On Saturday 15th July, Derby County will make the short journey to Moss Rose to face Macclesfield Town in their second pre-season fixture ahead of the 2017/18 season.
Gary Rowett’s men ran out 4-0 winners in their opening pre-season fixture against Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday, but will now step that with a clash against the Vanarama National League.
Ahead of the Rams’ latest outing, dcfc.co.uk has taken a look at all you need to know about the Silkmen…
A Moment In History…
You only have to mention the name Sammy McIlroy and Macclesfield Town supporters will instantly recall the ‘90s.
Many football fans will remember his World Cup exploits with Northern Ireland or the fact that he was Sir Matt Busby’s last ever signing as Manchester United manager, but at Moss Rose, he is held in the highest esteem.
His appointment as manager in 1993 – replacing Peter Wragg – kick started the most glorious spell in the Silkmen’s history.
Silverware was a regular theme. The Bob Lord Trophy was first, the Conference title a year later – although the club was forced to wait for that elusive promotion to the Football League due to ground regulations.
They did not have to wait long.
The FA Trophy was next after the Silkmen defeated Northwich Victoria 3-1 at the Wembley Stadium finale – all before in 1997, the club, finally, achieved promotion to the Football League for the first time in 120 years.
What Happened Last Season…
A return to the EFL continues to elude Macclesfield Town.
Last term was their fifth in the Vanarama National League since falling out of the Football League pyramid in 2012 and in that time, they have not been able to secure a top-five spot.
Within that timeframe, though, the 2016/17 campaign has represented their second-best finish.
Macclesfield ended the campaign with a ninth-place spot, but were 14 points off Aldershot in the final play-off position.
The Silkmen also reached the final of the Buildbase FA Trophy, but were beaten 3-2 by York City at Wembley – despite leading the contest twice.
The Stadium…
Macclesfield Town play at Moss Rose and until 2012, when the club was last in the EFL, it was second oldest ground in the Football League.
With a capacity of just over 6,000, the stadium was built in 1891 and has been the Silkmen’s home ever since.
Who’s The Boss…
Every club has a list of iconic figures and in terms of Macclesfield Town, their current manager John Askey is certainly that man.
Described as a cult hero, he spent 19 years as a player at Moss Rose and scored over 150 goals in the process.
During his period, the club spent six seasons in the Football League and won the Northern Premier League title in 1986/87, the Conference title in 1994/95 and 1996/97, and promotion out of the Third Division in 1997/98. Town also won the Northern Premier League Challenge Cup, Northern Premier League President's Cup, and Conference League Cup.
Askey took up the manager’s position after retiring in 2003, but left in April 2004.
Fast forward nine years and he’s back in the hot-seat. As well as a hard-earned 15th place finish, Askey guided the club to the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup and backed that up a year later by finishing on the cusp of the play-offs.
Last year, the 52-year-old secured the Silkmen a ninth-place finish and a place in the final of the FA Trophy – although they were beaten by York City at Wembley Stadium.
Who To Look Out For…
Any player that is named the club’s Player of the Year for three successive seasons is without a doubt worth a mention.
A personification of consistency, George Pilkington is that player.
A solid centre back, the former Everton youngster has been the Silkmen’s standout figure over the last three years and recently signed a new contract as Askey’s men attempt to push for promotion once again.
He may be 35-years-old, but he has been a near ever-present during that time and is set to be a key figure for Macclesfield once more this season.
Did You Know…
Macclesfield Town are called the Silkmen because the area used to be famous for its silk mills. They owe their blue shirts to an early benefactor who donated the team genuine silk shirts from the leftovers of an unsold lot of textile.
