Macclesfield Town
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The Countdown to Macclesfield
Wednesday
The Moss Rose club were deducted six points in December after pleading guilty to charges over non-payment of wages and failing to fulfil their fixture with Crewe and have another four points suspended which could be applied for failing to fulfil the game against Argyle in December after being served a 'zero-capacity notice' on their ground.
A winding-up petition for Macclesfield in January was adjourned until 25 March after a plea to settle debts and sell shares was accepted.
Macclesfield players and staff have not been paid their February salaries .... BBC
For the away game on 18 February Macclesfield fan and Chairman of the Silkmen Supporters Trust Andy Worth kindly agreed to give Pasoti users an insight into his club with a Q&A ......
Q: On the pitch what are your thoughts on Macclesfield's season so far?
A:The players continue to be a credit to the club although we have lost several very influential players in the form of Emmanuel Osadebe, Jay Harris and on loan âkeeper Owen Evans, with Harris and Evans both a big miss. We have brought in âkeeper Jonathan Mitchell on loan from Derby, popular former midfielder Danny Whitehead has returned on loan from Salford and we have picked up several youngsters on loan and on short term contracts from the likes of Spurs, Wolves & Southampton. The players are an absolute credit to our beloved club and receive unequivocal support from the Silkmen faithful.
Q: What are your views on new manager Mark Kennedy?
A:Mark Kennedy has not had a particularly auspicious start with only one win in eight (and five defeats) and there are concerns from a vocal section of Silkmen supporters that we have adopted a hoof ball approach which has not gone down at all well. It is of course early days, and we can only hope that things will settle down and we can get a few results and the performances and improved style of football will then come.
Q: Can you give us a brief summary of the financial crisis under owner Amar Alkadhi and the attempted purchase of the club by businessman Joe Sealey?
A: Amar Alkadhi has been the custodian of the club for many years, and after an initial period where he was quite benevolent, this has waned markedly in recent years. The club is seen by many as ârudderlessâ by the huge majority of the Silkmen faithful; we are consistently playing and non playing staff being paid late, and this had led to strike action (which received unanimous support from the terraces) that led to many youth team players playing in the first round of the FA Cup and cancellation of the game against Cheshire rivals Crewe Alexandra.
The deeply unpopular majority shareholder Amar AlKadhi remains at the helm and we are advised that negotiations between Mr. AlKhadi and local businessman Joe Sealey are continuing in a slow and steady manner. The impact of AlKhadiâs continued tenure at the helm of the club continues to have an impact upon the fanbase with many refusing to attend the Moss Rose until AlKhadi has gone from our beloved club. The most recent High Court hearing in London has been adjourned once more until March 2020 with AlKhadhi having told the court he had agreed a deal to sell the club. However, many Silkmen remain sceptical of AlKadhiâs motives believing he is simply playing the system, and fear he will eventually run the club into the ground.
Q: What are your expectations and predicted finishing position in League Two for Macclesfield this season?
A: Anywhere but bottom that will secure our tenure in the EFL for yet another season. This sounds slightly pessimistic, but I believe it is entirely realistic bearing in mind the off field issues and the likely points deduction to come our way. If we were in a healthier position off the field I would have said anywhere between 12th and 14th!
Q: Looking from afar what are your views on Plymouth Argyle?
A: IMHO the Pilgrims are a club much like Bradford City in that you are far lower in the football pyramid than you should be. You have few of the football giants around you, and should be a lower half Championship club. The very minimum expectation for you this season should be that of a play off berth.
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Experienced referee Chris Sarginson is the man in the middle, so far this season he has issued 73 yellow cards and one red in 27 games. He was last in charge of an Argyle game in February last season when Rochdale were beaten 5-1 at Home Park. He will be assisted on Saturday by David Plowright and Chris Wade while the fourth official is Simon Shaw.
The Professional Footballers Association are in contact with Macclesfield regarding the non-payment of wages for February ... BBC
2,020 tickets for the game will be given away to players in the Devon Junior League .....club website
Thursday
Sky Bet have placed Argyle as clear favourites to win the game at 8/15, a Macclesfield win has odds of 5/1 and the draw is on offer at 29/10.
Macclesfield have played at Home Park four times; losing three games and winning one.
From Ryan Lowe's pre-match press conference ...
Midfielder George Cooper talks about the game ...
Away day guide for Macclesfield fans ... Macc club website
The history of Macclesfield at Home Park ... Macc club website
Friday
Pre-match video interview with Macclesfield Head Coach Mark Kennedy ..... Macc club website
Argyle preview video ... You Tube
Match Sponsors
Match Mascots
Midfielder George Cooper looks ahead to the game ...
The club have announced players will not pose for selfies or sign autographs for fans at tomorrow's game. It's an extra precaution to combat the coronavirus .... club statement
Saturday
The half-time guest is Colin Sullivan ... club website
Match preview .... Macc club website
Match Programme
Ryan Lowe looks ahead to the game ... club website
Macclesfield Head Coach Mark Kennedy spoke about the game ...