Silkmen pay tribute to coach who developed young talent
MACCLESFIELD Town has paid tribute to the man who played a ‘pivotal role’ in developing the club’s young talent.
Mick Holgate, 62, the Silkmen’s former goalkeeping coach and centre of excellence manager died after losing a battle with cancer on Saturday, February 2.
He had become a much-loved figure at the club and has been described as having ‘an infectious personality’.
Mick has been brought to the Moss Rose by Gil Prescott as first Team goalkeeper coach.
His work at the club’s centre of excellence helped bring players through the ranks including Danny Whitaker, John Rooney, Kristian Dennis and Shaun Brisley.
A statement on the Macclesfield Town website says: “Mick was a man who was loved and respected by us all and someone whose infectious personality rubbed off on everyone who was privileged enough to meet him.
“Mick played a pivotal role in setting up our Centre of Excellence back in the late 1990s and it was his enthusiasm for the game which helped so many youngsters gain a solid foundation at Macclesfield Town.
“A keen angler, Mick gallantly fought a short battle against cancer with the same smile on his face that will forever remain in our hearts.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Mick’s family and friends at this devastating time.”
Mick also worked for the Cheshire FA, at Blackburn Rovers and Barrow.