By tf-lawyer.com Robbie Savage, head coach and shareholder of Macclesfield FC, kicks off his matchday routine at Moss Rose long before the official duties begin. By 1 PM, he’s already clocked nearly four hours on site, engaging with one of the club’s academy teams, which has around 600 players.
As kickoff time nears, Savage transitions into full managerial mode, starting with a difficult conversation. He invites center-back Lewis Fensome into a small office tucked away behind the polished dressing room. The cozy space features a desk, a couple of armchairs, and walls adorned with a month’s planner mapping out the busy Northern Premier League schedule, alongside a results grid reflecting his current record of 12 wins and 2 draws. Personal plaques celebrating his journey from Manchester United to Macclesfield—gifts from his wife, Sarah—add a sentimental touch to the setting.
With unprecedented access behind the scenes, we witness the moment Fensome receives the disappointing news that he won’t be in the starting lineup. Assistant coach John McMahon, with his experience at Tranmere and Morecambe, stands by to ensure the communication is transparent. “Always do it with two people,” McMahon advises. “That way, there’s no dispute over what’s said.”
Savage delivers the news thoughtfully, reassuring Fensome that the decision is based on tactics. “You’ve been brilliant,” he assures the player. “You’re one of my first-choice center-backs, but I believe we’ll have all the possession today, so I’m going with another ball player. If I’m wrong, I’ll own it later. You’ll definitely be in next Friday.”
Once Fensome leaves, Savage reflects on how the defender earned his spot after strong performances in under-21 matches. He also encourages players to take advantage of weekend sessions to gain playing time, adding, “It’s their choice…but I finish with, ‘But I know what the right option is,’” he says with a smile, noting the influence of Mark Hughes during his time with Wales.
As the clock ticks closer to 1:30, Savage’s impatience grows; a meeting to announce the lineup should have started by now, but two players are late. “I was never late once in my career,” he snaps, showing that the pressure of the FA Cup match against Witton Albion is weighing on him.
“When you react based on emotion, who is it really for?” he muses. “John has taught me that you’re really just doing it for yourself. Positive emotions are great; they generate energy and personality, which is my strongest trait as a manager, but also the hardest to manage.”
Eventually, the team news is announced. Ged Coyne, the kit director Savage enlisted after a casual dinner, assigns shirt numbers—a weekly tradition. During the warm-up, Savage steps back, allowing McMahon and club legend Peter Band to guide the players.
Twenty minutes before kickoff, he addresses the crowd in the sponsors’ lounge. “You all play a massive part,” he acknowledges, recognizing a supporter who is helping a player with his boots for the season. He underscores the importance of teamwork, stating, “It’s not just me or the lads in the dressing room; it’s all of us together,” before adding humorously, “My wife’s here for the first time, so it must be a big game!”
As kickoff approaches, Savage paces the dressing room, alternating between sitting and standing. A brief smile flickers across his face, but it’s quickly replaced by a sigh—his nerves are apparent. He genuinely cares for his players, the club, and the community that supports them.
With just a minute to go, he yells above the music, momentarily silencing the chatter, though the tension feels stretched. Public speaking isn’t his forte; he admits, “I’m okay with just Chris [Sutton] and the microphone or commentating. But speaking in front of a group is tough. I dreaded school assemblies. My mom had to write notes for me! It’s not really my personality; I’m more insecure than people think. But the more you do it, the better you get.”
When the match kicks off, it doesn’t take long for opposing fans to hurl insults his way. “It doesn’t bother me now,” he shares, although he recalls how deeply it affected him in the early days. Home games offer a bit of solace, but away matches require extra precautions, with staff wearing body cameras to document the encounters, which can range from light-hearted banter to crossing the line.
On the touchline, Savage radiates energy, weaving between his designated spot and the bench as the match progresses. At halftime, with Macclesfield leading 2-0, he provides calm encouragement while highlighting areas for improvement. Though he doesn’t curse often, when he does, it resonates deeply with the players. As he wraps up the halftime talk, his commanding reminder, “Make sure you’re in the fucking hat for the next round,” comes with a warning that their opponents will come out strong for the second half.
His words carry weight. Even after Witton narrows the margin, Macclesfield storms to a 6-1 victory, prompting Savage to celebrate with his younger son Freddie, a substitute on the bench, offering both guidance and a warm hug. His pride is palpable, and he extends the same attention towards fellow youth player Henry McNulty.
Advancing in the FA Cup is a significant achievement, especially since the Macclesfield Town phoenix club has never reached the first round before, but Savage remains focused on securing a spot in the National League for next season. With his former role as director of football now transitioned, he knows he’s ultimately responsible for the team. “I’ll make the decisions,” he states firmly. “I’ve always been honest with myself.”
Following the post-match press conference, Savage takes an hour to recharge before facing the reality of his hectic schedule. He frequently finds himself in a BBC studio co-hosting 606, sometimes transforming the Macclesfield boardroom into a makeshift studio. By the time he finally heads home, it’s been a grueling 12-hour day.
With a busy week ahead of commentating and coaching, Savage gears up for his next challenge. He’ll miss Tuesday’s training, leaving McMahon and Band to take charge in his absence. “The lads have started calling me ‘one session Sav’ anyway!” he quips, displaying a mix of humor and humility amidst the demanding nature of his role.
As he approaches his 50th birthday in a couple of weeks, one might wonder why he takes on so much extra responsibility. After considering an enticing offer from another club last summer, he sensed a pivotal moment—choosing accountability and drawing from his past experiences in punditry before stepping firmly into management: “If it’s not with Macclesfield, I genuinely believe I’ll be managing in the Football League soon.”
Spending a day with Savage reveals not only the fun side of his personality but also the depth behind his character—showing that there’s often much more than meets the eye.
