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Silkmen’s Bright future

4/ 7/2007

MACC Town's new manager comes with a real sporting pedigree.

Ian Brightwell, one of three sons of Olympic athletes Robbie Brightwell and Ann Packer, proved to be equally adept at football and middle-distance running.

After the family moved north from the Leicestershire town of Lutterworth, (his father was asked to help establish Adidas's UK headquarters in Poynton), schoolboy trials led to 'Bob' signing apprentice forms at Manchester City in 1982.

The versatile midfielder and defender, along with Macc's current physiotherapist Paul Lake, was among a crop of talented youngsters that, having won the FA Youth Cup, progressed to City's first team.

Brightwell made his debut in August 1986 and played nearly 400 games under a succession of City managers, each one recognising his ability in a variety of positions.

His City highlights include playing a role in 1989's 5-1 demolition of their neighbours United, and a 25-yard equaliser at Old Trafford in the same season.

He also made a handful of outings on the international stage, representing England at Under-21 level.

Brightwell moved to Coventry City in 1998 but an achilles problem kept him off the pitch for most of his stay.

Spells at Walsall and Stoke City followed, and Brightwell helped the Staffordshire side to success in the 2002 Division Two play-off final.

A transfer to Stoke's rivals Port Vale followed before his move to Macclesfield in summer 2004.

Brian Horton had worked with Brightwell at Maine Road and during his five-year reign at Vale. Brightwell became one of Horton's earliest signings when he rejoined his old boss at the Moss Rose.

Horton appointed him as reserve team coach but he also signed playing forms and was often used in emergencies or when situations dictated the need for a cool head.

He formed an integral part of a three-man coaching set-up alongside Horton and Macc legend John Askey.

Last season, the evergreen Bob made five appearances in a Silkmen shirt.

Following Horton's exit in October, Brightwell took temporary charge of the squad before Paul Ince began his eight-month stay.

The former England skipper recognised Bob's value to the club and, despite Ince bringing many new faces to the Silkmen, retained his services as first-team coach.

Although a novice manager, Brightwell brings a wealth of footballing experience to his new role, and said: "I've been fortunate enough to work with several good managers and learn lots from them.

"And having someone with the vast experience of [assistant] Asa Hartford will be a great help."

One thing's for sure - if Bob successfully transfers his playing ability to his managerial role, the future is indeed bright for Macclesfield Town.