Finding fitness the ultimate goal for Whitaker

DANNY Whitaker insists it’s fitness that counts – not goals –when it comes to pre-season training.

The Silkmen have had two friendlies so far, including a 3-1 victory over Leek Town on Saturday, with Whitaker scoring one of the visitors’ goals.

That match came after Macc kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 defeat away at Buxton, but Whitaker insists that fitness is the most important aspect of their work right now.

“It’s pre-season at the end of the day so it’s all about fitness and just getting match sharp again,” he said.

“You don’t want to lose games but sometimes you do, it’s just about getting through them without getting injured.

“Some trialists have looked okay as well, but it’s difficult in training to decide, so we need to see more of them in game situations – where you can judge them a little bit better.”

Whitaker also recently signed a new one-year deal with Macc, and he is glad to be staying at the Moss Rose for another season.

“I’m delighted to get it sorted, I had been training with the lads for a few days and we were just trying get things over the line and we did in the end so I’m delighted,” he said. “I spoke to the gaffer a few times over the summer, obviously I’ve been away for a few weeks and everyone else has so it just took its time.”

This will be Whitaker’s eighth season with Macclesfield.