Macc plots stadium improvements after takeover
Local businessman Robert Smethurst, who has acquired the assets of defunct Cheshire football club Macclesfield Town, plans to make the newly formed Macclesfield FC financially viable by improving its Moss Rose ground.
Macclesfield Town, formed in 1874, was wound up in September following years of financial woe that saw debts spiral to around £700,000 and the club teeter on the brink of collapse on more than one occasion.
The club’s reformation as Macclesfield FC will see Smethurst lead a new board of directors and reinvigorate the business.
Under the plans, the grass pitch at Moss Rose will be replaced by an artificial 4G playing surface so that it can be used by the community and other local clubs, creating revenue for the ‘phoenix’ club.
The creation of classrooms for college courses, as well as a gym, are included in the plans, to boost Macc’s coffers.
The existing hospitality suites will also be upgraded, and income generated from the improved facilities will be reinvested into the club. , the new owner said in a statement.
Macclesfield Town was deducted a total of 13 points last season, resulting in its relegation from League Two to the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
However, the club was wound up in the High Court before the start of the 2020/21 season and Moss Rose was subsequently put up for sale with an asking price of £500,000 and sold to Smethurst.
The club’s reformed board, which includes former Wales international player Robbie Savage, plans to apply for a place in the ninth and tenth tier of English football for the start of the 2021/22 season.
Danny Whittaker, who made more than 450 appearances for the club as a player, has been appointed as the team’s manager under Smethurst’s revamp.
Smethurst, who also owns tenth tier club Stockport Sports, said: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity to rebuild a historic football club for Macclesfield and the surrounding areas, and I want to ensure that we bring the footballing heartbeat back to the local community.
“My vision over the months and years is to rebuild the club, pitch and stadium facilities and to re-invest the income generated from that into creating a first team and club overall.
“I am passionate about building a secure business model and strong commercial foundation so that the past issues the club has experienced will not arise again.”
Great news not happy about the grass pitch going though, we’re losing far too much. Having said that,I hope & wish them well. Come on Macc.
By Peter Waugh
No to artificial for me we had one at oldham it carries a stigma it isn’t real
By Brian wild
All the best to Macc. Came as a visiting fan a few years back and it’ll be good to see them back up the pyramid again
By Disgruntled Goat
Silkmen season ticket holder of 25 years here. Unfortunately, switching the lights on just once a week for a game on grass may pander to the purists, but it is just not viable at the lover levels. A ‘plastic pitch’ can increase income generation opportunities and hopefully provide an income stream unaffected by the spectre of relegation!
By Nick