Macclesfield F.C.

1. Origins: A Town and Its Football Tradition

The story of Macclesfield F.C. begins far back in the 19th century with the original club, Macclesfield Town, founded in 1874 in Cheshire, England – a rugby‑playing town with deep roots in football culture. Over nearly a century and a half, Macclesfield Town competed in regional leagues, built rivalries, and became woven into the community’s identity. The team was known affectionately as the Silkmen, a tribute to the area’s historic silk‑manufacturing industry, and their home – Moss Rose – became a familiar fortress for generations of local supporters.

Despite moments of success, including winning the FA Trophy in 1970 and again in 1996, Macclesfield Town’s journey was not always smooth. Financial difficulties plagued the club in the 2010s, and by 2020 the situation had become untenable. Mounting debts – reported to exceed £500,000 – and legal decisions led to the club being wound up in the High Court and expelled from the National League. Moss Rose and all remaining assets were put up for sale, leaving supporters devastated and the town without senior football for the first time in many decades.

Yet from that crisis came the beginning of a remarkable rebirth – a story that would capture imaginations far beyond Cheshire.

2. Rebirth and Vision: The Birth of Macclesfield F.C. (2020)

In October 2020, local businessman Robert Smethurst purchased the assets of the defunct club, including the historic Moss Rose Stadium, from receivership. With a vision to restore football to Macclesfield, Smethurst established a new phoenix club, calling it Macclesfield Football Club – officially not a direct legal continuation of the old Macclesfield Town, but fully committed to restoring the town’s football heritage.

Smethurst’s involvement was rooted in personal as well as community motivation; he saw in the club both a challenge and a chance for renewal, having battled his own personal struggles with addiction and rediscovered purpose through football. His ownership philosophy was unconventional: invest in facilities, foster community engagement, and create a sustainable model where football could thrive again.

One of his first major decisions was to bring in Robbie Savage, the former Wales international and Premier League midfielder, as Director of Football. Savage’s presence was about more than experience — he became a figurehead for the club’s ambition, connecting fans, players, and the broader football world to Macclesfield’s revival.

With Moss Rose upgraded (including improved spectator facilities and commercial areas) and a grassroots philosophy to drive both on‑field success and community participation, the phoenix club was ready to write a new chapter.

3. Climbing the Leagues (2021–2025): Rapid Progress and Early Glory

2021/22 — The First Steps

Starting in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Premier Division, the ninth tier of English football, Macclesfield FC walked onto the pitch not as underdogs but as a club with purpose — and a fanbase hungry for revival. With fresh investment and a determination to rediscover the club’s former stature, the Silkmen dominated early, earning promotion at the first attempt.

2022/23 — Building Momentum

Following their promotion, Macclesfield won the Northern Premier League Division One West, a testament to how quickly the club had adapted to competitive football after its reformation. With confidence building and attendance figures climbing, it began to feel like something special was taking shape.

2023/24 — Play‑Off Heartbreak

In the 2023/24 campaign, Macclesfield competed in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion but taking their place in the play‑offs. Despite a spirited run, they fell in the play‑off final — a bitter pill to swallow after two consecutive promotions. Still, a foundation had been laid: a club on the rise, with fans returning in droves and a clear identity taking shape.

2024/25 — League Title and Promotion

Any doubts about Macclesfield’s credentials were firmly dispelled in the 2024/25 season. Under the management of Robbie Savage — who had taken on a more hands‑on coaching role — the Silkmen absolutely dominated the Northern Premier League Premier Division. They clinched the title in style, finishing with a staggering 109 points, winning 35 of 42 matches, and finishing a remarkable 26 points clear of the runner‑up.

That stunning performance earned Macclesfield promotion to the National League North, the sixth tier of English football — just two promotions away from the English Football League (EFL). For a club reborn only a few years earlier, this was a seismic achievement, attracting attention across the football world and igniting dreams of even higher success.

4. Preparing for National League North: Building Infrastructure and Partnerships

Promotion to National League North was not just an on‑field achievement — it was a signal that Macclesfield FC had to evolve as a club off the pitch as well.

Commercial Development and Sponsorships

To support the broader ambitions of the club, Macclesfield continued developing partnerships and infrastructure:

Orbit Developments, a leading North West commercial property firm, extended their sponsorship agreement with the club for the 2025/26 season, reflecting both stability and growing confidence in the club’s trajectory.
These commercial ties were built not just with financial gain in mind, but with a shared commitment to deepen community roots and support local engagement around the club.

Facilities at Moss Rose

Moss Rose itself has undergone significant transformation since 2020, with more than £4 million invested in upgrading spectator facilities, pitch standards, hospitality areas, and match‑day experiences. By 2025, Macclesfield’s executive lounge and improved hospitality suites were launched, catering to a growing fanbase and underscoring how swiftly the club had professionalised its operations.

Community and Grassroots Football

Macclesfield’s influence extended beyond its first team. A partnership with Bollington United allowed local teams to access the Moss Rose facilities, further cementing Macclesfield FC’s role as a focal point for grassroots football in the region.

5. The 2025/26 Season: New Challenges, New Heroes

Managerial Transition: From Robbie Savage to John Rooney

In a significant managerial shift, Robbie Savage left Macclesfield at the end of June 2025 to take charge of another club, leaving a leadership gap at the Silkmen. Almost immediately, John Rooney — brother of England legend Wayne Rooney — was appointed manager to guide the club’s first season in the National League North.

Rooney’s appointment was more than just a name — it was a strategic choice. Known for tactical acumen and a calm approach, Rooney brought a fresh perspective to the club while embracing the legacy that Savage had built.

Tragedy and Tributes

However, the season was marked by heartbreak as well as triumph. On 16 December 2025, forward Ethan McLeod, a promising young striker who had become a fan favourite, was tragically killed in a car accident while returning from an away match.

McLeod’s loss was deeply felt across the club, province, and supporter community. In a touching tribute, Macclesfield retired his number 20 shirt — ensuring that his memory would accompany every step of the club’s journey forward.

6. An FA Cup Fairytale: Giant‑Killing and National Fame (2025/26)

Even more remarkable than Macclesfield’s league progress was their historic run in the 2025–26 FA Cup, a competition renowned for its magic and upsets.

Third Round Shock: Crystal Palace (10 January 2026)

In what would go down as one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history, Macclesfield FC defeated reigning FA Cup holders Crystal Palace F.C. — a top‑flight Premier League club — by a score of 2–1 at Moss Rose.

This result was historic for several reasons:

It was the first time since 1909 that a non‑league team had beaten the defending FA Cup champions.
It marked the first time a sixth‑tier club defeated a top‑flight side at this stage of the competition.
The victory was not a narrow escape — Macclesfield fully earned the result, with goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley‑Ricketts that sent shockwaves through English football.

The scenes at Moss Rose that night were electric: thousands packed the 5,300‑seat stadium to witness a miracle. Fans and pundits alike declared it one of the defining moments in FA Cup lore.

Fourth Round: Brave Exit Against Brentford (16 February 2026)

Macclesfield’s fairytale continued with a fourth‑round tie against Premier League side Brentford F.C.. In a match that captured the imagination of football fans across England, the Silkmen came within minutes of producing yet another giant‑killing — but ultimately lost 1–0 through a late own goal.

Despite the defeat, Macclesfield’s performance was widely applauded: they held the Premier League side scoreless until late, created chances, and embodied the resilience and spirit that had defined their season.

Cup Run Impact

Financially and socially, the cup run was transformative. Prize money, media attention, and supporter enthusiasm surged as the Silkmen’s story became one of the most compelling narratives in English sport in recent memory.

7. Culture, Fanbase, and Community Identity

Supporter Growth and Atmosphere

What makes Macclesfield’s resurgence truly special is the way the local community has embraced it. Attendances have soared beyond typical sixth‑tier levels, with many home crowds exceeding 3,000 — remarkable for the tier — and away support travelling in numbers too.

Fans describe the Moss Rose atmosphere as electric, passionate, and united — fuelled not just by results but by a shared sense of rebirth and hope. Even rival fans visiting Macclesfield have noted the warmth of the town and the pride supporters take in their club.

What the Club Means to the Town

For Macclesfield, a historical market town with a rich industrial past, the club is more than sport — it’s a symbol of community resilience. After the heartbreak of losing Macclesfield Town, supporters feared they might never see competitive football again. Macclesfield FC’s rise has rekindled a civic passion, uniting people of all ages on match days and filling local businesses, pubs, and public spaces with life and optimism.

8. The Business and Footballing Model: Sustainability and Growth

Macclesfield’s approach marries ambition with sensible planning:

Investment in infrastructure ensures the club has a strong commercial base to support growth without overreliance on unpredictable revenue.
Community engagement programs link youth football, grassroots partnerships, and local schools with the first team, expanding football participation and loyalty.
Balanced recruitment strategies mix local talent with experienced players willing to contribute to the club’s journey rather than just chase short‑term success.

9. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Macclesfield F.C.?

As the 2025/26 season closes, Macclesfield FC stand at an exciting crossroads.

National League North Prospects

Continuing their upward trajectory in the National League North, the club aims to challenge for promotion eventually to the National League (fifth tier) and beyond. With strong attendance, financial backing, and an identity built on resilience and ambition, many fans now dare to dream about League Two football – the gateway to the English Football League and a future once thought distant.

Managerial Vision

Under John Rooney’s management, the team blends tactical discipline with an attacking mindset. His tenure represents continuity and strategic evolution from the Robbie Savage era – balancing ambition with steadiness.

Legacy of the Cup Run

The 2025–26 FA Cup campaign has already entered football folklore. The giant‑killing of Crystal Palace and the valiant effort against Brentford will be remembered not just as results – but as defining moments that cemented Macclesfield FC’s reputation on the national stage.