Building from the back

14 Oct 2021 02:18
Published by: Scott Callan

MACCLESFIELD manager Danny Whitaker's defensive options have been strengthened with two new additions to his North West Counties League squad.

Commanding defender Lee Jackson has joined the club on a non-contract basis and young left back Brandon Lee has become a Silkman after signing from league rivals Longridge Town for an undisclosed fee.

Jackson, 30, began his career at Stockport County, before making the move to Woodley Sports and Knutsford to gain first team football.

A move to Congleton Town followed in 2014 and he would go on to make just under 100 appearances for The Bears - becoming a pivotal figure within their defence over a three-year period.

Another move to 1874 Northwich followed in 2017 with 95 appearances for the club during the following four years.

In an interview with Silkmen TV, Jackson said: "In terms of where the clubs going, the fan base, you want to be part of it at the start."

He also spoke of his experience with 1874 and his part in their promotion out of the NWCL Premier Division. He said: "It is no easy task to get out of this league."

Brandon Lee, 21, arrives at the Leasing.com Stadium from Longridge after agreeing a deal until the end of the 2022/23 season.

He is described as a reliable defender who also likes to support from the team in attack and is calm on the ball.

Starting his career at Blackburn Rovers, Lee then progressed through the youth ranks at Bolton Wanderers before experiencing first team football at Chorley.

He moved to Longridge Town back in 2019 and went on to become an integral part of their side.

Lee told Silkman TV, Macclesfield's stature and the opportunity to play in front of 2,000 - 3,000 fans was a big pull for him, along with the club's promotion push.

He said: "I've learned a lot playing at Longridge and now is hopefully the time to take that next step. I want to win trophies and go as high as possible."

Meanwhile, assistant manager Peter Band said the team had set themselves "a standard" to keep after recording a convincing 4 - 1 victory over Charnock Richard, although he also spoke of his disappointment at conceding a goal right at the end of the game.

The win followed the Silkmen's first two defeats of the season at the hands of Avro and Longridge United.

You may be interested in