IT’S MYSTIC CLEGG AS MARINERS LIE IN WAIT
MICHAEL Clegg’s premonition has come true as his Macclesfield side prepare to host Marine in tomorrow’s NPL Premier play-off final.
When Clegg was appointed the Silkmen’s manager in early March, Marine were his first opponents.
“I said to my staff I had a feeling this could be the play-off final, and I have been proved right,” he explained.
Macclesfield finished runners-up to runaway league winners Radcliffe and then overcame Worksop Town 3-1 in Tuesday’s play-off semi-final – ironically the Tigers had earlier secured a league double over the Silkmen.
Clegg believes he was vindicated by making wholesale changes for the final league games, losses to Bamber Bridge and Whitby Town.
“We played a lot of 16 and 17-year-olds to give our lads a good rest, and I thought we were fresh against Worksop,” he continued.
Clegg could easily have been facing Warrington Rylands, the team he left to manage Macclesfield, had they not lost 1-0 to Marine in the other semi-final, pointing out there were contrasting emotions.
He said: “It would have been hard for me to face Rylands, I make no secret of that as I left with a heavy heart.
“They are a fantastic club and I have a lot of friends there. I wanted them to get to the final for a number of reasons, but I am glad I am not facing them for the emotional side.”
Clegg also revealed he is a good friend of Marine boss Neil Young, somebody he hugely admires and respects.
“We know what each other is about, and I know the quality Marine have. They will be buzzing and there will be no pressure coming here as a lot of people have been talking about us,” he continued.
“We have a massive job to do on Monday and we will give Marine utmost respect which they deserve.
“Play-off finals bring so many emotions, and it will be who handles it best on the day, but we are in good form.”
Though Clegg is only 40 years of age, tomorrow will be his 507th match as a manager – a career taking in the likes of Atherton LR, Atherton Collieries, Ashton United and Warrington Rylands, but he has never managed as high as National League North.
Macclesfield currently train two mornings each week and Clegg said: “The club is really ambitious and I am ambitious and want to manage as high as possible.
“It has been a long journey with ups and downs, but it has all been good experience. If it does not kill you as a manager, it makes you stronger.”