Macclesfield owner Smethurst steps down

Robert Smethurst took over the assets of the formerly known Macclesfield Town in 2020

Macclesfield owner Robert Smethurst has stepped down from his position, with the National League North club's board taking over operations.

Smethurst arrived at the club in 2020 after Macclesfield Town were wound up by the High Court due to debts of more than £500,000.

After rebranding as Macclesfield FC and entering the North West Counties League, the club has won three promotions to reach their current sixth-tier level.

"I feel the best way to move this football club forward is to bring someone in with more experience than me that can handle a lot of what this club is about and that is the first team," Smethurst said in an interview on the club's website.

"The lads on the board, who own the club now, will step forward and really start to make this club move onto the next level."

Macclesfield were led into the National League North under the stewardship of Robbie Savage, who held an association with the club since Smethurst arrived in 2020.

Savage, however, left to join National League side Forest Green Rovers in the summer.

"Me and Robbie were very close there's no doubt about it. We lived and breathed it," Smethurst added.

"We had a really special bond and since Robbie has gone, I've struggled with that. I've had added pressures. I just want to do now what is right for the club.

"I feel like the next evolution for this club is bring in someone better than I am, who has the energy and can carry on with the high expectations and keep driving this club forward."