DESPITE Macclesfieldés terrible start to the 2006-2007 season, a few players gave the Macc fans reason to be cheerful.
Among them is talented young midfielder Jordan Hadfield, who is enjoying every minute of his first season as a full squad member.
The 19-year-old progressed from Maccés youth squad to become an integral part of the Moss Rose engine room and a leading light in the clubés battle for League Two survival.
Hadfield began his career with Stockport County but left Edgeley Park after making one appearance for the Hatters, in a 2-1 defeat at Milton Keynes.
Silkmen scout Brian Hart spotted Hadfield and convincd the youngster that switching to the Moss Rose would be a good move for him.
He joined the Silkmensé youth squad and, alongside players such as James Jennings and Izak Reid, learned his trade under John Askey and Mick Holgate, before signing professional forms at the start of this season.
He said: "When my contract at Stockport finished, Brian approached me and advised me to come down. I joined so that I could do the last year of my scholarship."
As part of his tuition, he joined up to train with the first-teamers and his eye for a tackle and passing ability convinced Brian Horton to offer him a contract with the club.
He made his Macclesfield debut in August, replacing John Miles in Maccés opening day defeat at Darlington.
"I really appreciate what Brian Horton did for my career, he gave me my big chance and Iéll always be grateful."
"And things are good now under the boss, ités hard work though, and Russ is putting us through a double session tomorrow."
He said of his love for life as a Silkman: "Theyére a quality bunch of lads. I trained with them last year and we all work hard in training together and eat together, and things like that build up our team spirit."
Maccés number 17 caught the eyes of the Moss Rose faithful, who voted him the teamés A-Line star player for August.
With a crunching tackle and a super-charged engine in his armoury, his is a playing style that readily appeals to the British football fan, and he is always thankful for the support he receives: "I appreciate what the fans do and how much support they give us. I was really pleased getting that player of the month award. Ités nice, ités on top of my telly now.
"Fans will always love a good tackle and they like to see the clubés young players coming through."
His first season has been eventful, with England legend Paul Ince joining the continuing fight for league status and a day out in the millionaireés playground of Stamford Bridge earlier this year ensuring that thereés rarely a dull moment for Jordan and his team-mates.
"I couldnét have asked for more in my first season really, I know Iéve been lucky.
"Hopefully we can end it the right way by staying up. I think we will do, weére very confident of doing it."
With players like Jordan Hadfield in the squad, Macc fans can be confident too.
