‘Totally separate entitites’ insist Town

MACCLESFIELD FC owner Robert Smethurst has reiterated his support for the Savage Foundation but says the two are ‘totally separate entities’.

Mr Smethurst bought the assets of Macclesfield Town in October and a phoenix club was set up. It is hoped that senior football will return to what was the Moss Rose in September. The new club, of which Robbie Savage is director of football, has partnered with the Savage Foundation.

But Mr Smethurst says that this represents a ‘shared vision’ regarding grassroots football for children.

In a Facebook post he said: “I have no exclusivity in any partnership with The Savage Foundation and they are not bound in any way to use Macclesfield FC.”

He added: ”MFC has no desire to ‘steal or persuade, nurture or try to convince’ any child away from their current parent grassroots club.

“This initiative is not about taking players from any current grassroots clubs - it’s about providing absolute transparent inclusion’ for all five-12year-olds.”

He also says that use of the new pitch has been offered at ‘heavily subsidised’ cost, although junior clubs counter the amount is still prohibitive. The latest statement from Mr Smethurst says: “Very shortly, we will be unveiling a brand new Saturday league here at the

Leasing.com Stadium which will be totally free of charge for selected grassroots local teams.

“The landscape in terms of grassroots football has changed and I am passionate in doing my bit to help all clubs reduce their costs via our amazing new 4G facilities.

“I can’t wait to see as many grassroots clubs competing in this new league as possible and teams can register their interest now by emailing info@macclesfieldfc.com.”