Peter Wragg - In Memoriam

Everyone at the Northern Premier League was saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Wragg on Christmas Day.

Peter was, and forever shall remain, an iconic figure within our collective history.

Born in Droylsden in March 1946, Peter quickly fell in love with football and was inspired by the vibrancy of the non-league game in and around the Manchester area.

Peter first signed for New Mills, before making the move to Leek Town where he undoubtedly became a firm fans favourite.

An energetic and mesmerising right-winger, Peter visibly wore his heart on his sleeve every time he crossed the white line, and this instantly endeared him to the Harrison Park faithful.

There was no doubt that Peter boasted all the attributes to make a name for himself at a much higher level, yet his playing career was to be cut cruelly short after he suffered a badly broken leg.

Unperturbed by this and determined to stay in the game he truly loved, Peter was unveiled as Leek Town's Manager in 1976.

Not only was this testament to Peter's tactical astuteness, it also exemplified the high regard he was already held in by so many people.

After a season at the helm at Harrison Park, Peter moved to Chorley and then on to Stalybridge Celtic.

Peter enjoyed much success at Bower Fold - leading Celtic to the Cheshire League title for the first and subsequently, the only time in their history in 1980.

There can be no doubt that it was at Stalybridge that Peter truly learnt his trade, and he was to spend four seasons at Bower Fold - cementing himself as one of the most up-and-coming Managers outside the Football League.

After much interest in him was elicited, Peter chose to make the move to Hyde United - where he undoubtedly increased his notoriety even further.

Proving to be an instant hit with the Ewen Fields faithful, Peter ignited The Tigers by demanding exciting, attacking football which left the fans begging for more.

Standout moments include leading the club to the FA Cup First Round Proper during the 1983/84 season and a Northern Premier League Cup final against South Liverpool.

The latter was held at Manchester City's Maine Road ground, and although Hyde was defeated 2 - 0, there could be no doubt that under Peter's guidance, the team were on the up.

The following season, Peter led The Tigers to a fourth-placed finish - yet for much of the campaign, they harboured very real ambitions of claiming the title.

Peter's influence made everyone associated with Hyde United believe - both in himself and in each other.

This was one of Peter's unique characteristics, which would be replicated time and time again throughout his illustrious career.

In March 1986, Peter moved to Macclesfield Town and took charge of a side which needed to be invigorated.

What was to follow was the stuff of fairytales as at the end of his first full season in charge, Peter's Silkmen side claimed an unprecedented treble of the league title, President's Cup and League Challenge Cup.

It was somewhat fitting that Macclesfield claimed the league championship at Hyde on the last day of the season.

A brace from the mercurial Steve Burr coupled with an Elfyn Edwards strike gave The Silkmen a 3 - 1 victory at Ewen Fields and with it, promotion to the non-league elite for the first time in their history.

The Silkmen adapted well to life in the GM Vauxhall Conference - finishing their inaugural season in midtable, but it was their FA Cup exploits which gained the most attention.

After successfully negotiating the qualifying rounds, Peter's Macclesfield side then went on to reach the Third Round Proper after eliminating both Carlisle United (4 - 2) and Rotherham United (4 - 0) at the Moss Rose.

Their prize was a trip to Port Vale, and despite dominating for large periods of the game, they were desperately unlucky  to suffer a slender 1 - 0 defeat.

Peter then guided Macclesfield to a fourth-place finish in the GM Vauxhall Conference and proudly led his side out at Wembley ahead of the FA Trophy final in 1989.

The Silkmen were to suffer a 1 - 0 extra-time defeat against Telford United that day, but there could be no denying that Peter had already become a cult hero at the Moss Rose.

On 25th November 1992, Peter's Macclesfield side wrote themselves into the history books as they became the first-ever non-league side to defeat a league side on penalties in the FA Cup.

After a goalless draw at the Moss Rose and a 2 - 2 stalemate after extra time in the replay against Chesterfield, The Silkmen advanced to a home Second Round tie against local rivals Stockport County courtesy of a historic 3 - 2 shootout victory.

Macclesfield's cup form was not replicated in the league however, with The Silkmen teetering around the relegation zone for much of the season.

Only a last-day victory at champions Wycombe Wanderers saved The Silkmen from the drop that year, and shortly after those jubilant scenes at Adams Park, Peter was emotionally relieved of his duties.

Shortly after, Peter was offered a unique opportunity to return to management when he was appointed as Halifax Town's Manager.

The Shaymen were reeling from their relegation from the Football League and wanted an experienced Manager who could reinvigorate their fortunes.

Under difficult circumstances, Peter masterminded one of Halifax's greatest-ever FA Cup victories when they defeated second-tier West Bromwich Albion 2 - 1 in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Despite this, Peter was relieved of his duties at The Shay in February 1994 - in spite of the fact that the team boasted an eight-game unbeaten run at the time.

Chairman Jim Brown pointed to the fact that Halifax resided twelfth in the GM Vauxhall Conference table, and this was not seen to be in keeping with their ambitions of an immediate return to the Football League.

Peter subsequently returned to Stalybridge Celtic for a second term, before teaming up with Steve Burr at a variety of clubs - most notably, Northwich Victoria.

A third and final spell at Stalybridge Celtic ensued before Peter brought the curtain down on his dazzling managerial career for the final time in January 2005.

Peter went on to work in a number of PR roles and, as a representative of Nationwide Building Society, evocatively presented Macclesfield Town's Sammy McIlroy with the GM Vauxhall Conference trophy following a 4 - 1 victory at Kettering Town on 3rd May 1997.

The Silkmen were promoted to the Football League for the first time in their history that day, and it was fitting that someone who had played such a pivotal role in transforming the club could take centre stage.

Peter had the honour of becoming a Club Ambassador at Macclesfield Town bestowed upon him back in 2018, and this was met with universal acclaim at the Moss Rose.

Because for all Peter achieved, it was his infectious personality which meant the most to everyone lucky enough to have known him.

Peter was a born motivator who could effortlessly inspire everyone he met.

Whether it be Club Officials, players or his backroom staff, Peter nurtured a magical working relationship with them all.

But closest to his heart was the fans - or the "speccies" as he referred to them as.

In a world where fans can feel anonymous at times, Peter made each and every one feel like they were part of his starting eleven.

The unparalleled appreciation and genuine love that he had for all those who followed his teams knew no bounds.

To that end, Peter was undoubtedly a pioneer and someone whose unique management style will forever be etched within the hearts and minds of all those who idolised him.

In this regard, Peter's legacy is assured, and it is fitting that Macclesfield travel to Hyde United on New Year's Day where he will be vibrantly remembered as being an incredible character who will be sorely missed.

The thoughts of everyone at the Northern Premier League go out to Peter's family and infinite amount of friends at this incredibly sad time.