Quakers’ boss backs Ince to beat drop

Posted on 5th February 2007

Darlington manager Dave Penney has backed Macclesfield to win their fight against relegation. The Silkmen and the Quakers played out a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Moss Rose. The point sees Darlington sitting comfortably in mid-table but leaves Macclesfield outside the dreaded bottom two on goal difference. However given the Silkmen's position earlier in the season this represents a distinct improvement.

Macclesfield fortunes have improved significantly since the arrival of former England player Paul Ince as manager. Under his guidance the Silkmen strung together a good run of form to lift themselves out of the drop zone. Whilst they still face a big battle Penney believes they have what it takes.

"Everyone thought they were dead and buried," said Penney. "People must have wondered what he was doing taking that job but they've turned around. They aren't a bad side, I never thought they weren't when Brian (Horton) was there. I'll be very surprised if they do go down."

Given Ince's standing in the game the ex-Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Middlesbrough player could easily have made his managerial debut further up the league but instead elected to make his bow at the bottom end of League Two.

When Ince arrived at Moss Rose Macclesfield were seven points adrift and Penney believes should their bid to beat the drop succeed he will not only come out with plenty of praise but will have provided himself with a solid platform for the future.

"I think it's a great grounding for any manager to go in where he has gone in - a club at the bottom end of the table and struggling. He'll come out covered in glory if he manages to keep them up. Mistakes aren't quite as costly. Sometimes it's a case of the right place at the right time. He has certainly given them a chance," said the Darlington boss.

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