Neil Howarth was skipper in the side which won the Conference crown in 1997 and took the Silkmen into the football league for the first time in 123 years.

He also led the team to Wembley where they won the Umbro Trophy in 1995.

He is now supporting our ‘Back Macc’ campaign and is urging fans to support the team as they bid to beat the drop.

Macc went down 2-0 away at Gillingham on Saturday and now have just six games left to stay up – starting with Friday’s huge match at home to Shrewsbury.

Neil is now assistant manager at fellow League 2 side Cheltenham but says he’s rooting for Macc in their six remaining ‘cup finals’.

He said: “I remember my times there so fondly and I always look out for how they are doing.

“There was such hard work went into getting the club into the league it is a real shame they find themselves at the wrong end of the table.

“But I am sure if you offered Brian Horton third from bottom now he would bite your hand off.

“Sometimes the goalposts move and if they stay up there will be just as big a party as when we got to Wembley.”

Bosses at Macc expect Shrewsbury to bring as many as 1,500 fans to the Moss Rose on Friday and say they need as many Maxonians as possible to come along so the club can match that.

And Neil reckons the fans can play their part in once again making the Moss Rose a fortress.

“I remember when we had success we such a great home record because it was such a difficult place to come. When we got promotion to Division 2 we went unbeaten at home all season.

“The more people who come along and the more noise they make it gives players confidence and creates momentum.”

Chairman Mike Rance said: “This football club is all about the fans. We’re only here because we have supporters. We need them to come out and get behind the team.” Tickets for the Good Friday clash with Shrewsbury are on sale now, priced £16 for adults and £12 concessions for seats, £12 for adults and £9 concessions for standing. Prices go up by £2 if purchased on the day.

n Go to mtfc.co.uk, call in at the stadium ticket office or call 01625 264686.