Article by David Walker

Macclesfield Town

Odds: 40/1

Last Five Seasons2005/06 – 17 (League Two), 2004/05 – 5 (League Two), 2003/04 – 20 (League Two), 2002/03 – 16 (League Two), 2001/02 – 13 (League Two).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup First Round (replay) vs Yeovil Town (a) – lost 4-0.Carling Cup Second Round vs Cardiff City (a) – lost 2-1.Football League Trophy Northern Section Final vs Carlisle United – lost on away goals with the score at 4-4 on aggregate.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Clyde Wijnhard (striker) – 12 goals.

Players InTommy Lee (Manchester United – Free), Jonny Brain (Port Vale – Free), Colin Heath (Chesterfield – Free), Marvin Robinson (Lincoln City – Free), Carl Regan (Chester City – Free).

Players OutDanny Whitaker (Port Vale – Free), Alan Fettis (Buty – Free), Kevin Sandwith (Chester City – Free), Kevin Townson (Northwich Victoria – Free), Tim Deasy (Released), Michael Briscoe (Released), Clyde Wijnhard (Released), Neil Morgan (Released).

Macclesfield Town were in danger of being dragged into last season’s League Two relegation fight but finished a comfortable six points above the relegation zone despite winning just two of their last six matches.

Brian Horton has a tough job on his hands in keeping the club in the Football League, having finished in the bottom half of the table for six of the last seven seasons following their relegation from League One at the end of the 1998/99 campaign.

Influential midfielder Danny Whittaker left for Port Vale on a free transfer to fulfil his ambition to play in a higher division after five years at Moss Rose while veteran former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Alan Fettis joined Bury on a free.

Following the departure of Fettis, Horton has drafted in two younger goalkeepers to fight for the number one jersey next season. Former Newcastle youngster Jonny Brain arrived on a free transfer from Port Vale while Manchester United’s Tommy Lee has returned to the club. Lee was on loan at Moss Rose last season and played 12 matches, conceding 15 goals.

Horton has replaced last season’s 12 goal top scorer Clyde Wijnhard with Lincoln City’s leading marksman of last season, former Derby County striker Marvin Robinson and has also signed versatile Chesterfield forward Colin Heath, who also played in midfield during his loan spell at Swindon Town.

VerdictBar a remarkable performance in 2004/05, Macclesfield have been mainstays in the bottom half of League Two and even with the signing of Lincoln City’s top goal scorer Marvin Robinson this is unlikely to change next season.

About the Author

David Walker runs UK betting free bet and UK poker websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.