Butcher visit touches Simpson

Gary Simpson says a trip to the grave of former midfielder Richard Butcher has helped Macclesfield put things into perspective.

The Silkmen were in Northampton, where Butcher was born, for the game against the Cobblers and after the abandonment of the game the whole squad visited the cemetery where Butcher rests. "Sometimes when we're worrying about getting three points or putting in a performance in a game we might need some perspective," Simpson told the Manchester Evening News. "Maybe people need to look at themselves after that visit - it should move us and encourage us to make the best of what we've got and to be as good as we possibly can be." Simpson claimed the visit was an emotional experience - and not just for those who knew him. "There were a few that broke down in tears, it was definitely a moving moment," he added. "Some lads who only came to the club in the last 12 months were moved by it as well. It was surprising but I think that shows the feelings that people have for football folk in general."