McMahon battling through adversity
MACCLESFIELD Town head coach Daryl McMahon has lifted the lid on the difficulties that have been surrounding the club in recent times.
The Silkmen’s financial issues have been well documented, with players continuing to threaten strike action after not receiving wages on time.
They boycotted the FA Cup clash with Kingstonian, but did play in the league game at home to Mansfield on Saturday, with the game finishing 0-0.
McMahon has reflected on that match, and also shared his feelings on what the players have had to go through.
“The performance from the group against Mansfield was outstanding. I’m proud of them. It’s not been ideal in terms of preparation. It’s been documented we didn’t train on Friday,” he said.
“The game was in doubt, but we’re glad the game has gone ahead. It’s important that as a group we can control what happens on the pitch in terms of myself and the players.
“That we go out there and represent the club in the right way and the right fashion - and for ourselves - that people can see how hard we’re willing to work for the club and show our character as well.
“It was tight, Mansfield are a very good side with a lot of talent at their disposal, the two strikers they brought on would probably get into any team in the division. But we defended really well as a group, the back three were outstanding.
“Going through the circumstances we are at the minute I think you’ve seen this young team grow up, you’ve seen them behave as men today, they’ve been excellent.
“It’s my job to motivate them in any circumstances. You have good times and bad times, on and off the pitch. The offpitch stuff is beyond my control, all I can focus on is that changing room, I ask them to be honest and work hard and they did that.”
The club’s well-documented off the field problems led to the EFL recently charging the club with misconduct.
In a statement, the EFL said: “Macclesfield Town has been charged with misconduct under EFL Regulation 63.7 for nonpayment of wages and referred to a Disciplinary Commission for failing to pay its players on the applicable payment due dates.
“The EFL recognises the impact the non-payment of wages has on the health and wellbeing of those involved and has been engaged in discussions with Macclesfield Town and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to try and find an appropriate solution. The club was given until 4pm yesterday (Wednesday) to provide a response to the
EFL’s request for information in this respect. As a result of the information provided, the EFL has notified the Club of multiple charges related to failing to adhere to the terms of the contracts that are in operation.
“The Disciplinary Commission has the power to impose a full range of sanctions as set out in Regulation 92 if the Club is found to be in breach.
“As a result of the club fulfilling its obligations in respect of playing last Tuesday’s Leasing.com Trophy fixture, the EFL has released an immediate payment of £30,000 secured through participation in this season’s competition to assist in the payment of wages to players and staff.”
Macclesfield will hope to put their off the field problems behind them and return to winning ways on Saturday when they make the trip to Peninsula Stadium to take on Salford City.
The Silkmen’s failure to win any of their last three matches means they are in 15th place in the table ahead of the match, having won five, drawn six and lost six of their 17 games so far this season.
Salford are three points and three places above them in the table, but head into the match on the back of a league defeat, losing 3-2 at home to Swindon Town.
They were also set to play as the Express went to print on Tuesday, making the trip to Burton Albion for an FA Cup first round replay.