Neil Danns named interim boss at Macclesfield

Former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Neil Danns has been named interim head coach at Macclesfield FC.

Danns takes up the position following the departure of David McNabb, who stepped down after less than two months in the hot seat.

He will be assisted by Mark Duffy, with Sammy McIlroy and Peter Band also making up the coaching team.

A club statement read: “Universally respected throughout the club, fans favourites Neil and Mark were the standout candidates to take immediate charge of our first team and were approached by the football club following the departure of David McNabb and Tim Lees last Saturday.

“We were delighted when both Neil and Mark accepted these roles on an initial interim basis – allowing the club to conduct a meticulous and thorough search for a longer-term solution.”

He also had spells with Crystal Palace, Birmingham and Huddersfield among others and has been a regular starter for Macclesfield this season.

The 40-year-old has also worked as a coach in Liverpool’s Academy, which he was once part of as a young player.

Macclesfield are currently top of the Northern Premier League Division One West – the eighth tier of the English football pyramid.

The Silkmen won the North West Counties Premier Division last term in their inaugural season after the original Macclesfield Town were wound up by the High Court in September 2020.

Danns’ first game in the dugout takes place on Saturday, December 17 when Macclesfield make the trip to Shawbridge to face Clitheroe (KO 3pm).