Macclesfield Town bought by local businessman with brand and logo retained

The Silkmen have been looking for a buyer after being wound up at the High Court due to unpaid debts of £500,000

Jack Rathborn
Tuesday 13 October 2020 14:12 BST
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A local businessman has purchased the Silkmen
A local businessman has purchased the Silkmen (Getty)

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Macclesfield Town has been purchased by local businessman Robert Smethurst.

The moves will see the Silkmen retain their historic brand and logo, while being referred to as Macclesfield FC moving forward.

Danny Whitaker has been appointed as the new manager. 

While Robbie Savage, the former Leicester, Birmingham, Blackburn and Wales midfielder turned broadcaster, will be on the club’s board.

Savage will also be the club’s Head of Football Operations at Moss Rose.

"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," said Smethurst in a statement.

"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 back into creating a first team and into a club overall.

"I am passionate about building a secure business model and strong commercial foundation so the past issues the club has experienced will not happen again."

While Savage added: "I was devastated to see what happened here at Macclesfield.

“A Club steeped in history and worth more than any value in money to locals. I am privileged to be asked by the  new owner to take up a role as Head of Football from the first team to grassroots.”

The club's new executive board will also include founder of PRO Football Academy Carlos Roca, former Macclesfield vice chairman Andy Scott, ex Silkmen Supporters Trust chairman Jon Smart and Lindsay Brown - an experienced commercial operations manager.

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