New gaffer’s out to make Mark at Macc
MACCLESFIELD Town have appointed their fourth manager of the season - Mark Kennedy, once the most expensive teenager in British football.
Kennedy has taken over at the Moss Rose with former Crystal Palace defender Danny Butterfield and Silkmen legend Danny Whitaker as assistants.
The 43-year-old, who earned more than 30 caps for Ireland, played for Manchester City, Wolves and Liverpool, who signed him for a then teenage record fee.
After hanging up his boots he has been an academy coach at Manchester City and managed the Wolves under 23 squad.
Kennedy was also briefly assistant to Sol Campbell at the Moss Rose last season and has returned on a deal that initially runs until the end of the season. He follows Sol Campbell, Daryl McMahon and caretaker Whitaker, who have all had stints as boss this season.
And upon his arrival the new boss gave a rallying call to fans, saying: “I know it’s been a frustrating time, I get that, it’s pretty obvious what they have been through from the outside, but they are clearly a very vocal group.
“When you come to games the atmosphere is outstanding, they turn up in numbers and follow us home and away and we hope they will continue to give us the support we need and ultimately we are all in it together and we are here to progress the club and make them happy.
“What we want to do is for fans to be going home every week with points on the board and a smile on their face from us doing it the right way.
“We look forward to hopefully giving them that, and we look forward to working together as a team.”
Supporters had been keen on the idea of caretaker Whitaker, 39, getting the job full time, following another temporary spell in charge that went well.
And while the fans’ favourite is disappointed not have been given the post he says he will be able to put that aside.
He said: “I’m not going to lie – I do think I am ready and would be able to give it a great shot given the opportunity.
“But obviously I’ve got to respect the decision from the owner on what he wants to do and who he sees as the new head coach.
“I’ve just got to get on with it really which I am going to do and look forward to working with Mark and Danny in the process. I know Mark quite well. I loved his ideas, his thought process and the way he goes about his business on the training field. He’s absolutely brilliant and his knowledge is second-to-none.”
The new boss got off to a losing start, going down 2-1 at promotion hopefuls
Colchester on Saturday, and is under no illusions as to what the job ahead involves.
He said: “If and when we stay in the league, that will be a successful year to us.
“Ultimately staying up will be the goal and in the short term that is absolutely a must.
“We are a little light on numbers at the moment and every club will have an injury here and there, so we have to strengthen and improve that.
“But in terms of where the team is at and what I believe I can do going forward, I believe we are in a strong position.”
‘It’s pretty obvious what the supporters have been through ‘