Robbie Savage takes first managerial job at non-league club he part-owns... and brings in former Liverpool star as his assistant

Robbie Savage has landed his first managerial role at the non-league club he part-owns.

His appointment was confirmed on Monday evening, with the footballer-turned-TV pundit set to try his luck in the dugout.

A club statement revealed Savage had turned down alternative roles to remain at the club, and was now set to step up from his position as director of football to move to the touchline.

'Macclesfield FC can confirm that Robbie Savage has been appointed First Team Head Coach with immediate effect,' the statement read.

'As a result of achieving two promotions as well as reaching a play-off final and Isuzu FA Trophy semi-final within the Club’s first three years, it came as no surprise when Robbie was offered a senior role elsewhere recently.

Robbie Savage has been appointed the new manager of Macclesfield - the club he part-owns

'Robbie subsequently agonised over this on numerous levels as it would have meant him relinquishing his role at Macclesfield FC – in addition to his shareholding.

'This was something which the Board was not prepared to let happen and it was unanimously decided that Robbie should be given the chance to prove himself here at Macclesfield FC as he launches his coaching career with us.'

It has also been confirmed that Savage has started putting his coaching staff together which will include former Liverpool star Emile Heskey.

Savage and Heskey played together at Leicester and Birmingham City, and will now be reunited at Macclesfield.

'To support him, Robbie has brought Peter Band back to the Club as Assistant Manager.

'Peter boasts over 1000 games worth of experience at these levels and this will be invaluable to us going forward.

'In addition, Emile Heskey has been given a position-specific role as and when required.

'A First Team Coach will be appointed in due course.'

Savage replaces Michael Clegg, who left Macclesfield on Monday by mutual consent after just four months in charge.

Macclesfield currently play in the Northern Premier League, which along with the Isthmian League and the Southern League makes up the seventh and eighth tiers of English football.

The club was formerly known as Macclesfield Town, and was managed by ex-Arsenal and England defender Sol Campbell between November 2018 and August 2019.

However, the club dissolved in 2020 due to financial difficulties.

Macclesfield were founded later that year, and Savage joined the board in 2021. The club has changed managers regularly over the past four years, with Savage becoming their eighth appointment during this period.