SAVAGE PART OF PLANS TO BRING CLUB BACK TO MACCLESFIELD

FOOTBALL: Robbie Savage is part of a group led by local businessman Robert Smethurst who has acquired the assets of Macclesfield Town, with a new club being relaunched as Macclesfield FC. Savage, the former Leicester, and Wales midfielder turned broadcaster, is an associate of Smethurst and will be involved on the board, as well as in a head of football role. The Silkmen were wound up in the High Court and expelled from the National League last month, following unpaid debts of more than £500,000.

Players and staff were made redundant, but Smethurst plans to rebuild a new club at Moss Rose. Smethurst added that Danny Whitaker will be the manager of Macclesfield FC, who aim to compete in the North West Counties Football League next season.

“This is an extremely exciting opportunity to rebuild a historic football club for Macclesfield and the surrounding areas and I want to ensure that we bring the footballing heartbeat back to the local community,” said Smethurst in a statement. “My vision over the months and years is to rebuild the club, pitch and stadium facilities and to re-invest the income generated from that back into creating a first team and into a club overall.

“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.”

As well as Smethurst and Savage, the club’s new executive board will also include Carlos Roca, founder of PRO Football Academy, former Macclesfield vicechairman of Andy Scott, Jon Smart, who is the former Silkmen Supporters’ Trust chairman, and Lindsay Brown, an experienced commercial operations manager. Savage said: “I was devastated to see what happened at Macclesfield, a club steeped in history.

“I am privileged to be asked to take up a role.

“I live a stone’s throw from the ground and have integral links with the club as a local grassroots coach and father who brings his kids here to spectate.”

The National League announced its board had passed a resolution to expel Macclesfield with effect from October 12.

On September 16 the Insolvency and Companies Court wound up the club over unpaid debts of more than £500,000.