Macclesfield sack ex-EFL player turned head coach after defeat to Worksop extends poor form

Macclesfield have taken to sack ex-EFL player turned head coach Mark Duffy after defeat to Worksop extends the Silkmen’s poor form.

It was on the 5th of May 2023, after the departure of Neil Danns, that Duffy was named as the head coach of Macclesfield.

Duffy had already spent the previous season as assistant player/coach, but has now been axed following a run of four defeats in five matches.

Macclesffield currently sit 7th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division (7th tier), two points from the playoff places, but those in the bottom two playoffs spots have a game or two in hand.

Club Statement from Robert Smethurst https://t.co/UUbS54eXJQ

— Macclesfield FC (@thesilkmen) October 25, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT:

Further to last night’s Northern Premier League – Premier Division fixture against Worksop Town, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to part company with Head Coach Mark Duffy, Assistant Head Coach Sammy McIlroy, and Head Goalkeeper Coach Dean Baker.

In addition to this, Head of Recruitment Jimmy Holmes will also be leaving his role at the Football Club.
All four individuals have been a pivotal factor in all that we have achieved to date and without them, none of this would have been possible.

Helping us achieve two successive promotions is something which all four individuals can take an infinite amount of pride and is something which we will forever be grateful for.

Whilst their positive contributions can never be questioned, the challenges we have faced since being promoted to the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League have meant that changes need to be made.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, four defeats in the last five games sadly have forced our hand.

Before the 2023/24 season commenced, we made everyone acutely aware that our aim was to secure a play-off place and be competitive in every game we play.

Whilst accepting the fact that the campaign remains in its early stages, the stark reality is that if our current form is allowed to continue unchecked then our objectives for the season would be placed in jeopardy.

Quite simply, we are not prepared to risk that.

Every facet of the Football Club (including playing staff) will be meticulously reviewed to ensure our incredibly high standards are maintained.

We will do everything within our power to ensure that our objectives are met and will issue a further statement in due course.

MACCLESFIELD RESULTS SO FAR

Sat 12 Aug – A – Bradford (Park Avenue) – NPL Premier – (1) 2-0 (0)
Tue 15 Aug – H – Matlock Town – NPL Premier – (0) 3-0 (0)
Sat 19 Aug – H – Gainsborough Trinity – NPL Premier – (2) 3-0 (0)
Tue 22 Aug – A – Lancaster City – NPL Premier (0) 0-3 (1)
Sat 26 Aug – A – FC United of Manchester – NPL Premier – (1) 1-2 (1)
Mon 28 Aug – H – Warrington Rylands – NPL Premier – (1) 1-1 (0)
Sun 3 Sep – A – Whickham – FA Cup 1Q – (2) 4-1 (1)
Sat 9 Sep – H – Ashton United – NPL Premier – (2) 5-0 (0)
Sat 16 Sep – H – Buxton – FA Cup 2Q – (1) 2-0 (0)
Sat 23 Sep – H – Stafford Rangers – NPL Premier – (0) 2-0 (0)
Tue 26 Sep – A – Ilkeston Town – NPL Premier – (0) 1-1 (0)
Sat 30 Sep – H – Warrington Rylands – FA Cup 3Q – (1) 2-1 (1)
Sat 7 Oct – A – Hanley Town – FA Trophy 3Q – (0) 1-0 (0)
Tue 10 Oct – A – Radcliffe – NPL Premier – (3) 3-4 (2)
Sat 14 Oct – A – Alfreton Town – FA Cup 4Q – (1) 1-3 (1)
Tue 17 Oct – A – Marine – NPL Premier – (1) 2-1 (0) 1,444
Sat 21 Oct – A – Morpeth Town – NPL Premier – (0) 0-2 (2)
Tue 24 Oct – H – Worksop Town – NPL Premier – (1) 1-2 (0)

This is what fans are saying as Macclesfield sack ex-EFL player turned head coach Mark Duffy after defeat to Worksop extends their poor form…

@GaryBriscoe5: Well done Rob. A tough decision but the right one 👏

@013Tay: Crucial sacking which is to see the player scout go. Club legend or not it seemed pointless to have Sammy Mac dipping in and out when it’s convenient for him. Get a structure that will work in Northern Prem rather than Champions league. Reduce ticket prices and get fans back

@SiRussell1985: Expected to piss the leagues all the way back up to the Football League, getting a sharp dose of reality it seems. This is too funny

@UpTheSilkmen: We have a squad with so much quality. We should be doing better than where we are now. I just don’t see Radcliffe dropping off and us catching. There are so many good teams in this league with decent players and money. If we finish 2nd-5th it’s a good season.

@jimmtweet: Wow another manager sacked that’s a bit SAVAGE 😂

@GlynJ97: The circus continues at Macc

@ben_kay8: And another one home.. Footy manager at its best

@UpTheSilkmen: A tough call, but the right decision

@a12myp: Good luck to ged 👌 knew he would get the gig one day 💪🏼

@DaveLancaster82: Correct move. More big decisions yet to come

@christaylor666: For stability of Macclesfield FC, this is the right decision taken, otherwise we will be stuck in the NPL for longer than we hoped which will not be good going forward. This is my opinion, please do not put Robbie Savage as manager as this will split the club. Choose wisely!

@DMCavallo: @RobbieSavage8 please 🙏 an experienced manager with full control over the team & recruitment rather than a coach is what @thesilkmen need. Steve Cunningham is someone you should deeply consider for the role if you can meet his terms. I wish you well in finding the right manager

@RichtMUFC99: Banter FC

@SCFC_Stewie: Need to get jim gannon in asap

@silkmenarmy:
Duffy, McIlroy & Jimmy (recruitment) gone
Band & Baker survive (will have been told they’re complicit at least)
At least they accept the problem isn’t just one man
We’ve paid the price for not signing any steel or strength (except Dawson) all summer. Tough CB, CDM & CF needed 🔵⚪️

@rjtaylor78: It’s brutal, but ultimately the right decision for everyone. Surprised JH has gone, being so highly rated by Sav, but the recruitment this season has been (mainly) very poor.