Macclesfield FC co-owner Rob Smethurst to remain on the board 

Macclesfield FC have confirmed that co-owner Robert Smethurst will remain on the club’s board of directors following a period of internal uncertainty at the Leasing.com Stadium.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the National League North club said “constructive discussions” had taken place between all parties, resulting in an “agreed way forward” which the board believes is in the best interests of the club.

Smethurst had been “temporarily relieved of all duties” on Saturday after it was reported he was arrested in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on May 19 on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour. Cheshire Constabulary said he has since been “bailed pending further enquiries”.

He has denied the allegations on social media.

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Difficult period

A statement from the club last night read: “The last few weeks have been a difficult period for everyone connected to Macclesfield FC, and there has understandably been significant concern amongst supporters.

“Following constructive discussions between the parties, a number of issues have been addressed and an agreed way forward has been reached which the board believes is in the best interests of the football club.

“Robert has acknowledged that some of his recent comments and actions have given rise to understandable concern amongst supporters.

“That recognition has formed an important part of the discussions which have taken place.”

“The board also notes that a number of completely unfounded claims regarding the private lives of board members have circulated online during this period.

“We would like to make it absolutely clear that there is no basis whatsoever for these allegations and would urge supporters not to engage with or perpetuate them.”

Backing

Smethurst has been central to Macclesfield FC’s rapid rise since acquiring the assets of Macclesfield Town in 2020 and relaunching the club in the North West Counties League.

The Silkmen have since climbed from Step 5 to Step 2 of the Non-League system, establishing themselves in the National League North.

He confirmed his arrest to the BBC and said the allegations against him had been “an absolute load of rubbish”.

After being reinstated to the board, Smethurst took to Facebook Live, where he again denied the allegations and thanked supporters and the club for their backing during a difficult period.

He said he had held extended discussions with the board and that an agreed way forward had been reached, allowing him to remain involved in the club’s future.

In the company structure, Macclesfield FC is owned and directed by Ama Singh, Robert Smethurst, Sarah-Jane Smethurst and Jonathan Bull, with Singh (ASG Holdings Jersey Ltd) holding a 41 per cent stake, while Robert Smethurst and Sarah-Jane Smethurst each hold 17.8 per cent.

Long term

The statement also set out the board’s wider position on the future direction of the club: “Throughout this period, the board’s priority has remained the protection and long-term success of the football club.

“Robert has played a major role in helping rebuild football in Macclesfield and in establishing the foundations that exist today.

“Ama first became involved with the football club to support a project he believed in.

“Few could have anticipated the position the club would find itself in over recent years, but his financial commitment and continued backing have been instrumental in helping secure the club’s future and support its ongoing growth.

“Most importantly, the board is united in its vision for the future and fully focused on supporting our management team, players, staff, volunteers and supporters as we continue building on the progress made both on and off the pitch.

“We also appreciate the patience shown by our supporters throughout this period.

“With these matters now addressed, our focus is firmly on the future and on ensuring that Macclesfield FC continues to move forward as a club that the whole community can be proud of.”

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