Catch up TV

Episode 08 December 2025

Directors' box to dugout - Robbie Savage has officially entered his football manager era at Macclesfield FC, despite swearing it was a role he never wanted. But the allure of coaching at the club he helped create from the ground up with businessman best friend Rob Smethurst is just too strong. \n \nFour years on from BBC Sport’s first documentary on Macclesfield FC’s rebirth from the ashes of liquidation in 2020, this close-up sequel joins fiery former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage at another crossroads at his beloved club.\n \nThe team have got a taste for success with back-to-back promotions in 2022 and 2023, but there’s no let-up in their ambition to keep climbing the lower league pyramid. With footballing operations now supersized, and a surprise play-off loss in 2024, the burden of achieving promotion to the National League North weighs heavily on the shoulders of pals Robbie and Rob. \n \nFrom locker room rants to team bus singalongs, BBC Sport follows Macclesfield FC’s players, staff and fans through the tears and triumphs of the 2024/25 season. Having brought the club from this tight-knit town back to life, can Robbie and Rob now maintain momentum? \n\nThis is a story that goes beyond football, and the long-time friends open up about how Macclesfield saved Smethurst’s life after struggling with addiction, whilst Savage talks frankly about dealing with the years of abuse he’s faced from the terraces. \n \nWith professional pride and the club’s future at stake, can Robbie get his team over the line during his debut season in charge? And will his brotherly bond with Rob survive the ride? Or will success come at a cost?

Source: BBC 3