New Macclesfield manager appointed

Bruce will be joined at the Leasing.com Stadium by former Premier League full-back Phil Bardsley as assistant manager, former Manchester United academy manager of 23 years Paul McGuinness as head coach, and Dan Ternent as head of recruitment.

Their coaching setup is completed by Peter Band, who will be staying at the football club as first team coach alongside the new coaching staff.

Bruce replaces Mark Duffy, who parted ways with the club after a run of four defeats in five matches left them two points outside of the play-off places.

Having played in the Premier League and made over 300 appearances, Bruce provides a wealth of experience, and the club say "his knowledge will prove invaluable for the Silkmen’s promotion push".

The former Ipswich Town and Hull City defender has previous coaching experience as part of the backroom staff at West Brom.

Following the appointments, director of football Robbie Savage said: “Looking at Alex, Paul, and Phil and with my upbringing, the key values of coming through the system at Manchester United is a fundamental part of why we made these appointments.

“The ethos and the morals and the principles which we want to integrate into the football club are vital going forward. Alex with his coaching experience at West Brom dealing with first team players and his ability to handle a squad.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Alex, who has got all his badges, assisted by Phil Bardsley who recently finished playing in the Premier League at Burnley. His Premier League experience and willingness to improve players and be a part of the journey.

“Dan Ternent has worked at Hull City, Aston Villa, West Brom and was fundamental in bringing the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Andy Robertson and Harry Maguire to Hull.

“For Alex to have Paul McGuinness as his head coach provides a blend of youth and experience at Manchester United for over 20 years. For us to acquire the services of Paul McGuinness is a major coup for the football club which inevitably for the benefit of our football club is amazing.

“To have the amount of knowledge that Alex, Paul, Phil, and Dan boast, it is a major incentive for any young footballer looking to develop and we are delighted that they are on board at Macclesfield Football Club.”

Photo credit: Macclesfield