Macclesfield F.C.

{{short description|Football club in Cheshire, England}} {{about||the previous club founded in 1874|Macclesfield Town F.C.|the Australian rules football club|Macclesfield Football Club}} {{Use British English|date=February 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}} {{Infobox football club | clubname = Macclesfield | pattern_la1 = _macclesfield2526h | pattern_la2 = _macclesfield2526a | pattern_la3 = _macclesfield2526t | pattern_b1 = _macclesfield2526h | pattern_b2 = _macclesfield2526a | pattern_b3 = _macclesfield2526t | pattern_ra1 = _macclesfield2526h | pattern_ra2 = _macclesfield2526a | pattern_ra3 = _macclesfield2526t | pattern_sh1 = _macclesfield2526h | pattern_sh2 =_macclesfield2526a | pattern_sh3 =_macclesfield2526t | pattern_so1 = _adidas25blue | pattern_so2 = _adidasonwhitel | pattern_so3 = _macclesfield2526t | leftarm1 = 0000FF | body1 = 0000FF | rightarm1 = 0000FF | shorts1 = 0000FF | socks1 = FFFFFF | leftarm2 = ffffff | body2 = fbf1de | rightarm2 = ffffff | shorts2 = FFFFFF | socks2 = F4B0C9 | shorts3 = 000000 | socks3 = 000000 | image = Macclesfield FC crest.svg | image_size = 170px | league = {{English football updater|Macclesf}} | season = {{English football updater|Macclesf2}} | position = {{English football updater|Macclesf3}} | current = 2025–26 National League#National League North | owner = Macc Football Club Limited | chairman = Robert Smethurst | manager = John Rooney | mgrtitle = | capacity = 5,350 (2,095 seated) | ground = Moss Rose | founded = {{Start date and age|2020|10|13|df=y}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/oct/13/robbie-savage-to-join-macclesfield-board-after-smethurst-buys-club|title=Robbie Savage to join Macclesfield board after Smethurst buys club|work=The Guardian|date=13 October 2020 |accessdate=1 July 2022}}</ref> | nickname = The Silkmen | fullname = Macclesfield Football Club | upright = 0.8 | website = {{URL|macclesfieldfc.com}} | caption = }}

'''Macclesfield Football Club''' is an association football club based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England.<ref name=MaccWeb>{{cite web|title=Macclesfield FC|url=https://www.macclesfieldfc.com/|access-date=18 May 2021|website=Macclesfield FC|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521093652/https://www.macclesfieldfc.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> The club currently competes in the National League North, the sixth tier of the English football league system, and plays its home games at the Moss Rose (known as the Leasing.com Stadium for sponsorship reasons).

Macclesfield is a phoenix club of the former Macclesfield Town F.C. founded in 1874, which was wound-up after a High Court ruling on 16 September 2020.<ref name="BBC-16Sep2020">{{cite news|date=16 September 2020|title=Macclesfield Town FC wound up in High Court over debts exceeding £500,000|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54177582|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916102212/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54177582|url-status=live}}</ref> The club joined the North West Counties Premier Division, the fifth step of the National League system ahead of the 2021–22 season.<ref name=":0" /> Macclesfield recorded three promotions in the four subsequent seasons, winning the North West Counties Premier Division in 2022,<ref name=":1" /> the NPL Division One West in 2023,<ref name=":2" /> and the NPL Premier Division in 2025.<ref name=":3" /> The team also reached the semi-final of the FA Trophy in 2024.<ref name=":4" /> In 2026, they reached the fourth round of the FA Cup by becoming the first sixth-tier team to beat a top-tier team (Premier League side Crystal Palace, the reigning FA Cup holders).<ref name="BBC-10Jan2026">{{cite news|date=10 January 2026|title=Stunned fans celebrate biggest ever FA Cup shock|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2x5pvg2kwo |access-date=10 January 2026}}</ref>

==History== Macclesfield F.C. is a successor to Macclesfield Town.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/superleague-review-football-crouch-b1836445.html |title=Government review of football will explore alternative ownership models for clubs |work=The Independent |date=23 April 2021 |accessdate=18 May 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518223746/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/superleague-review-football-crouch-b1836445.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Founded in 1874, Macclesfield Town was liquidated and expelled from the National League in 2020 because of debts of over £500,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/macclesfield-town-expelled-national-league-19019538 |title=Macclesfield Town expelled from National League after club wound up |publisher=Cheshire Live |date=29 September 2020 |accessdate=18 May 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518223747/https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/macclesfield-town-expelled-national-league-19019538 |url-status=live }}</ref> Its assets were put up for sale, including the Moss Rose stadium on the Rightmove property website.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Powell |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/macclesfield-towns-129-year-old-19034538 |title=Macclesfield Town's 129-year-old Moss Rose home up for sale on Rightmove |publisher=Cheshire Live |date=1 October 2020 |accessdate=18 May 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518223748/https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/macclesfield-towns-129-year-old-19034538 |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2020, the stadium and all available assets were purchased by Robert Smethurst, the owner of Stockport Town, with the aim of returning professional football to Macclesfield by creating the phoenix club as Macclesfield F.C.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Alex |last=Scapens |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/footballing-future-macclesfield-given-boost-19067618 |title=Footballing future in Macclesfield given boost as the Silkmen are bought |publisher=Cheshire Live |date=7 October 2020 |accessdate=18 May 2021 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418133826/https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/footballing-future-macclesfield-given-boost-19067618 |url-status=live }}</ref> Smethurst appointed the Welsh former professional footballer Robbie Savage as a member of the board for the new phoenix club with Danny Whitaker as manager.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54526501 |title=Macclesfield FC: Robert Smethurst takes over club as Robbie Savage joins board |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 October 2020 |accessdate=18 May 2021}}</ref> He also invested in upgrading the stadium to improve the commercial viability of the new club.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Whelan |url=https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/macc-plots-stadium-improvements-after-takeover/ |publisher=Place North West |title=Macc plots stadium improvements after takeover |date=14 October 2020 |accessdate=19 May 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518235111/https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/macc-plots-stadium-improvements-after-takeover/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2021, it was announced that Macclesfield would be placed in the NWCFL Premier Division, the fifth step of the National League system (ninth tier in the English football pyramid), for their first season.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57163012 |title=Macclesfield FC: Reformed club to join North West Counties Premier Division next season |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 May 2021 |accessdate=18 May 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518164423/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57163012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Savage announced that the club would be joining with his foundation to offer free tickets to foundation participants to encourage youth attendance at the club's matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2021-04-27/robbie-savage-launches-foundation-to-give-children-free-access-to-grassroots-football |title=Robbie Savage launches foundation to give children free access to grassroots football |publisher=ITV |date=27 April 2021 |accessdate=18 May 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518224753/https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2021-04-27/robbie-savage-launches-foundation-to-give-children-free-access-to-grassroots-football |url-status=live }}</ref> Macclesfield entered the FA Vase for the first time in 2021–22.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Buildbase FA Vase Season 2021–22|url=https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/competitions/2021-22/fa-vase/the-buildbase-fa-vase-entries---accepted.ashx|publisher=The Football Association|format=.ashx|access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref>

===2021–22 season=== On 31 July 2021 Macclesfield played their first competitive match, a 1–0 win at home against Burscough in the NWCFL Premier Division played in front of a restricted capacity sell-out crowd of 2,018; Leon Arnasalam scored the only goal.<ref>[https://www.nwcfl.com/lineups.php?id=12802 Line-ups: Macclesfield 1–0 Burscough], NWCFL website. Retrieved: 4 August 2021.</ref> The club's first away match was on 3 August, a 4–4 draw at Winsford United, also in the NWCFL Premier Division, with Tom Clare scoring all four Macclesfield goals.<ref>[https://www.nwcfl.com/lineups.php?id=12807 Line-ups: Winsford United 4–4 Macclesfield], NWCFL website. Retrieved: 4 August 2021.</ref> On 7 August Macclesfield played their first FA Cup match, beating Burscough 4–0 in the Extra Preliminary Round, but were then knocked out of in the Preliminary Round losing 6–4 at Squires Gate.<ref>[https://www.nwcfl.com/lineups.php?id=13423 Line-ups: Squires Gate 6–4 Macclesfield], NWCFL website. Retrieved: 9 September 2021.</ref>

On 30 August Macclesfield defeated local rivals Congleton Town 1–0 in the NWCFL Premier Division in front of a record crowd of 3,502, James Berry-McNally scoring the only goal.<ref>[https://www.nwcfl.com/lineups.php?id=12860 Lineups: Macclesfield 1–0 Congleton Town], NWCFL website. Retrieved: 9 September 2021.</ref> The match was suspended for several minutes late in the second half due to crowd trouble.<ref>[https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/robbie-savage-macclesfield-fight-brawl-24872139 Robbie Savage bravely steps in to break up fight at Macclesfield game], Daily Mirror (30 August 2021). Retrieved: 9 September 2021.</ref> It was the first time the neighbouring towns had met in a league match since the 1964–65 season.<ref>[http://www.silkmenarchives.org.uk/match_info/Cheshire_league/match_info_cl_64_65.html Silkmen Archives]. Retrieved: 9 September 2021.</ref>

On 11 September, Macclesfield played in the FA Vase for the first time, losing 3–2 at Northern Counties East League Premier Division side Winterton Rangers in the first qualifying round.

Macclesfield F.C. was featured in a BBC Sport documentary film, ''Robbie Savage: Making Macclesfield FC'', broadcast on 13 November 2021, which followed the launch of the new club following the collapse of Macclesfield Town.<ref name="Golby-13Nov2021">{{cite news |last1=Golby |first1=Joel |title=Robbie Savage: Making Macclesfield FC – this would be touching TV … if football's court jester would shut up |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/nov/13/robbie-savage-making-macclesfield-fc-this-would-be-touching-tv-if-footballs-court-jester-would-shut-up |access-date=14 November 2021 |work=Guardian |date=13 November 2021}}</ref>

Despite a relatively poor run of form at the start of the new year (L2, D1, W2 in January), a run of ten consecutive wins followed, in which 37 goals were scored and only four conceded.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NWCFL Club pages: Macclesfield FC |url=https://www.nwcfl.com/clubpage.php?id=888 |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref> On 12 March 2022, Macclesfield secured the North West Counties Premier Division title and promotion to the NPL Division One West after a 4–0 win against Ashton Athletic, becoming the first club in England's top nine tiers in 2022 to guarantee promotion.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=Macclesfield crowned champions in first season |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60706549 |access-date=2022-03-16}}</ref> Macclesfield finished their league campaign on 2 April, 15 points clear of second-placed Skelmersdale United.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NWCFL League Table |url=https://www.nwcfl.com/league-tables.php |access-date=3 April 2022 |website=NWCFL}}</ref>

===2022–23 season=== In October 2022, with the club three points clear at the top of the NPL West Division, Danny Whitaker was replaced as Macclesfield manager by David McNabb.<ref name="NPL-31Oct2022">{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=James |title=Macclesfield Unveil New Manager |url=https://www.thenpl.co.uk/macclesfield-unveil-new-manager-73147 |access-date=13 December 2022 |work=NPL News |date=31 October 2022}}</ref> McNabb stepped down in December 2022, with midfielder Neil Danns being appointed interim manager.<ref name="Barnes-13Dec2022">{{cite news |last1=Barnes |first1=Dan |title=Ex-Bolton Wanderers man Neil Danns named interim boss at Macclesfield |url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/23187508.ex-bolton-wanderers-man-neil-danns-named-interim-boss-macclesfield/ |access-date=13 December 2022 |work=The Bolton News |date=13 December 2022}}</ref> A 3–1 win against Trafford on 1 April 2023 saw the club crowned champions and achieve back-to-back promotions.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenpl.co.uk/macclesfield-secure-west-division-75452|title=Macclesfield Secure West Division|website=www.thenpl.co.uk|date=1 April 2023|accessdate=2 April 2023}}</ref>

=== 2023–24 season === During the summer of 2023, manager Neil Danns left to take up an assistant role at Tranmere Rovers, and his assistant Mark Duffy was named as the new head coach.<ref>[https://macclesfieldfc.com/2023/05/05/neil-danns-departs-to-join-league-2-side-tranmere-rovers-full-time/ Macclesfield: "NEIL DANNS DEPARTS TO JOIN LEAGUE 2 SIDE TRANMERE ROVERS AS ASSISTANT MANAGER"]</ref> Record goal-scorer James Berry departed for a club record fee to join National League side Chesterfield.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 August 2023 |title=JAMES BERRY JOINS CHESTERFIELD FC FOR A CLUB RECORD FEE |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/silkmen-tv/james-berry-joins-chesterfield-fc-for-a-club-record-fee/ |access-date=17 September 2023 |website=Macclesfield FC}}</ref> Luke Duffy joined for a record fee from Warrington Town,<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 August 2023 |title=LUKE DUFFY JOINS THE SILKMEN FOR A CLUB RECORD SIGNING FEE |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/luke-duffy-joins-the-silkmen-for-a-club-record-signing-fee/ |access-date=17 September 2023 |website=Macclesfield FC}}</ref> and John Rooney, Wayne Rooney's younger brother, returned to the Silkmen having started his career with 41 league appearances for Macclesfield Town.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 August 2023 |title=MACCLESFIELD FC AGREES TERMS WITH MIDFIELDER JOHN ROONEY |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/macclesfield-fc-agrees-terms-with-midfielder-john-rooney/ |access-date=17 September 2023 |website=Macclesfield FC}}</ref>

Macclesfield entered the FA Cup in the first qualifying round. Victories over Whickham, Buxton, and Warrington Rylands secured a place in the fourth qualifying round against Alfreton Town.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bates |first=Kallum |date=1 October 2023 |title=Match Report: Warrington Rylands |work=Macclesfield FC |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/match-report-warrington-rylands-2/ |access-date=2 October 2023}}</ref> After four defeats in five games, including a 3–1 FA Cup defeat at Alfreton,<ref name="ATFC-15Oct2023">{{cite news |title=REPORT: Alfreton Town 3-1 Macclesfield FC |url=https://www.alfretontownfootballclub.com/news/report--alfreton-town-31-macclesfield-fc-2810685.html |access-date=3 November 2023 |work=Alfreton Town F.C. |date=15 October 2023}}</ref> Duffy was sacked as head coach on 27 October 2023,<ref name="Hall-26Oct2023">{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Danny |title=Sheffield United favourite sacked by seventh-tier side as owner presses panic button after two promotions |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/sheffield-united-favourite-sacked-seventh-103625669.html |access-date=31 October 2023 |work=Sheffield Star |date=26 October 2023}}</ref> and was replaced by Alex Bruce.<ref name="BBC-30Oct2023">{{cite news |title=Alex Bruce: Macclesfield appoint former Hull defender as manager |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67265644 |access-date=31 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2023}}</ref> The Silkmen entered the FA Trophy in the third qualifying round; in the fourth round proper they defeated National League opposition Dorking Wanderers 5–0.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Sam |date=13 January 2024 |title=FA Trophy Trauma And Big Points Won On Thrilling Day |url=https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/fa-trophy-trauma-and-big-points-won-on-thrilling-d-79912 |access-date=9 April 2024 |website=Vanorama National League}}</ref> Macclesfield were the only side outside of the National League to reach the semi-finals, but were knocked out of the competition in a 2–1 defeat at Gateshead on 7 April.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manning |first=Jonny |date=7 April 2024 |title=FA Trophy final a fantastic reward after hard season, Gateshead boss says |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0kekre4ljvo |access-date=9 April 2024 |website=BBC News}}</ref>

On 21 February 2024, Bruce stepped down as Macclesfield manager to take up a coaching role at Salford City,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/club-statement-alex-bruce/|title=CLUB STATEMENT: ALEX BRUCE|website=macclesfieldfc.com|date=21 February 2024|accessdate=21 February 2024}}</ref><ref name="BBC-21Feb2024">{{cite news |title=Alex Bruce: Macclesfield boss leaves for position at English Football League club |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68357539 |access-date=21 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 February 2024}}</ref> and was replaced by Michael Clegg, previously manager at Warrington Rylands.<ref name="WG-22Feb2024">{{cite news |title=Michael Clegg to leave Warrington Rylands to join Macclesfield |url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport/latest_sport/24138586.michael-clegg-leave-warrington-rylands-join-macclesfield/ |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=Warrington Guardian |date=22 February 2024}}</ref> Under Clegg, Macclesfield finished second, qualifying for the NPL play-offs, but lost the play-off final 2–1 to Marine.<ref name="Gordon-06May2024">{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=James |title=Marine Triumph In NPL Play-Off Final |url=https://www.thenpl.co.uk/marine-triumph-in-npl-play-off-final-81746 |access-date=9 May 2024 |work=NPL |date=6 May 2024}}</ref>

=== 2024–25 season === Ahead of the 2024–25 season prolific forward Kane Drummond departed to Chesterfield<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 May 2024 |title=Chesterfield sign forward Drummond |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp6grdd3yg9o |access-date=30 April 2025 |work=BBC News}}</ref> and Luke Murphy was released.<ref name="Retained">{{cite web |title=Retained list 2024-25 |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/retained-list-2024-25/ |access-date=9 May 2024 |website=Macclesfield F.C.}}</ref> On 17 June 2024, Clegg left his role as manager by mutual consent,<ref>{{cite news |date=17 June 2024 |title=Club statement: Michael Clegg |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/club-statement-2/ |access-date=17 June 2024 |work=Macclesfield F.C.}}</ref> and Robbie Savage was appointed head coach on the same day.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 June 2024 |title=Robbie Savage named as Silkmen head coach |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/robbie-savage-named-as-silkmen-head-coach/ |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=Macclesfield F.C.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=18 June 2024 |title=Macclesfield appoint Savage as head coach |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clddqww53nzo |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Notable summer signings included winger Justin Johnson,<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 May 2024 |title=JUSTIN JOHNSON BECOMES FIRST SUMMER SIGNING |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/justin-johnson-becomes-first-summer-signing/ |access-date=30 April 2025 |work=Macclesfield FC}}</ref> midfielder Danny Whitehead, who had four spells at Macclesfield Town,<ref>{{cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Danny Whitehead is Back! |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/danny-whitehead-returns/ |accessdate=31 May 2024 |website=Macclesfield F.C.}}</ref> striker Danny Elliott following his departure from National League North side Scunthorpe United,<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2024 |title=DANNY ELLIOTT JOINS THE SILKMEN |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/danny-elliott-joins-the-silkmen/ |access-date=30 April 2025 |website=Macclesfield FC}}</ref> and goalkeeper Max Dearnley from Buxton.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 2024 |title=MAX DEARNLEY AND TOM SCOTT JOIN THE SILKMEN |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/max-dearnley-and-tom-scott-join-the-silkmen/ |access-date=30 April 2025 |work=Macclesfield FC}}</ref>

The team began the season with a 1–0 win away at Worksop Town and remained undefeated until a 2–1 loss away to Mickleover on 28 November.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=30 April 2025 |title=SEASON REVIEW 2024/25 |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/season-review-2024-25/ |access-date=30 April 2025 |website=Macclesfield FC}}</ref> 35 league goals from golden boot winner Danny Elliott and 23 clean sheets from Max Dearnley, helped the team to 109 points - a division and club record.<ref name=":5" /> Macclesfield's promotion to the National League North was confirmed with six matches still to play after defeating Bamber Bridge 2–1 on 22 March 2025, becoming 2024–25 Northern Premier League Premier Division champions, and ending two seasons in the seventh tier.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=Conrad |first1=Alex |title=Robbie Savage guides non-league side to within two divisions of promised land |url=https://talksport.com/football/3043343/robbie-savage-macclesfield-promotion-national-league/ |access-date=27 March 2025 |work=TalkSport |date=22 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=It would take a lot to leave Macclesfield - Savage |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cx29zj50r8no |access-date=27 March 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=23 March 2025}}</ref>

=== 2025–26 season === Savage signed a new two-year deal to stay as Macclesfield manager, but two weeks later, on 1 July 2025, opted to become Forest Green Rovers' new manager and was replaced as Silkmen manager by John Rooney.<ref>{{cite news |title=Savage appointed Forest Green manager |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cgjg551p8ejo |access-date=1 July 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiseman |first1=Ciaran |title=Robbie Savage leaves non-league club just a month after signing new deal and immediately joins new team |url=https://talksport.com/football/3319789/robbie-savage-macclesfield-national-league-forest-green-hired/ |access-date=1 July 2025 |work=TalkSport |date=1 July 2025}}</ref> On 16 December 2025, forward Ethan McLeod died in a car accident while returning from a game against Bedford Town.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date= 17 December 2025 |title= Macclesfield forward McLeod dies in car accident |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5yj8094202o |website= BBC News |publisher= BBC |access-date= 18 December 2025}}</ref> Following the accident, the club retired the number 20 shirt as a tribute to the former player.<ref name= "mcleod shirt retirement">{{Cite web |last=Leah |first=Ben |date=2025-12-24 |title=Silkmen To Retire Number 20 Shirt In Memory Of Ethan McLeod |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/silkmen-to-retire-number-20-shirt-in-memory-of-ethan-mcleod/ |access-date=16 January 2026 |website=Macclesfield FC Official Website |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The club made history on 10 January 2026 by beating FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 2–1 in the third round to become the first non-league team to defeat the defending champions since 1909 (when Crystal Palace themselves, playing in the Southern League, beat the holders Wolverhampton Wanderers)<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 January 2026 |title=Non-League Macclesfield knock holders Crystal Palace out of FA Cup |url=https://news.sky.com/story/non-league-macclesfield-knock-holders-crystal-palace-out-of-fa-cup-13492768 |access-date=10 January 2026 |publisher=Sky News}}</ref> and the first sixth-tier team to defeat a first-tier team in the history of the FA Cup.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Rory |title=Story for the ages: Macclesfield's heroes carve their names in FA Cup history |url=https://observer.co.uk/news/sport/article/story-for-the-ages-macclesfields-heroes-carve-their-names-in-fa-cup-history |access-date=13 January 2026 |work=Observer |date=10 January 2026}}</ref>

In the National League North, Macclesfield finished 4th to reach the play-offs, beat Chester 2–1 in their quarter-final,<ref>{{cite news |title=Blues Match Report: Macclesfield 2-1 Chester |url=https://www.dee1063.com/news/local-news/blues-match-report-macclesfield-2-1-chester/ |access-date=30 April 2026 |work=Dee Radio |date=30 April 2026}}</ref> but then lost 3–1 to Kidderminster Harriers at the semi-final stage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kidderminster Harriers 3-1 Macclesfield |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cq5pew6ngjvt |access-date=2 May 2026 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2026}}</ref>

==Stadium== Macclesfield play their home games at the Leasing.com Stadium in the south of the town, which was previously home to Macclesfield Town from 1891 until 2020. The current capacity of the Leasing.com Stadium is 5,350, of which 2,095 is seated.<ref>{{cite web| title=The Moss Rose| work=Macclesfield Town official website| url=http://www.mtfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MossRose/0,,10393,00.html| access-date=19 August 2006| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311052845/http://www.mtfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MossRose/0,,10393,00.html| archive-date=11 March 2008}}</ref> The club's joint highest home attendance was 5,348 on 10 January 2026 for the FA Cup third round tie against Crystal Palace and 16 February 2026 for the FA Cup fourth round tie against Brentford.

The ''ID Unlimited Main Stand'' (traditionally known as the London Road or Main Stand) runs along one side of the pitch and consists of a seated grandstand with open air terracing to either side, and the opposite side is the seated ''Besseges Stand''. The club's most vociferous supporters congregate in the ''WRS Star Lane End'', which is a mixture of terracing and seating. Visiting supporters are housed in the open air ''Silkmen Terrace North'' (named after a public house which formerly adjoined the terrace) and part of the ''Besseges Stand''.

==Shirt sponsors and manufacturers== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |- ! Period ! Kit Manufacturer ! Shirt Sponsor |- |2021–24||rowspan=2|Adidas||boohooMAN |- |2024–present||Duck and Cover |}

==Players==

===Current squad=== {{updated|19 May 2026}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Men's First Team |url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/teams/mens-first-team/ |website=Macclesfield FC Official Website |publisher=Macclesfield FC |access-date=28 March 2025}}</ref>

{{fs start}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Luke Matheson|no=2}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Brandon Lee|no=3}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Lewis Fensome|no=4}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Paul Dawson|no=6}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Isaac Buckley-Ricketts|no=7}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Danny Elliott|no=10}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Luke Duffy|no=11}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Sam Heathcote|no=12}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Joe Nicholson|no=13}} {{Fs mid}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Luis Lacey|no=15}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Carlos Dos Santos|no=17}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=James Gale|no=19}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Elliot Osborne|no=24}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Theo Chapman|no=30}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Harry McHugh|no=31}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Cameron Bradbury-Allen|no=33}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Cameron Borthwick-Jackson|no=35}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=George Wilson|no=-}} {{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Lincoln McFayden|no=-}} {{fs end}}

====Out on loan==== {{Fs start}} {{Fs end}}

=== Retired numbers === {{see also|List of retired numbers in association football}} {{football squad start}} {{football squad player|no=20|pos=MF|nat=ENG|name=Ethan McLeod<ref name="mcleod shirt retirement" />}} {{football squad end}}

===Player of the Season Awards=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ !Season !Player !Players' Player !Directors' Player !Ref |- |'''2021–22''' | colspan="2" |{{Flagicon|GUY}} Neil Danns |{{Flagicon|FRA}} Laurent Mendy |<ref>{{cite web | url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/2022/04/10/awards-night-winners-at-a-glance/ | title=Awards Night: Winners at a Glance | date=10 April 2022 | access-date=25 April 2023 | archive-date=25 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425153156/https://macclesfieldfc.com/2022/04/10/awards-night-winners-at-a-glance/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> |- |'''2022–23''' | colspan="2" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} James Berry |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Luke Murphy |<ref>{{cite web | url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/2023/04/24/awards-night-winners-at-a-glance-2/ | title=Awards Night: Winners at a Glance | date=24 April 2023 | access-date=25 April 2023 | archive-date=25 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425153145/https://macclesfieldfc.com/2023/04/24/awards-night-winners-at-a-glance-2/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> |- |'''2023–24''' |{{flagicon|ENG}} John Rooney |{{flagicon|ENG}} Tre Pemberton !— |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/2023-24-player-of-the-year-award-winners/|title=2023/24 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS|website=macclesfieldfc.com|date=22 July 2024|accessdate=21 February 2025}}</ref> |- |'''2024–25''' |{{flagicon|ENG}} Danny Elliott |{{Flagicon|FRA}} Laurent Mendy |{{flagicon|ENG}} Max Dearnley |<ref>{{cite news|url= https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/player-of-the-year-winners-2024-25/#:~:text=Player%20of%20the%20Year%20%E2%80%93%20Danny%20Elliott|title=PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS 2024/25|website=macclesfieldfc.com|date=6 May 2025|accessdate=11 January 2026}}</ref> |}

==Management== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

===Team management and coaching staff=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Role ! Name |- | style="text-align:center;"|Manager|| style="text-align:center;"| {{flagicon|ENG}} John Rooney |- | style="text-align:center;"|Assistant Manager|| style="text-align:center;"| {{flagicon |ENG}} Francis Jeffers |- | style="text-align:center;"|Director of Football|| style="text-align:center;"| {{flagicon |ENG}} Anthony Curran |- | style="text-align:center;"|Goalkeeping coach|| style="text-align:center;"| {{flagicon |ENG}} Danny Whiting |- | style="text-align:center;"|Physiotherapist|| style="text-align:center;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Merissa Heraldson |- | style="text-align:center;"|Strength and conditioning coach|| style="text-align:center;"| {{flagicon|ENG}} Nick Smith |- | style="text-align:center;"|Kitman|| style="text-align:center;"| {{flagicon|ENG}} Ged Coyne |- | Ref:<ref name=NWCFLweb>[https://nwcfl.com/clubpage.php?id=888 Macclesfield] NWCFL.com. Retrieved: 15 November 2021.</ref> |} {{col-2}}

===Club management and staff=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Role ! Name |- | style="text-align:center;"|Owner|| style="text-align:center;"| Robert Smethurst |- | style="text-align:center;"|Director|| style="text-align:center;"| Sarah-Jane Smethurst |- | style="text-align:center;"|Director|| style="text-align:center;"| Ama Singh |- | style="text-align:center;"|Director|| style="text-align:center;"| Jonathan Bull |- | style="text-align:center;"|Director of Football|| style="text-align:center;"| Anthony Curran |- | style="text-align:center;"|Head of Business & Match Day Operations|| style="text-align:center;"| Amanda Penney |- | style="text-align:center;"|General Manager|| style="text-align:center;"| Lindsay Brown |- | style="text-align:center;"|Head of Finance|| style="text-align:center;"| Rachel Brown |- | style="text-align:center;"|Commercial & Sponsorships Manager|| style="text-align:center;"| Bob Trafford |- | style="text-align:center;"|Club Secretary|| style="text-align:center;"| Patrick Birch |- | style="text-align:center;"|Match Day Club Secretary|| style="text-align:center;"| Janey Parish |- | style="text-align:center;"|Media & Marketing Assistant|| style="text-align:center;"| Ben Leah |- | style="text-align:center;"|Media & Marketing Assistant|| style="text-align:center;"| Will Jones |- | style="text-align:center;"|Groundsman|| style="text-align:center;"| Ged Coyne |- | style="text-align:center;"|Groundsman|| style="text-align:center;"| Jim Goodwin |- |Ref:<ref name=MaccWeb/> |} {{col-end}}

===Managerial history=== :''As of 25 February 2026''<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://macclesfieldfcarchives.co.uk/|title=Macclesfield FC Archives - Unofficial Fan Account|website=Macclesfield FC Archives, Unofficial Fan Account}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- !scope=col|Name !scope=col|Nationality !scope=col|From !scope=col|To !scope=col|P !scope=col|W !scope=col|D !scope=col|L !scope=col|GF !scope=col|GA !scope=col|Win%{{efn|Win% is rounded to two decimal places}} !scope=col|Honours |- !scope=row|{{sortname|Danny|Whitaker}} | rowspan="2" |{{flag|England}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2020|10|13}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2022|10|29}} {{WDL|68|48|7|13|for=171|against=71}} |1 NWCFL Premier Division |- !scope=row|{{sortname|David|McNabb|nolink=y}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2022|10|31}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2022|12|10}} {{WDL|9|7|1|1|for=22|against=9}} | |- !scope=row|{{sortname|Neil|Danns}} |{{flag|Guyana}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2022|12|13}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2023|5|5}} {{WDL|21|15|5|1|for=53|against=16}} |1 NPL Division One West |- !scope=row|{{sortname|Mark|Duffy|dab=footballer}} |{{flag|England}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2023|5|5}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2023|10|25}} {{WDL|18|10|2|6|for=34|against=21}} | |- !scope=row|{{sortname|Neil|Baker|nolink=y}} Peter Band {{nowrap|Robbie Savage (interim)}} |{{flag|England}} {{flag|England}} {{flag|Wales}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2023|10|25}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2023|10|31}} {{WDL|2|2|0|0|for=6|against=3}} | |- !scope="row"|{{sortname|Alex|Bruce|dab=footballer, born 1984}} |{{flag|Northern Ireland}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2023|11|1}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2024|2|21}} {{WDL|22|15|3|4|for=57|against=30}} | |- !scope=row|{{sortname|Michael|Clegg|nolink=y}} |{{flag|England}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2024|2|22}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2024|6|17}} {{WDL|16|11|0|5|for=31|against=15}} | |- !scope=row|{{sortname|Robbie|Savage}} |{{flag|Wales}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2024|6|17}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2025|7|1}} {{WDL|51|40|6|5|for=138|against=41}} |1 NPL Premier Division |- !scope=row|{{sortname|John|Rooney|dab=footballer}} |{{flag|England}} |{{dts|format=dmy|2025|7|1}} | {{WDL|42|24|7|11|for=82|against=60}} | |}

==Seasons== ''As of 30 April 2025''<ref name="auto"/> {| class="wikitable" align="left" !Key: | bgcolor="gold" |Champions | bgcolor="silver" |Runners-up | bgcolor="#DDFFDD" |Promoted | bgcolor="#FFCCCC" |Relegated | bgcolor="#9acdff" |Semi-finals |} {| |} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px" width="100%" |- ! rowspan="2" |Season ! colspan="9" |League ! rowspan="2" |FA Cup ! colspan="2" rowspan="2" |Other competitions ! colspan="2" |Top scorer ! rowspan="2" |Average league attendance |- !Division !Pld !W !D !L !F !A !Pts !Pos !Name !Goals ({{abbr|LG|Number of goals scored in the league}}) |- | rowspan="3" |'''2021–22''' | rowspan="3" bgcolor="#DDFFDD" |'''NWCFL Premier Division''' (9) {{Up-arrow}} | rowspan="3" |40 | rowspan="3" |29 | rowspan="3" |7 | rowspan="3" |4 | rowspan="3" |94 | rowspan="3" |38 | rowspan="3" |94 | rowspan="3" bgcolor="gold" |1st  | rowspan="3" |PR |'''FA Vase''' |QR1 | rowspan="3"|{{flagicon|ENG}} Tom Clare | rowspan="3" |23 (21) | rowspan="3" |3,390 |- |'''NWCFL Cup''' |QF |- |'''Cheshire Cup''' |R2 |- | rowspan="2" |'''2022–23''' | rowspan="2" bgcolor="#DDFFDD"|'''NPL Division One West''' (8) {{Up-arrow}} | rowspan="2" |38 | rowspan="2" |28 | rowspan="2" |6 | rowspan="2" |4 | rowspan="2" |95 | rowspan="2" |27 | rowspan="2" |90 | rowspan="2" bgcolor="gold" |1st | rowspan="2" |QR2 |'''FA Trophy''' |R1 | rowspan="2" |{{flagicon|ENG}} James Berry | rowspan="2" |33 (24) | rowspan="2" |3,644<ref>[https://www.thenpl.co.uk/match-info/attendance-tables Attendance Tables]. Northern Premier League. Retrieved: 21 April 2023</ref> |- |'''Cheshire Cup''' |QF |- | rowspan="3" |'''2023–24''' | rowspan="3" |'''NPL Premier Division''' (7) | rowspan="3" |40  | rowspan="3" |24  | rowspan="3" |5  | rowspan="3" |11  | rowspan="3" |84  | rowspan="3" |47  | rowspan="3" |77 | rowspan="3" bgcolor="silver" |2nd  | rowspan="3" |QR4 |'''FA Trophy''' |bgcolor="#9acdff" |SF | rowspan="3" |{{flagicon|ENG}} Alex Curran | rowspan="3" |23 (16) | rowspan="3" |3,302<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/northern-premier-league-premier-division/attendances | title=Northern Premier League - Premier Division | Average Attendances | Home Matches | Football Web Pages }}</ref> |- |'''Cheshire Cup''' |QF |- |'''NPL play-offs''' | bgcolor="silver" |RU |- | rowspan="2" |'''2024–25''' | rowspan="2" bgcolor="#DDFFDD" |'''NPL Premier Division''' (7) {{Up-arrow}} | rowspan="2" | 42  | rowspan="2" | 35  | rowspan="2" | 4  | rowspan="2" | 3  | rowspan="2" | 109  | rowspan="2" | 30  | rowspan="2" | 109 | rowspan="2" bgcolor="gold|1st  | rowspan="2" |QR4 |'''FA Trophy''' |R3  | rowspan="2" |{{flagicon|ENG}} Danny Elliott | rowspan="2" |41 (35) | rowspan="2" |3,150 |- |'''Cheshire Cup''' |R2 |} ==Club records==

{{updated| 13 May 2026}}<ref name="auto"/>

=== Attendance === * Highest home attendance (Top 3): ::'''5,348''' v Crystal Palace, 10 January 2026 – FA Cup Third Round

::'''5,348''' v Brentford, 16 February 2026 – FA Cup Fourth Round

::'''5,329''' v Marine, 6 May 2024 – NPL Premier Division Play-off Final

* Lowest home attendance: ::'''241''' v Stalybridge Celtic, 5 November 2024 – Cheshire Senior Cup second round

* Highest away attendance: ::'''3,031''' v Gateshead, 6 April 2024 – FA Trophy semi-final

* Lowest away attendance: ::'''181''' v Northwich Victoria, 16 November 2022 – Cheshire Senior Cup first round

=== Results === * Biggest home win: * :: '''7'''–0 v Tadcaster Albion, 13 September 2022 - FA Trophy first qualifying round * Heaviest home defeat: :: '''2'''–5 v Crewe Alexandra, 30 January 2024 – Cheshire Senior Cup quarter-final * Biggest away win: :: 0–'''6''' v Vauxhall Motors, 22 February 2022 – NWCFL Premier Division * Heaviest away defeat: :: 5–'''1''' v AFC Fylde, 25 November 2025 – National League North * Highest scoring draw: :: 4–'''4''' v Winsford United (A), 3 August 2021 – NWCFL Premier Division * Highest aggregate score: :: '''(10)''' 6–'''4''' v Squires Gate (A), 21 August 2021 – FA Cup preliminary round

=== Player records === * Most appearances (All comps):<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://macclesfieldfcarchives.co.uk/player-appearances/|title=Player Appearances|website=Macclesfield FC Archives, Unofficial Fan Account}}</ref> :: '''188''' – {{flagicon|ENG}} Lewis Fensome, 22 January 2022 – ''Present'' * Goals scored (All comps):<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://macclesfieldfcarchives.co.uk/goalscorers/|title=Goalscorers|website=Macclesfield FC Archives, Unofficial Fan Account}}</ref> :: '''57''' – {{flagicon|ENG}} Danny Elliott, 10 August 2024 – ''Present''

* Goals in a season (All comps): ::'''41''' – {{flagicon|ENG}} Danny Elliott, 2024–25

* Goals in a season (League): ::'''35''' – {{flagicon|ENG}} Danny Elliott, 2024–25 NPL Premier Division

* Goals scored in a match: :: '''4''' – {{flagicon|ENG}} Tom Clare v Winsford United (A), 3 August 2021 – NWCFL Premier Division :: '''4''' – {{flagicon|ENG}} James Berry v Avro (H), 19 March 2022 – NWCFL Premier Division :: '''4''' – {{flagicon|ENG}} Kane Drummond v Atherton Collieries (H), 21 November 2023 – NPL Premier Division

=== Cup performances=== * Best FA Cup performance: :: '''Fourth round''', 2025–26 *Best FA Trophy performance: :: '''Semi-finals''', 2023–24 *Best FA Vase performance: :: '''First qualifying round''', 2021–22 *Best Cheshire Senior Cup performance: :: '''Quarter-finals''', 2022–23, 2023–24, 2025–26

==Honours== '''League''' *NPL Premier Division (level 7) **Champions: 2024–25 **Runners-up: 2023–24 *NPL Division One West (level 8) **Champions: 2022–23<ref>{{cite web |date=1 April 2023 |title=Macclesfield Secure West Division |url=https://www.thenpl.co.uk/macclesfield-secure-west-division-75452 |accessdate=13 April 2023 |website=www.thenpl.co.uk}}</ref> *NWCFL Premier Division (level 9) **Champions: 2021–22<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60706549 |title=Macclesfield FC: Silkmen crowned champions in first season |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 March 2022 |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref>

== Notable players == ''Macclesfield F.C. players who have attained at least one international cap during their career.'' * {{flagicon|NIR}} Alex Bruce * {{flagicon|GUY}} Neil Danns * {{flagicon|BRB}} Justin Griffith * {{flagicon|IRQ}} Ali Hayder * {{flagicon|SEN}} Oumar Niasse

==See also== {{For|a list of current and former Macclesfield F.C. players with articles on Wikipedia|Category:Macclesfield F.C. players}}

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}} {{Reflist|group=nb}}

==External links== {{commons category}} * {{official website|https://www.macclesfieldfc.com/}}

{{Macclesfield F.C.}} {{National League (English football)}} {{coord|53|14|34|N|02|07|38|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|display=title}}

Category:Macclesfield F.C. Category:Football clubs in Cheshire Category:Association football clubs established in 2020 Category:2020 establishments in England Category:Phoenix clubs (association football) Category:Men's football clubs in England Category:Northern Premier League clubs Category:North West Counties Football League clubs Category:National League (English football) clubs