Robbie Savage arrives at Moss Rose about four hours before his actual matchday duties begin. The manager of Macclesfield FC is constantly present at the venue and watches one of the 600-player academy teams in the morning.
Savage screws on his managerial head as 1pm draws near. Worst things happen first. Lewis Fensome, the center back, receives an invitation to a modest but elegant office located behind a dressing room. There is hardly enough room for a desk and two armchairs in this small area.
A monthly planner detailing the demanding schedule of the Northern Premier League, Savage’s results grid that he filled in as he went along (12 green wins, 2 blue draws so far), and a series of plaques detailing his journey from Manchester United to Macclesfield are all displayed on the walls. They had talent.
With access to matchday proceedings behind closed doors, The Guardian observes Fensome being told he won’t start. John McMahon, a former employee of Tranmere and Morecambe who served as Savage’s assistant, is also in attendance. McMahon advises, “Always do it with two people.” “So, there is no way to argue with what was said.”
Savage softly and reassuringly breaks the unpleasant news—the call is entirely tactical. “You’ve done an amazing job,” Savage remarks. Although you’re one of my top choices for a center defender, I’m starting a different ball player because I believe we’ll have the majority of the possession today. If I’m not correct, I’ll admit it later. Without a doubt, you’ll be playing on Friday.
After Fensome leaves, Savage describes how the defender used strong under-21 performances to push his way into the starting lineup. On Sundays, the opportunity to obtain minutes is always extended to those who require them. “It’s their decision… But I always end by saying, ‘But I know what the proper answer is,'” grins Savage. “Mark Hughes taught me that trick at Wales!”
Savage’s ticking down a bit at 1.35 pm. Two players are late for a meeting to announce the lineup, which was scheduled to begin at precisely 1:30 p.m. He snaps, “I never was late once in my career.” Savage’s internal conflict is evident: he should be concentrating on the FA Cup match against Witton Albion this afternoon, but his obvious
“For whom are you acting when you react based on emotion?” Says Savage. I’ve learned from John that you only have yourself to benefit from. Positive emotions are fantastic because they give people individuality and energy. Although it’s arguably my best quality as a manager, it’s also my worst. It’s the one behavior I had to give up.
