UniBond League

MACARI RETURNS FOR BLUES…..

Leek Town manager Wayne Johnson, who has been working without assistance since coach Andy O’Connor exited the club in November 2008, has signed former Blues’ striker Paul Macari as player/coach.

Commenting on the appointment Johnson said, “I am pleased that Paul has decided to give it a go, I tried to get him here earlier in the season but he decided to stay where he was.

“Paul sees things the way I do and will take a lot of the pressure off my shoulders.

“It’s been difficult working in the dugout without assistance but I’d like to thank kit manager Ken Ashford for his contribution whenever I’ve called on him for his views.

“I originally issued Norton with seven days notice for Paul’s services but after he spoke to the United manager he gave his blessing to the move” he added.

Macari, son of former Man United, Celtic and Scotland striker Lou Macari, who also managed Stoke City, began his career as a trainee at Stoke in 1993, making a handful of first team appearances before moving to Sheffield United in 1999.

In August 2001, he joined Huddersfield Town and made 11 appearances for the Terriers, mainly from the substitute’s bench.

He originally signed for Leek in December 2003 and was swiftly promoted to the role of player/coach. But he spent much of the 2004/05 season on loan at Alsager Town, a move that was subsequently made permanent before he moved on to Norton United.

During his initial spell at Harrison Park, Macari made 24 appearances in a Blues’ shirt and scored 4 goals


…AND MCMAHON CALLS IT A DAY

Meanwhile, striker Paul McMahon has decided to call it a day after falling down the pecking order and making more appearances from the bench (18) than he did starting games (10).

The player informed the manager of his decision following the League Cup exit last Wednesday when he handed in all his kit.

McMahon was signed from Stafford Rangers in November 2008 after playing previously for Hednesford Town, Stafford Town, Chasetown and Rocester where he once scored over 50 goals in a season.

It is unclear if the experienced front-runner will rejoin former club Rocester where he has played a couple of games recently on a short term gentleman’s agreement.

During his time at Harrison Park, McMahon scored seven goals in 39 appearances.

GOOLE REVIEW

Although Goole enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in this hard fought match at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds, Leek put their midweek nightmare behind them to turn in a good defensive performance after the calamitous way they went about their work three days earlier.

Skipper Andy Taylor organised things well at the back and Steve Hodgson was in fine form making a number of important saves to ensure a clean sheet and the three points.

After the game, Blues’ boss Wayne Johnson said, “That was a good result against a side in form but I was most pleased with the player’s reaction and the way we played following Wednesday’s debacle.

“The lads showed more commitment and defended well especially against the blinding, setting sun in the opening half.

“My team selection may have caused one or two raised eyebrows but it was the same defence as against Market Drayton shortly before Christmas and they kept a clean sheet then.

“Steve Hodgson played his part with a couple of smart saves early on and this boosted the confidence of those in front of him.

“The squad is now quite strong when you look at the talent I had on the bench, but today I had to pick a team to suit the conditions.

“We’ve now won two and drawn one of our last three league games and, going into Tuesday at Kidsgrove, we have a massive month in front of us playing every Saturday and Tuesday.

“By the time March comes along we should have more of an idea what we need to do to get into the play-offs”, he added.

Johnson made a number of changes to his side with Pete Johnson, Dan Cope and Corden all recalled to the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Ashley Miller, Leon Ashman and Dean Crowe were all relegated to the bench alongside former striker Paul Macari who was signed on the eve of the game from Norton United

IT’S KIDSGROVE NEXT

Weather permitting Blues make the short trip to the Seddon Stadium on Tuesday for the big local derby against Kidsgrove Athletic.

Blues visited Grove earlier in the season when a Mark Ruddock goal was enough to send Leek through to the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy so the home side will be looking for revenge and the points after dropping to 8th in the table when they were topping it before Christmas.

Grove are currently on 41 points from 25 games just two places and four points ahead of Blues who have two games in hand.

This game has added spice as a number of former Leek players now play for Kidsgrove as well as Grove boss Peter Ward who is a former manager at Harrison Park.

The game kicks off at 7.45.

AN EVENING WITH ALAN HUDSON

Leek Town Football Club will hold ‘An Evening With Alan Hudson’ in the Blues Bar on Friday 19 March.

The former Stoke City, Chelsea and England legend is coming to Harrison Park to talk about his life and career and also sign copies of his new book

Tickets priced £15 will soon be available on an individual basis and will include a pie and peas supper.

The event is being sponsored by Wrights Pies and will kick off at 7.30pm and is open to all.



FIXTURE CHANGE

UniBond officials have made one more change to Blues’ fixtures with the re-arranged home game against Willenhall Town now moved forward from Tue 16 March to Saturday 13 March.