Whitaker axed as McNabb named new boss
‘We believe that it is the right time to make a change and this is in the best interests of the football club despite how painful it is’
MACCLESFIELD FC have parted company with manager Danny Whitaker.
The club released a statement following Saturday’s FA Trophy 2-0 home to defeat to Guiseley.
Despite currently occupying top spot in the Pitching In Northern Premier League West, the decision to relieve Whitaker of his duties was made after a run of ‘unacceptable’ results.
Such a turn of events will no doubt come as a shock to many but the club were keen to place on records their thanks to Whitaker.
The statement read: “Following a disappointing set of results that have seen The Silkmen defeated in three of the last five home games, Manager Danny Whitaker has been relieved of his First Team duties.
“This is a statement that nobody ever wanted to write, yet our current run of form – which has included elimination from the Emirates FA Cup, Isuzu FA Trophy, and two home league defeats from three games has proved to be unacceptable.
“The squad we have assembled should unquestionably be performing better than they currently are – particularly at the Leasing.com Stadium where recent showings have been nowhere near the standard we expect.
“We believe that it is the right time to make a change and that this is in the best interests of the Football Club – despite how painful it is.
“Danny will forever remain a Club Legend and will continue to play a critical part within our Academy structure going forward”.
The decision to dismiss Whitaker has evoked a strong response from fans on social media, with many expressing disappointment and anger.
One fan said: “Manchester City under Pep Guardiola: 72.4% win percentage
“Macclesfield under Danny Whitaker: 70.6% win percentage”.
Whilst another commented: “Top of the table, end of October, ⅔ of the season to go. Why? If we were in January and languishing in the bottom ⅓ of the table, maybe I’d understand, but...
“Sorry, but this is a poor decision. Very harsh and very premature”.
But not all fans were outraged by the board’s decision, with one fan saying: “I think it was inevitable eventually unfortunately, love Danny (he played for us and was caretaker manager in our lg 2 days) but he clearly isn’t experienced enough as a manager to take us back to the league”.
Another club supporter also took the view that a change of manager might be in the club’s best interests, stating: “If he’s not delivering the goods, the owner wants to move the club forward as fast as they can.
“I think they have done the right decision. And now the players might pull their finger out”.
Macc were back in action last night when they welcomed second-placed Workington for a crunch clash at the top of the league.
On Monday, the club announced David McNabb as First Team Manager and Tim Lees as his assistant.
Holding a UEFA B license, former Warrington Rylands boss McNabb started his coaching career at Manchester United where he gained valuable experience within the younger age groups before being named as the Under-18s Manager at St Helen’s Town back in 2015.
Building a team effectively from scratch, Rylands enjoyed league and cup success during his spell in charge, climbing from the North West Counties to the Northern Premier League.