FORMER Wanderers striker Emile Heskey has been drafted in by Macclesfield FC as a striker coach as part of Robbie Savage’s new backroom team.

The Northern Premier League side surprisingly parted ways with ex-Atherton Colls boss Michael Clegg earlier this week and appointed former Wales international Savage, who had been the club’s director of football since October 2020.

The Silkmen confirmed that Heskey would be brought in as a “position specific” coach on a part-time basis alongside experienced assistant Peter Bond and a new first team head coach.

A statement from Macclesfield claimed that the change in manager was triggered by an approach for Savage from elsewhere.

“As a result of achieving two promotions as well as reaching a play-off final and Isuzu FA Trophy semi-final within the club’s first three years, it came as no surprise when Robbie was offered a senior role elsewhere recently,” it read.

“Robbie subsequently agonised over this on numerous levels as it would have meant him relinquishing his role at Macclesfield FC – in addition to his shareholding.

“This was something which the Board was not prepared to let happen and it was unanimously decided that Robbie should be given the chance to prove himself here at Macclesfield FC as he launches his coaching career with us.

“Ahead of a campaign where we simply cannot fail, Robbie will now be accountable for all First Team affairs and judged solely on results.”

Heskey played nearly 800 career games and won 62 England caps, ending his playing days with Wanderers in the Championship with two seasons under his ex-Leicester City team-mate Neil Lennon between 2014 and 2016. He played 48 times for the Whites, scoring three goals.

Since finishing as a player he has had spells coaching with Leicester City’s women’s team and within the England youth team set-up.

Macclesfield Town were relegated from League Two in 2020 amid serious financial issues and then expelled from the National League 13 days after the club was wound up in the High Court.

The team was relaunched in the North West Counties League and finished second in the Northern Premier last season behind Radcliffe.