Macc respond to fans’ call on reserved seats
MACCLESFIELD FC chiefs are hoping to reverse a decision over the allocation of reserved seating for season ticket holders.
The club initially announced that reserved seating at the Moss Rose – now the Leasing.com Stadium – would be available to those who had purchased Platinum and Gold membership packages through the Silkmen’s Official Club Membership scheme only.
Fans who had bought Silver and Bronze packages, together with those who had invested in season tickets without a membership, were to be issued with these on an unreserved seat basis.
However, after a number of supporters spoke out against the decision via social media channels, club owner Rob Smethurst informed supporters the club would be ‘reviewing the proposed policy - with a view to facilitating reserved seated access for all that require it.”
The club’s initial announcement read: “As we count down the days until the start of our historic 2021/22 campaign, we would like to update all supporters regarding the allocation of season tickets.
“Since their unveiling, we have had a phenomenal response from those eager to secure their spot at the Leasing.com Stadium - for what will be the start of a journey which will encapsulate us all.
“Whether it be through our Official Club Membership scheme or via the purchase of season tickets directly, there can be no doubt that the Silkmen fans have backed our Club in a manner which confirms why Macclesfield FC is etched into the hearts and minds of so many already.
“For this, we are and will always remain, incredibly grateful.
“Like you, we can’t wait to kick-off our inaugural season and would like to provide some important information regarding seat allocation.
“Platinum and Gold Members will enjoy reserved access to seating within the Moss Lane stand - in line with their packages.
“This area will be clearly marked and within a central location - offering an incredible vantage point to witness history being made.
“Silver and Bronze members - together with those who have loyally invested in season tickets without a membership, will be issued with these on an unreserved seat basis.
“All individual match tickets will also be issued on an unreserved seat basis.
“We fully anticipate that supporters will be able to freely migrate around the ground during the forthcoming campaign and therefore, everyone will be able to support our Magic Man’s side in a way which we hope will inspire them into achieving the success that our loyal supporters so richly deserve.
“Membership packs and season tickets will be issued shortly before the start of the new season and we will confirm exact dates in due course.”
However, following the release of the statement, fans were quick to respond with many objecting to the idea of potentially being unable to sit with friends and fellow supporters they had sat alongside for many years.
And their views were taken on board by Smethurst, who followed up the initial club statement with an update explaining how the club were reconsidering the plan in light of the fans’ concerns.
“Further to the communication regarding allocation of seats, we have reviewed all the supporter feedback that this generated,” wrote Smethurst.
“I would like to thank everyone for their comments and in light of these, we are urgently reviewing the proposed policy - with a view to facilitating reserved seated access for all that require it.
“You can be assured that this is being progressed as quickly as possible, with a dedicated team headed by Patrick Birch and Bob Trafford taking over responsibility for it.
“Please do allow us a very short period of time to confirm the logistics of this and a further communication will be issued as soon as it has been finalised.”
‘We are reviewing the proposed policy – with a view to facilitating reserved seating for all who require it’