From Club Rebirth to Promotion Glory
Robbie Savage’s first managerial role at Macclesfield was nothing short of remarkable. Tasked with leading the Silkmen to promotion, the former Wales midfielder guided the club to the National League North with six games to spare, achieving a historic 100-point season in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
After four transformative years alongside club owner and best friend Robert Smethurst, Savage left Macclesfield just weeks before the 2025-26 season, accepting the head coach role at Forest Green Rovers. This marked the end of a journey that began in 2021 when the club was reborn from the ashes of Macclesfield Town.
“When we lost the play-off final in 2024, I knew I had to step up as manager,” Savage reflected. “I never wanted to be a manager until that moment. That season, I couldn’t afford to fail.”
Macclesfield, starting with no squad and a rundown stadium, climbed from the ninth tier of English football to consistent promotion contenders under Savage and Smethurst. The documentary Robbie Savage: Managing Macclesfield follows the highs and lows of that remarkable promotion-winning campaign, highlighting both the players’ trust in Savage and his transformational impact off the pitch.
Leaving a Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Savage’s decision to move on was not easy. Along with him, assistant John McMahon and key players like Tre Pemberton and club captain Laurent Mendy joined him at Forest Green. “I’ve always been transparent with Rob,” Savage said. “He gave me his blessing to take the next step, and that meant everything.”
For Smethurst, Savage’s departure was deeply felt. “It’s like losing my left arm,” he admitted. “We had just won the league. People believed he would be with us forever. The speed of his exit was hard for everyone.”
Despite leaving, Savage maintains that Macclesfield will always be part of him. “I feared failure for the first time in my life. The stress was immense, but I couldn’t let it take over my life. Here, I can focus on being a football manager.”
Beyond football, the duo’s efforts revitalized the local community, building an academy with 38 teams, international programs, tournaments, and facilities that gave the town a renewed sense of purpose. Smethurst, who battled addiction before buying the club, credited their work with saving his life. “The football club gave me direction, purpose, and hope,” he said.
Savage echoed that sentiment: “What we’ve built together has saved me mentally after football and I truly believe it’s saved Rob’s life too. That bond goes beyond football—it’s unbreakable.”
Also Read: Hearts’ Dream Run Faces Reality Check as Celtic Loom
