‘I hope we’ll be writing amazing headlines at the end of the season’ – Keith Lowe

(Photo: Mark Fletcher / Shutter Press)
By Steven Dale
HE MAY have made all the headlines for his last-minute winner against Hartlepool earlier this month, but one day Keith Lowe is hoping to be the man writing them off the field.
The former York City and Cheltenham man has been virtually an ever present in John Askey’s high-flying side this season. His centre back partnership with George Pilkington has quickly become one of the league’s most consistent.
However, off the field, the 32-year-old is keeping his options open, and is currently studying for a professional sports writing and broadcasting degree at Staffordshire University.
Many high-profile players, including former Scotland international Chris Iwelumo, have benefited from the same course in the past and Lowe is lucky enough to share his university experience with his teammate, and goalkeeper, Shwan Jalal.
But whilst making plans for beyond football are fully underway, Lowe is keeping his concentration on an important second half of the season for Macclesfield.
“I think we all have to, eventually, get to a stage where we have to consider career paths after football,” he said. “I’m hoping this degree will give me an opportunity to unlock a few avenues.
“Having Shwan (Jalal) on the course, with me, is very helpful, even if it’s just to remind me when there’s a deadline coming up!
“It isn’t an immediate beginning when I finish playing, but it can give me a few doors to open and plan instead of being left with nothing later. I have considered teaching as another option, but hopefully there’s a lot more football left to be played before I have to explore that opportunity just yet.
“Maybe and, hopefully, I’ll be the man writing the headlines one day, but for now I’m hoping we’ll all be able to make an amazing headline at Macclesfield at the end of the season.”
Lowe joined The Silkmen last summer, becoming one of 14 new signings made by his manager. His early season form has swiftly seen him capture the hearts of the Moss Rose faithful.
Several instrumental displays, and his visible leadership qualities, have been a big factor in the number of clean sheets the club have kept this campaign.
However, whilst admitting his joy at the club’s league position, the big defender is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
“The whole thing is down to hard work. Everybody at the club has pushed themselves to the limit to be here. The effort of the staff has been matched by the support of the fans and that’s a big part of us sitting top of the league.
“It really has been a great effort from everyone, but there’s a lot of football still to be played. We need to ensure we keep focused and push to the very last game of the season.
“We have some great characters in the dressing room which is always a big positive. I think the fact that we’re a close-knit group is obvious on a matchday because the lads always want to give 100 per cent for each other.
“It’s just about maintaining concentration now and seeing where we end up in May.”