Football Season Review

Sol Campbell was Macclesfield Town’s saviour as he pulled off a remarkable escape from relegation in his first managerial role. The Silkmen’s joy at lifting the National League title was soon over following John Askey’s departure and their return to the Football League looked like being a brief one following a desperate start to the new season under manager Mark Yates. He failed to win a single league game before being sacked in October. Danny Whitaker won two of his games as caretaker boss before Campbell was appointed in a blaze of publicity. He won his first game in charge away at Exeter City but found life tough at the bottom of League Two. He made several changes to his squad in January but relied on a strong spine which included loan goalkeeper and player of the season Kieran O’Hara, defender Fiacre Kelleher, midfielder Michael Rose and striker Harry Smith. Striker Scott Wilson made an impressive start and finished as leading scorer with 12 goals but failed to kick on the second half of the season. The return of creative midfielder Elliott Durrell from injury proved crucial and it was his goal on the final day of the season which ensured the Silkmen would complete the great escape. Campbell’s job was made even harder with players and staff receiving their wages late on more than one month and he will need assurances if he is to continue in the role next season.

Player of the Season: Kieran O'Hara