Macclesfield reveal exciting news along with a manager appointment ahead of their entry back into the English football pyramid next season.
The club are getting fully prepared to thrust themselves back into action after local businessman Robert Smethurst purchased the assets of the wound-up Macclesfield Town in October 2020, intending to rebrand the club as Macclesfield FC and enter the North West Counties Football League in the 2021–22 season.
The Silkmen was initially suspended and then expelled from the National League with effect from 12 October 2020.
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They have also chose a new crest to have emblazoned onto their kits and around the nearly 6,000 capacity ground, Moss Rose, which they’ve managed to keep hold of.
The Cheshire based club also have former Wales footballer Robbie Savage on their board, often being seen on much of their social media posts.
He is head of football operations and will be joined on the board by former Silkmen Supporters’ Trust chairman Jon Smart.
Along with many big changes in October 2020, ex-professional footballer Danny Whitaker was appointed as the first ever manager of Macclesfield Town’s phoenix club.
“Over the coming years, our main aim is to move up through the leagues,” Smethurst said in a statement.
“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.
“The key focus is and will always continue to be football, the fans and the community. Without the support of the fans, the associated ticket sales and hospitality; the club will find it hard to progress through any leagues despite any financial backing it receives.”
“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,” added Savage, who played for Smethurst’s Stockport Town last season.
“I live within a stone’s throw from the ground and have integral links to the club as a local grassroots coach, a father who brings his sons here to spectate and a footballing professional who campaigns and lobbies for lower tier football clubs, who are the foundation of the game.”
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Whitaker played almost 400 games for the Silkmen in two spells and had agreed a new one-year contract the day before the club was wound up.
He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity at Macclesfield FC. It is one of the proudest moments in my career to date and an absolute privilege to be part of this incredible new chapter.”
DANNY WHITAKER’S CAREER:
Youth career
Manchester United
Bradford City
Senior career
Wilmslow Albion
2001–2006 – Macclesfield Town – 172 games (23 goals)
2006–2008 – Port Vale – 86 games (13 goals)
2008–2010 – Oldham Athletic – 80 games (8 goals)
2010–2013 – Chesterfield – 106 games (21 goals)
2013–2019 – Macclesfield Town games 226 (37 goals)
2020 – Macclesfield Town
Total – 670 games (100 goals)
Since then, they have been getting things in order, whilst also making innovative re-development plans for the Moss Rose which are ‘designed to capture the imagination of the local community as well as providing our loyal fans with a home that they can be truly proud of.’
The club add: “These include laying a 4G pitch which will allow us to welcome local teams, schools and community sports projects to the Moss Rose seven days a week; unveiling a new gymnasium, creating classrooms for BTEC and other college courses and revamping of all bars and hospitality suites in order to make Macclesfield FC a really vibrant focal point of the local community.”
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In March 2021, the said they were delighted to announce the creation of a new Reserve Team ahead of the 2021/22 season, with Ed Haslam confirmed as manager.
A club statement read: “Ed brings a wealth of experience with him to the Club and is a perfect fit for the role that he will now undertake.
“After competing throughout the region at youth level up until the age of 17, Ed then ascended into the semi-professional game at our Cheshire neighbours Congleton Town.
“Shortly after however, Ed suffered a double ankle and leg fracture from an innocuous tackle – which sadly resulted in his playing career having to be curtailed.
“Yet, Ed fought back and embarked on a different route in order to become involved in the game that he has a clear and unwavering passion for.
“After achieving a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Science and a Masters in Education, Ed returned to the game in a coaching and management capacity – alongside his full-time job as a local PE teacher.
“Eight years later, it is testament to Ed’s incredible dedication and conviction that he can now boast five league titles and three District Cups amongst his rapidly expanding achievements.
“Not only that, Ed’s meticulous work ethic is something which will be a tangible asset here at the Leasing.com Stadium – as is his knowledge of the local football scene, the players involved and of course, what it takes to succeed.
⚽ | Macclesfield FC are delighted to announce the creation of a new Reserve Team ahead of the 2021/22 season, with Ed Haslam confirmed as manager.
Further details 👇https://t.co/USpczSjAAP pic.twitter.com/N6P9yJ4ACC
— Macclesfield FC (@thesilkmen) March 15, 2021
“Further to his appointment, we spoke to Ed about the exciting journey ahead: When I was offered the opportunity to manage the Macclesfield FC Reserve Team by Rob Smethurst and Robbie Savage, I was incredibly humbled.
“In fact it was a no-brainer for me, I instantly wanted to become involved in this incredible journey of ours and play my part in it.
“The opportunity to represent Macclesfield FC here at the Leasing.com Stadium really is unbelievable and I really do feel honoured to have been given this very special chance.
“I am also grateful to be able to bring Nick Ward in as my assistant. Nick is someone who I have known for a good number of years and he perfectly mirrors my own philosophy and beliefs. His energy and counsel will be incredibly important going forward and I am delighted that he represents the first to be joining my team at Macclesfield FC.
“Clearly we will be supporting Danny Whitaker and our First Team as much as we can – training will be on the same evenings, so there will be constant dialogue between us right from the start.
“That said, the Reserves will also be a team in their own right and will aim to win whatever league we are put into.
“Success breeds success and although anyone playing against one of Macclesfield FC’s sides will see it as their Cup Final, we will be ready for that – both mentally and physically.
“I really do hope that if fans can’t travel to away from home to watch the First Team, then they will come and support us.
“That means a great deal to me and I know it will to my players – all of whom will be absolutely committed to bringing success to Macclesfield FC.”
“We wish both Ed and Nick every success in their new roles at the Club and will provide further updates regarding the progression of our Reserve Team in due course.”
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FAN REACTION:
@jackbanister: Congrats @MrHaslamPE all the best mate 👍🏼
@Gazbmufc: Love this well done Ed 👏🏽⚽
@BcfcDavid: Love watching a club grow like this. Best of luck guys.
@SteveHayes1975: Congratulations 👏 @MrHaslamPE 👍
@ScottDJBarton: Great news
@lewiscalow: dream come true for eddie cmon
Phil Savage: Best wishes Eddie ….. you are the man for the job! We are delighted for you.
Mikey Garner: That’s brilliant Ed Haslam, congrats mate!
Jonny Cavanagh: Yes Ed Haslam love this mate 👏
Ashley Flood: Congratulations Ed Haslam 👏🏼
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