ROOKIE boss Alex Bruce is out to dispel any fears Macclesfield fans may have over his managerial inexperience after becoming the surprise choice to take over the hotseat at Moss Rose.
The former Birmingham City, Ipswich and Hull City defender has been given the task of rescuing the stuttering Silkmen and reignite their promotion charge from NPL Premier.
And the 39-year-old doesn’t have to look far for any guidance should he need it – his father Steve is one of the most decorated managers in the English game having taken charge of over 1,000 games for the likes of Newcastle United, Sunderland, Hull and Aston Villa.
Bruce has brought with him an impressive entourage, including former Premier League full-back Phil Bardsley as his assistant manager, former Manchester United academy manager of 23 years, Paul McGuinness, as head coach, and Dan Ternent, son of former Burnley manager Stan, who helped bring in the likes of Harry Maguire, Andy Robertson, and Jarrod Bowen to Hull City, as head of recruitment.
Rookie boss Bruce believes he has the perfect network in place to hit the ground running and continue the club’s climb back up the pyramid.
“I’m delighted with the opportunity,” Bruce told Silkmen TV. “[Owner] Rob Smethurst and [director of football] Robbie Savage have given us a great platform to build on. I know a little bit about the place having been here previously and it’s a really good club.
Ringside seat
“It’s my first job and there might be that question mark on my inexperience, but I’ve been around football for a long time. I’ve also had a ringside seat when it comes to management so I know what it’s all about.
“I know you live and die by your results, it’s like any job, so I intend to hit the ground running and hope this will be the start of a journey which everyone can be excited about and we can really put in a challenge this season.
“Everything is in place. We’ve got a good squad and I’m delighted with the staff I’m bringing in. I think it will be a good foundation for the club to work from and hopefully the players will enjoy it too.
“I want to bring in an attacking style and something that’s going to excite the supporters. There was a lot of positives from the game on Saturday and I want to build on the momentum of that.”
Silkmen chief Savage was delighted with the appointment, adding: “Looking at Alex, Paul, and Phil, and with my upbringing, the key values of coming through the system at Manchester United is a fundamental part of why we made these appointments.
“To have the amount of knowledge that Alex, Paul, Phil, and Dan boast, it is a major incentive for any young footballer looking to develop and we are delighted that they are on board.”
