**Ex-Macclesfield Boss Responds Candidly as Robbie Savage Leaves for Forest Green**
Robbie Savage, the former Welsh international known for his outspoken nature both on and off the pitch, has made headlines once again after leaving his post at Macclesfield to become the new manager of Forest Green Rovers. His unexpected departure has prompted a frank response from Michael Clegg, the manager Savage dismissed during his time at Macclesfield, who did not hold back in giving his opinion about Savage’s move.
Robbie Savage, aged 50, spent a year overseeing Macclesfield as head coach, a role he appointed himself to following a stint as the club’s director of football. Under his management, Macclesfield soared through the Northern Premier League, comfortably clinching promotion to the National League North by a commanding 26-point margin. However, only recently had Savage agreed to a two-year contract extension with Macclesfield, making his abrupt switch to Forest Green Rovers all the more surprising to many supporters.
Michael Clegg, who briefly managed Macclesfield before Savage’s tenure, used social media to share his thoughts in the wake of Savage’s exit. “A massive day for Macc,” Clegg wrote, “They are now in a better position than ever… this club will fly now.” Clegg’s candid comments suggest a belief that Macclesfield’s future could be brighter without Savage at the helm, hinting at a possible tension behind the scenes during their time together at the club.
Clegg, now in charge of Atherton Collieries, expanded on his experiences since his own controversial departure from Macclesfield. While reports widely suggested he was sacked, Clegg told the Bolton News that leaving Macclesfield was in fact a mutual decision, though not without difficulties. He admitted: “Working at a club of that size, it’s a lot of phone calls from agents, there was always something, but I just always had a feeling that I wouldn’t start the season, whether that was for me or from their side. I was right.”
Despite his challenging stint at Macclesfield, Clegg concedes that he could have handled certain situations better. He insists his exit was not driven by finances: “It was absolutely nothing to do with money, anything but, more that the conditions they wanted me to work under were a no-go.” He also revealed that while he generally got along with the club’s board, a breakdown in his relationship with one key individual—presumed by many to be Savage himself—ultimately made his position untenable.
Underlining the extent of the reshuffle at the club following Savage’s departure, Macclesfield have since appointed John Rooney, brother of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, as their new head coach. Rooney, previously a player at Macclesfield for two years, steps up from the dressing room to the dugout, supported by a backroom setup that includes Nigel Keogh, Peter Band and Anthony Curran.
Meanwhile, the focus inevitably shifts to Forest Green Rovers, where Savage will be seeking to replicate his swift progress with Macclesfield, though he leaves behind a club where, despite success on the field, there was clearly unease off it. Savage remains a part-owner at Macclesfield, despite relinquishing his coaching and director responsibilities, raising questions about his ongoing influence at the club from afar.
Supporters and football observers alike are watching closely to see whether Macclesfield’s fortunes change under Rooney’s stewardship, and if Clegg’s optimism regarding Savage’s departure is well-founded. Equally, Savage’s transition to Forest Green Rovers will be under scrutiny, as he attempts to prove his managerial skills at a higher level, in League Two.
The episode highlights once again the often turbulent nature of football management in the lower leagues, where changes behind the scenes can be as dramatic as those on the pitch. One thing is certain—Macclesfield’s story is far from finished, and eyes will be on both the club and their former leader as they pursue separate paths in the new football season.