Danny’s set for milestone appearance

DANNY Whitaker has revealed his pride after he was set to make his 400th appearance for Macclesfield Town.

The veteran midfielder was expected to reach the milestone during the match against Guiseley on Tuesday, which occurred as the Express went to print.

Whitaker still remains one of Macc’s key players despite now being 36 years old, and he is delighted to contribute as much as he has done.

“It’s incredible to get that many appearances for one club. I started my career here and I hold it in high regard,” he told the club’s official website.

“It’s a great achievement when you think about it and I wouldn’t have believed it could happen. It’s my 10th year in total with the club and if somebody would have told me back during the first season that I would make this many appearances then I wouldn’t have believed them one bit.

“I’ve obviously come back at a later stage in my career so to play as many games as I have done in that period is great.

“I’m getting older and getting on a bit in footballing terms but it’s nice to keep playing and doing something right as the manager keeps picking me!”

Whitaker also joked that he has what it takes to go on to make 500 appearances for the Silkmen.

“I’d like to say yes, but you’d have to speak to the gaffer!” he said.

“I’m feeling good at the minute so I think I can keep going, but we’ll have to see.”

Macclesfield have looked impressive in recent weeks, as seen when they picked up a 2-0 win over Aldershot on Saturday, and Whitaker was glad to get the three points.

“It’s always nice to win a game of football. It was a dominant performance against a team that will be up there at the end of the season,” he said.

“We’re out there to win games of football and it’s even better when we win at home and can keep the fans happy.

“It puts us up there in amongst the other teams that will be up there challenging, so it is nice but it’s still early days at the minute and there are lots to play for.

“It’s better being near the top than down near the bottom as winning breeds confidence and there are a lot of young players in the team all learning.

“I try and help them by coming in every day and working hard, so hopefully that can rub off on them.

“Every game is tough in this league no matter if we’re home or away. We’ve just got to be in it from the off. The lads are full of confidence so hopefully it continues.”

‘I started my career here and I hold the club in high regard’