few months can change things: one minute we had Wembley in our grasp and League Two football looked a certainty next season, and the next, no cup final and the possibility (yet again!) of sinking into the mire that is Conference football.

Then

November was a good month for us – we beat Cheltenham away in the JPT and were to make the area semi-finals (the furthest the club had ever progressed in the competition) and Sanchez was up for the League Two Manager of the Month award. We were unbeaten in League and Cup, also winning at Southport in the FA Cup, and only dropping points to AFC Wimbledon in the League (a 1-1 draw away from home). At the end of the month, for a moment the table looked pretty:

January too, was another good month. With the transfer window out the way, we managed to hold on to our, and the League’s top scorer in Izale McLeod, and loan players brought in all extended their spells. In the League, we won every single match: Bristol Rovers and Crewe Alexandra at home, Accrington and Northampton away, and drew in the first leg of our area final of the JPT against high-flying Swindon. The table again made great reading for Bees’ fans, reaching the dizzy heights of 17^th:

Now

We are now reaching the end of the season and it’s a completely different story. One win in 16 matches and once again we find ourselves just above the drop-zone – Hereford and Macclesfield occupying the bottom two positions. We played the former on Friday night, drawing 1-1 and last month played and got a point against the latter. Two points out of six against the teams below us, what a difference at least one win could have made. Macclesfield played yesterday at home to Crewe and drew 2-2. As it stands with three games remaining, the table looks like this:

I honestly cannot pinpoint what has gone wrong between then and now. You really cannot blame it on losing the two-legged final with Swindon. If the team were adamant they’d make Wembley, they should have really done better to win after 180 minutes! Imagine for a second we had actually made it all the way, would there have been a slump between the regional and actual final, or would they have been up for the League matches? And after Wembley, how would results and performances gone? It’s true, however, that the majority of the squad look disinterested: McLeod isn’t the player he was pre-transfer window and looks lethargic and lazy, both goal keepers have had absolute mares and have been swapping positions on the bench and the pitch, and the defence – despite being changed fairly frequently – always looks as if they have only just met each other on match day; a real lack of communication, amongst other things! And if it’s the players lacking motivation and looking disinterested, surely it’s the manager’s job to raise their spirits and get them up for the fight? On Friday night the only players in my opinion to look interested were May and Kamdjo (who in my opinion played an absolute blinder and deserved to be Man of the Match!). I’m not going to turn this into another ‘why I dislike Sorry’ rant but it’s plain for everyone to see, it hasn’t worked out for him. On reflection, I cannot believe we were so excited and optimistic pre-season – what for? The majority of this season has made for painful and frankly, heart-breaking viewing. But remember, don’t worry, we “won’t get relegated… not on [my] watch!” Great news!

The run-in

With only three games of the 2011/12 season remaining, it’s a three horse race amongst us, Hereford and Macclesfield. The fixtures for each side look like this:

                        Barnet                       Hereford                   Macclesfield

20.04.12         Southend (a)

21.04.12                                           Northampton (h)        Bradford (a)

28.04.12         AFC Wimbledon (h)   Crawley (a)                Burton (h)

05.05.12         Burton (a)                  Torquay (h)               Southend (a)

Being three points above the drop-zone, advantage swings our way – despite our horrendous goal difference, which stands at -29. We’ve not had the easiest of run-ins, having to also play Crawley, Swindon and Cheltenham in the last month or so; had we picked up three points against the likes of Hereford, Macclesfield, Dagenham et al, it may have been a different story, and perhaps, we’d not find ourselves in such big danger. In all fairness, I can only see ourselves getting a maximum of two points from the remaining nine available – is it optimistic of me to say we will draw with both AFC Wimbledon and Burton? I can’t see us getting anything at Roots Hall, especially as Southend are going for promotion – a possible 3-0 thrashing!

Via the BBC, I’ve put in my predictions for the remaining fixtures and the table looks like this:

Here’s hoping for the third season running it doesn’t go down to the final game, there could potentially be some horrible scenes at Burton on the final day of the season. Whatever our fate, I’d rather know sooner than later, the last two years have been absolute killers – despite the pure elation and jubilation at the final whistle!

Supporting the Bees should come with a health warning, but I’m Barnet ‘til I die..!

Two minutes with… Macclesfield Town

For the first of many Friday night games planned for the Bees this season, Macclesfield Town came to Underhill last week. For me it was the first game since that horror defeat – 6–3 to Burton Albion – and we beat the Silkmen 2–1. In this instalment I managed to get the views from Macclesfield fan, Ryan and Adam (aka @adamswfc), a neutral who came to the game with his mate.

25/11/11
Barnet 2 – 1 Macclesfield Town
(McLeod ’41 ’45 – Hamshaw ’61)
Attendance 2,200 (away 142)

How did you get to the game?

Ryan: I came down on the coach, put on by the Silkmen Supporters’ Trust.

What did you do pre-match?

Ryan: I went to the Old Red Lion pub, just behind Underhill.

Where did you sit/stand in the ground?

Ryan: I sat behind the goal in the ‘fake seats’ [the North East family stand].

What did you make of the game?

Adam: There was a lack of creativity in the first half, with long ball tactics being employed – eventually leading to two Barnet penalties (which were slightly soft). In my opinion, the referee favoured the home side. Barnet’s number 10 [Sam Deering] looked a very decent player, and should have been man of the match.

Was the scoreline a fair reflection?

Ryan: No the score wasn’t fair.

Adam: Probably not – I’d say Macclesfield created more chances, but couldn’t finish. The Barnet penalties were a bit dubious and they only really started playing in the second half.

Who, in your opinion was man of the match?

Ryan: Jose Veiga.

Who have you got next, and how do you think you’ll get on?

Ryan: It’s FA Cup weekend and we play Chelmsford City in the second round. I think Macc will win 3–1.

Thanks lads.

My final word:

Unbeaten throughout November, and finally good to turn our cup performances into League games. Although it wasn’t a particularly good game, largely unhelped by the tactics employed by Macclesfield (particularly in the second half), I think everyone is more than happy with the three points that get us further from the drop-zone. It’s the first game to I’d been to since Burton at home, so was pleased to see a couple of the new loan signings in action – even more so, after hearing many good things about them over the last couple of weeks or so. The two defenders Jack Saville (from Southampton) and Michael Hector (from Reading) impressed me, and have definitely helped to stabilise the back four. Maybe the turnaround is finally on…

League 2 season preview - part three

I thought I’d do something a little different and after completing the Twitter92 a month or so ago, I thought it’d be apt to see what my fellow League 2 supporters thought about their aspirations and expectations for their teams in the coming season. Here is part three (of four):

Hereford United

Matt Rowe – Twitter

“I think we will be closer to mid table than last term, we have cleared out the deadwood and replaced them with players with a better pedigree such as Harry Pell. I would be happy with a stable mid table finish and our chairman has already echoed this.

2 players to look out for are Stuart Fleetwood and Harry Pell. Stuart Fleetwood thrived last season next to big targetman Manset and since we have sold him to Reading we have brought in a similar player in Delroy Facey who i believe will help Fleetwood score more than his 20 overall goals last season. We had Harry Pell on loan from Bristol rovers last season for a couple of months and he changed our midfield. He adds physical presence with his height in the middle of the park (6ft 2) and also has the ability to pick out a decent pass or take on the odd player. He was Bristol Rovers young player of the season but chose to join us last month on a 2 year contract.

Games to look forward are the following away trips: Shrewsbury, Cheltenham, Plymouth and also Southend as it's the first game of the season!

I am quietly confident about our chances of having a decent season. Since we sacked Simon Davey last season, who left us bottom with 5pts from 10 games, we had a change of fortune and if the season had restarted under Jamie Pitman we would've finished 12th (from the 36 remaining games). Hopefully we will see progress on the Blackfriars End where the temporary seating currently is and start to see signs of construction of the new stand”.

Macclesfield Town

Ian Stewart – Twitter

“Every season since the great escape under Paul Ince, various bookies and media outlets have had Macclesfield as the prime candidates for relegation. Every season we've proven this prediction wrong, it's not been easy particularly with our resources and certain circumstances. The best we can hope for is a mid-table finish, although with the right team attitude and good run of form, there's no reason to rule out a push for the playoffs.

The loss of two key players, Tyrone Barnett and Hamza Bencherif has not helped our prospects, but I feel there's great pace and potential in the players bought in the close season by Simmo. Like his predecessor, the late Keith Alexander. Simmo [Gary Simpson] has a knack for plucking talent from the non-league,Tyrone Barnett joined us from Hednesford Town last season. We hope that Ben Tomlinson, signed from Worksop Town, can follow on from where Tyrone left off. Arnaud Mendy is an interesting purchase as well, a big strong midfielder released by Derby County. He had a loan spell at Tranmere Rovers last season, and I've heard positive accounts from Tranmere supporters regarding his performances in midfield.

The one game that stands out is Swindon Town, it'll be a Friday night spectacle, and with the appointment of Paolo di Canio there has to be fireworks. Also looking forward to Bristol Rovers, Northampton Town and Southend United; as well as the newly promoted sides which are two juicy prospects.

We have a positive young squad that Simmo has built up, and some firm experienced league players like Nat Brown and Matt Hamshaw in our ranks. Though the only real concern is the lack of an experienced striker”.

Morecambe

Jack Steer – Twitter

“I am confident that we will do much better this season than last, which is necessary to avoid the drop! There is a much more positive attitude around the club this season under Jim Bentley, and it wouldn’t surprise me if we sneak a play-off place. Conservatively expecting mid-table, but confident that we can do much better.

New signings Izak Reid, Lewi Alessandra and Gary McDonald are all contributing to the renewed optimism around the club and will hopefully do very well. Add to those our consistent good performers Barry Roche and Andy Parrish. I think Andy Fleming will have a great season too.

Optimistically looking forward to the Accrington derby games in hope that we break the football league curse of being unable to beat them – they won’t have the benefit of Jimmy Ryan’s bi-annual deflected goal this year! Also looking forward to seeing Tony Roberts of the Daggers again.

Everything is looking very positive at the moment, the changes that Jim Bentley is making are all positive and are very much fan-focused. Everyone connected with the football club is right behind him and the players would run through brick walls for him”.

Northampton Town

Kris Holland – Twitter

“The chairman wants us to finish in the top 3, Northampton fans generally anticipate the play-offs...and me? Well i reckon we'll wind up around 9th or 10th. Reaching the top 7 is not necessarily beyond the realm of possibility but after coming within a whisker of relegation last time out, expectations have got to be reined in.

19 year-old Michael Jacobs is one to watch. The kid is absolute dynamite and was essentially the kingpin of our attacking chances last season, scoring 8 goals in league and cup; some of which were absolute corkers, while setting up more than double that. He was also voted player of the season for 2010/11. Not bad for your first season as a pro! He's destined for greater things than a drawn out career at Northampton Town so my advice is to enjoy his rare talent at your local ground while you still can.

I’m looking forward to AFC Wimbledon away. I'm one of those who is totally caught up in the romance of their rise up the leagues and I wouldn't begrudge a loss against them, so that should make for a special evening at Kingsmeadow. Also looking forward to taking on Crawley Town. It's not unfair to say they've bought their favourites tag, so it'll interesting to see what they're really made of.

For as long as I can remember Northampton's summer transfer dealings have always been built from the bottom up. By which I mean, bringing in defenders over strikers. But for this pre-season, the opposite is true The chairman has dug very deep into his pockets to bring success and League One football back to the town, with additions such as Jake Robinson, Arron Davies and returning favourite Ade Akinfenwa. With this in mind, and so very few defenders on the books, I can't wait to see what sort of formation Gary Johnson has in mind for August 6^th”.

Oxford United

Joe O’Callaghan – Twitter – Blog

“I can really see us challenging this season. Play offs definitely but hopefully higher.

Players to look out for would be Peter Leven a new signing who everyone is raving about; as well as Tom Craddock up front and Jake Wright in defence.

Looking forward to the 21^st August, where we have the scum (Swindon Town) 3rd or 4th game in”.

Plymouth Argyle

Dave Weeks – Twitter

“I think we’ll do quite well – we look like we are signing quite a few good players and with Reid as our manager we should get a few premiership loans in. As an Argyle fan anywhere above the drop zone will do us fine after two relegations in a row. I feel we can push for play-offs and reckon we will finish between 6-10th.

Players to look out for would be Luke Daley - I watched him pre-season and he was energetic and loved to take players on. If teams want to stop him running down the wing and putting crosses in they will have to put two players on him. Also Stephane Zubar, Quality defender whom strikers will find it hard getting passed. Surprised he re-signed when he could've joined PNE, proves that there is still a bit of loyalty out there.

Looking forward to quite a few games: Swindon and Bristol rovers – those two because they produce goals. Torquay’s a nice close game; AFC Wimbledon, I chose this one because after everything that has happened to them I'm happy they are back in the football league and looking forward to playing them”.