Macken to mastermind turnaround

The 40-year-old hot-shot, who scored 63 goals in 189 appearances for the Championship giants between 1997 and 2002 before being sold to Manchester City for £5 million, was named at lunchtime on Saturday as the successor to Joe Gibbons at Stainton Park following his midweek departure.

Pictured making his debut for EVO-STIK League North rivals Bamber Bridge in 2015, Macken brings a wealth of experience and contacts at all levels of the game after a career that went on to take in Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Derby County, Barnsley, Walsall, Stockport County and Northwich Victoria.

Macken, who is also a coach at Oldham Athletic and won one cap for the Republic of Ireland, was happy to take a back seat in the stands for Saturday's visit of Skelmersdale United with coach Darren Finch at the helm for the EVO-STIK League North clash.

Hailing the recruitment of Macken as a "real coup", Radcliffe chairman Paul Hilton said: "For the club to be able to attract a manager of such high profile is a real coup. It was clear to us when we met Jon that he shares the ambition and drive to succeed that we the board do and is a genuine football man."

He added: "He is a local lad, and knows this league through his time with Bamber Bridge. It is a real honour to welcome Jon on board and we look forward to a successful future together."

Gibbons, appointed in February as the successor to Bill Prendergast after stepping up from assistant manager, left Stainton Park on Wednesday morning following his side's latest reverse, Tuesday night's 4-0 loss at home to Prescot Cables. Before a 3-2 win over Tadcaster Albion last weekend, his side lost their opening six matches in EVO-STIK League North and went out of the Emirates FA Cup in the First Qualifying Round.

Images courtesy of @radcliffeboro/Twitter

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