Macclesfield Town Football Club: Introduction

Macclesfield Town Football Club was an English professional football club based in the market town of Macclesfield, Cheshire. It was founded in 1874 and had a long and storied history until its eventual demise in 2020. The club was famous for its community spirit and determination, achieving notable success in the lower tiers of English football despite financial struggles.

The staff at the fanbase hope that something good will rise from the ashes of this old club. So, here’s our detailed overview:

Early History

• Formation: Originally founded as Macclesfield F.C., the club started its journey playing in regional leagues and quickly established itself as a force in non-league football.
• League Affiliations: Over its early years, Macclesfield participated in a variety of regional competitions, such as the Cheshire League and the Manchester League, and eventually moved into the Football League pyramid.

Macclesfield Town Football Club: Major Achievements

Macclesfield Town achieved several notable successes, particularly in non-league competitions.

• FA Trophy: The club enjoyed considerable success in the FA Trophy, a national competition for non-league clubs, winning it twice:
  • 1969–70
  • 1995–96
• Conference National Champions: Macclesfield won promotion to the Football League for the first time after winning the Football Conference (now known as the National League) in the 1996–97 season.
• League Two Promotions: The club achieved promotions to League Two several times, including notable promotion campaigns in the 1997–98 season and again in 2017–18 under manager John Askey.

Football League Era

Macclesfield Town spent much of its existence in the lower leagues of English football, fluctuating between the National League and League Two (the fourth tier of English football). They spent a total of 15 seasons in the Football League before financial difficulties led to their downfall.

Macclesfield Town has never played in the top leagues of English football but has won a few minor trophies. For example, the club has won the FA Trophy two times and the National League three times (up to 2018).

Due to their lack of historical success, Macclesfield’s support base is poor in comparison to some football teams. Indeed, their location, close to Manchester and Liverpool, doesn’t help.

Nonetheless, their fans are just as passionate about their team as any other football club supporters are. Indeed, they have decent away support and have much praise from other clubs.

Rivalry existed with the following teams: Altrincham and Stockport County.

Because of the old silk mills that were prominent in the town, Macclesfield Town’s nickname was The Silkmen. Indeed, in the past, donations from leftover blue silk gave the club its distinct colours.

Key Managers:

• John Askey: Askey is considered a club legend. As both a player and manager, he guided Macclesfield to several promotions, including the memorable 2017-18 National League title win.
• Keith Alexander: A respected figure in lower-league football, Alexander managed the club between 2008 and 2010, helping stabilize the club during challenging financial times.

Macclesfield Town Football Club: Financial Struggles and Demise

Despite their on-field successes, Macclesfield Town was plagued by financial difficulties for many years, which ultimately led to the club’s downfall.

• Financial Problems: Throughout the 2010s, the club encountered severe financial difficulties, accumulating debts, failing to pay wages, and receiving multiple winding-up petitions. Players and staff were often left unpaid, which created instability at the club.
• Points Deductions: During the 2019–20 season, the club faced points deductions for failing to fulfill fixtures and non-payment of wages. These issues led to their relegation from League Two.
• Liquidation: On 16 September 2020, Macclesfield Town Football Club was wound up by the High Court, owing debts of more than £500,000. The winding-up order effectively brought an end to the 146-year history of the club.

Legacy and Rebirth

Although Macclesfield Town Football Club ceased to exist in its original form, the spirit of the club lived on. A phoenix club was established shortly after the liquidation.

• Macclesfield FC: The phoenix club was founded by local businessman Robbie Savage and Robert Smethurst. They purchased the club’s Moss Rose Stadium and formed Macclesfield FC. The new club joined the North West Counties Football League Premier Division for the 2021–22 season and aimed to restore football in the town, with aspirations to climb back up the football pyramid.

Stadium: Moss Rose

• Moss Rose Stadium has been the club’s home since 1891. With a capacity of around 6,335, it’s one of the smaller grounds in English football but has always had a special place in the hearts of Macclesfield fans. Even after the dissolution of Macclesfield Town FC, the stadium continues to host matches for Macclesfield FC.
• Before Moss Rose, three other grounds were in use by the club. Those grounds were Macclesfield Grammar School, Rostron’s Field, and Bowfield Lane (now called Victoria Road).
• Macclesfield Town FC played in a blue and white strip, but other colours were in use before 1947.

Macclesfield Town Football Club: Fan Base and Community

Macclesfield Town FC had a loyal and passionate fan base, despite their struggles and low league position. The club was integral to the community, with supporters backing the team through good times and bad. The creation of Macclesfield FC and their swift reestablishment in non-league football have shown the resilience of the local football community.

In Summary

Macclesfield Town Football Club was a small but proud club that achieved a great deal of success in non-league football and spent several seasons in the Football League. The club’s financial struggles ultimately led to its demise in 2020, but its spirit lives on through the phoenix club, Macclesfield FC, which continues to play in non-league football with the aim of rebuilding the legacy of the old club.

Promote Macclesfield Town Football Club

The Football Fan Base is the ideal way to promote Macclesfield Town, of course. This is because we have huge soccer blogs and a massive football forum in which to do this.

So, now that you have the platforms available, go ahead and promote Macclesfield Town. If you don’t, then other supporters will promote their teams and overshadow you.

**Information updated on September 10, 2024.