Rooney coronation overshadowed by ex-boss' presence

New manager takes charge of first game as club appeal to fans over unsavoury Savage chants

- NOAH WAKEFIELD

JOHN Rooney took charge of his first game as Macclesfield manager at the weekend - though the presence of his predecessor in the stands appeared to sway attention.

Rooney completed two seasons as a player for the Silks before stepping up to the role of first-team manager following the recent departure of Robbie Savage to Forest Green Rovers.

Savage was in attendance during Macc's first preseason friendly and received a mixed reception upon his return to the club, with a handful of supporters in the Star Lane End directing unsavoury chants towards him as he watched the game from the Main Stand, which had been shut off to fans.

After hearing some of the explicit and rather unambiguous chants, club secretary Patrick Birch took to social media to offer an important reminder of how instrumental Savage has been in bringing Macclesfield FC to the National League North.

He wrote: "As Club Secretary, I have worked close with Robbie Savage over the last 4-5 years witnessing first hand Sav's involvement in every aspect of the club.

"Sav cared. Sav had great knowledge. Sav brought the club profile helping increase the fan base and attract new sponsors.