COLIN Macrow goes into 2007 with his appetite for the game rekindled.The Old Newton manager has led the village club to a strong challenging position for a return to the senior football in the Metaltec SIL.

By Elvin King

COLIN Macrow goes into 2007 with his appetite for the game rekindled.

The Old Newton manager has led the village club to a strong challenging position for a return to the senior football in the Metaltec SIL.

But 12 months ago it was different after he become disillusioned following an unsuccessful spell in charge of Ridgeons League Stowmarket Town.

“Joining Old Newton has been good for me,” said Macrow. “I started to question my ability, and my confidence took a dip.

“I decided to call it a day at Stowmarket in November 2005 and took time out from the game.

“Last Spring I started to get itchy feet, and when Newton chairman Dave Shave telephoned I thought I would give it a go.

“And I am glad that I did.”

Macrow previously managed Needham Market, and he moved to Stowmarket as Mark Barnard's assistant in 2004/05.

He took sole charge when Barnard departed, but it was too late to make any difference and the Greens Meadow side was relegated for the first time in their history.

When a new life in the First Division of the Ridgeons League did not start too well, Macrow took his leave, with the man he brought in as his assistant - Dave Hubbick - taking over the Stowmarket reins.

“We have only had two defeats in the First Division and had a great win over promotion rivals Bramford on Saturday,” added Macrow. “So I have to be very pleased with how things have gone.

“We are in second place with two games in hand on leaders St Johns - although there are a number of teams who are also in contention for promotion.

“The players have responded and for a junior club their attitude has been superb and similar to Ridgeons League clubs.

“The back-up situation is such that I can solely concentrate on running the team.”

Macrow hinted that he would like a return to the Ridgeons League, but he knows it won't be with Newton.

“Before I took the job I asked the chairman what his aims were and was told that the Ridgeons League was above the radar.

“This is understandable as despite our wonderful facilities we are after all playing in a small village.

“A high position in the Senior Division of the SIL is where the chairman would like to see Newton - and this is what we are aiming for.”

Macrow, who has Graham Pooley as his assistant, still has dreams of doing well in two cup competitions.

This Saturday they entertain fellow First Division side Needham Market A in the Omnico Cup and on January 13 meet St Johns in the quarter-finals of the Debenham Leisure Suffolk Junior Cup.

St Johns are also in the SIL First Division and will offer stern opposition.