Welcome to the Silkmen Supporters' Trust.

14th October 2020

Silkmen Supporters Trust Statement

Firstly may I take this opportunity offer both old and new members of the SST my sincere thanks for joining together on our journey to a bright new future for our beloved Silkmen. The SST will only get stronger with the more members that we have, and the recent surge in membership has been so amazing to witness. 

We would now like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rob Smethurst on his acquisition of the assets of Macclesfield Town football club today. We  were very impressed with what he had to say during yesterday’s press conference, and would like to make it clear that it is our intention to engage with Rob on a face to face as soon as possible to help to establish an enduring dialogue to the long term benefit of our Phoenix Club. We will then of course provide feedback as soon as possible.

We were absolutely delighted to learn of the news that our very own magic man; the iconic midfield maestro that is Daniel Philip Whitaker is to be the first ever manager of our phoenix club. Danny has not only proven to be a fantastic servant to the football club on the field, where he has developed the sort of legendary status akin to ‘Sir’ John Askey; he is also a really nice guy who is incredibly humble, and really deserves his chance to manage the club that he loves so much. 

We are very keen to receive your views on how the SST can be more inclusive and effective. As a consequence, we are delighted that we can now provide the opportunity for Trust members to share their thoughts ideas and comments about how we can improve as a Trust via the link to the left hand side of the home page of the SST website entitled  ‘We welcome your Thoughts and Comments.’  

There are many ways that the SST can improve its inclusivity and effectiveness, especially by involving a wide range of people in SST activities, Going forward it is will be a challenge to redevelop our new club and we need active engagement by many fans, embraced by the idiom of ‘many hands make light work’. With this in mind and to facilitate this improved efficacy, the SST needs to develop a number of sub-groups in areas such as finance, marketing, fan liaison, membership, communication, legal issues and engaging with the local authorities.  We will further refine this list in terms of club-facing requirements after discussions with the owner. All these groups would feed into an overarching SST board. We will be appealing for volunteers in the near future but if you think you can help in any of these areas please provide your contact details, and indicate in what area you feel that you will be able to make a valued contribution by going to enquiries@sstrust.uk 

We would like to to get your views as to what name that you as fellow Trust members believe is most representative of a supporters group for the Silkmen faithful. People can send their suggestions in to enquiries@sstrust.uk  by  22^nd October 2020, and we will then undertake a poll to determine the most successful of the suggestions provided. It is important to note that  even if the name is changed, we would retain our Supporters Trust status and details of the Silk lotto, bank details, etc would remain unchanged. We would also, remain under the governance of the Football Supporters Association (FSA). We are also acutely aware of the need to have an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the near future, but feel that some leeway is required in view of the current fluidity of the situation regarding our beloved club. We have approached the Football Supporters Association (FSA) can support us regarding the proposed delay until a time where we have had the opportunity to engage proactively with the new regime.

The  ‘wish list’ tread on Wraggs to Riches provided some very useful food for thought for the SST board, and we are now looking at what our fellow Trust members would most like to engage within a crowd funder initiative as we move forward as a club. With this in mind we would be grateful if you would post your suggestions by 22nd  October 2020 as to what causes you would most like for us to crowdfund for. This can be done by going to home page https://www.sstrust.uk/ and placing your suggestions in the ‘We welcome your Thoughts and Comments’ box.

There clearly has to be some benefits for being a member of the Trust, and so we are exploring a number of avenues that would emphasise the importance of your membership. Please keep your eyes peeled for an update on this in the very near future. The time has come for us to look forward rather than backwards, and the next few years could prove to be one heck of an exciting journey back up the football pyramid, so are you ready to join together to provide a unified supporters group to evoke change and shape the future?

#OURTOWNOURCLUB

Andy Worth,

Chairperson of the Silkmen Supporters Trust. 

13th October 2020

Latest Statement From The New Owner Of Macclesfield Football Club

A full statement from the new owner of Macclesfield Football Club

6th October 2020

An Addition to the Statement

The SST have been contacted by Mr Rob Smethurst who states it is he who is buying the club not ProFootball Academy. He believes the transfer of assets will be completed by Friday. He would like to reassure fans that his aspiration for the new Macclesfield Town is for the team to climb the leagues to its natural position.

He wants to meet with fans as soon as feasible and he wishes it to be known that he is a Macc lad!

6th October 2020

Silkmen Supporters Trust Statement

Discussions have been ongoing between a number of parties about the future of the Moss Rose and Macclesfield Town FC. We note from Twitter today that it appears that Rob Smethurst has purchased the assets of the club. We look forward to meeting with Rob in the coming days to fully understand his plans for our club. 

The Silkmen Supporters Trust wish the MTFC fans voice to be heard.  In this respect we desire that the new management’s objectives will include:

• The club’s aspiration will be to climb the football league                  pyramid back to a position in the National League/League2.
• We have a team that the town of Macclesfield can be proud             of, that we can fully support, playing at the Moss Rose.
• A club where volunteers know their contributions are both             valued and contributes directly to the club’s footballing and            community aspirations.
• In the context of running the club, we want owners that                    place the successful running of the first team, the fans                    experience and integration with the community as the top              priorities.
• A match day experience to enjoy, in a comfortable and safe           stadium, with appropriate facilities including all levels of                 hospitality.
• Genuine fan input into the running of the club with clear                 and  regular communication with all fans that will ensure a             highly productive collaboration.
• A club where sponsors are made welcome and feel they are           contributing to the club’s success.
• A successful academy programme within the club, that                   contributes to community integration, to the match day                   experience and to the development of young footballers,                 including supplying players for the first team.
• Specific encouragement of young supporters to come to                 the  matches.

Following the recent liquidation the fans do not want owners who:

Place the club in financial difficulties and take money out of the club.

29th September 2020

A National Lea​gue statement on Macclesfield Town.

Further to the company owning Macclesfield Town Football Club (“The Club”) being the subject of a court winding-up order, the Board of The National League has passed a Resolution pursuant to its Articles of Association that a Notice of Expulsion be served on the Club taking effect on Monday 12th October 2020.

29th September 2020

Latest Update After the Council Meeting on Monday 28th September 2020

Patrick Birch of the SST and Mike Rance of the CST briefed Macclesfield Town Council of the current situation regarding the Football Club on the evening of Monday 28th September 2020.  Here are transcripts of what they said.

Patrick Birch:

I am here today representing the football club and the supporters organisation.  We work closely with the Community Sports Trust (CST) which Mike will speak about next.

Twelve days ago, Macclesfield Town, with its illustrious 146 year history, was wound up.  Little point going into detail on how this came about.  Best to focus now on what happens next and the help we would like from you the Town Council.

The upside, If there is an upside to the current difficult situation, is that we now have an opportunity to build a thriving football club at the heart of the community.

Just think what the football club brings to the town:-

the club puts Macclesfield on the map nationally and contributes to our visitor economy

the club is a place where local businesses can sell and advertise their products.

the club is a place where, when we get it right, everybody is welcome, a place where great memories are made, where people feel happy ( which helps tackle issues like social isolation and loneliness) ,a place where they can acquire new skills and qualifications  (NVQs etc)

We want a football club' that operates at  the highest possible level of football but most important we want a football club back at the heart of the community - where the ‘town helps the club’ and the ‘club helps the town.’  That’s where we all want to be.

The Mayor asked us to be clear what help we would like from you, the Town Council.

3 things:

1. Help us get the messages out about us becoming a community club again - we should all be determined that the club is not going to die - we should all be determined to rebuild.  Let’s s all talk about the future not the past.   Help us do this - get involved yourselves, encourage others to get involved.
2. Help us secure the Moss Rose as the home for the new football club.  The ground is a connection with our history, it holds so many memories.  Without the ground setting up a new football club will be extremely difficult.  Work with us to secure the Moss Rose.
3. Work with us on a viable business plan for the future of the Moss Rose.  Here I am thinking much needed investment in the renovation of the stadium.  I am thinking possible installation of a 4G artificial pitch that will create a much needed community facility that will also generate significant income for the club.  Work with us as we develop and implement these plans.

Several more actions bound to follow but try these for a start.

These are difficult times for football in Macclesfield.  There are lots or reasons to feel down and despondent.

But I hope here I have highlighted an opportunity - the opportunity we have to restore the football club's place at the heart of the Macclesfield community and together to achieve great things that help the club and help the town.

Thanks for listening.

Mike Rance:

I’m here as Chair of the Macclesfield Town Community Sports Trust.  We’re a charity that has operated from Moss Rose since 1997 when we were first promoted to the Football League.  We’re solvent and will survive the loss of the football club, at least in the short term.  We have equal rights with the Football Club to operate our business from the Moss Rose under the terms of the Club’s 1990 sub-lease.

As you may not be as familiar with us as you are with the club I’d like to use this opportunity to give you some background on who we are and what we do.

We're currently funded by national football charities, including the Premiership and EFL trusts and by some local benefactors.  We provide support to a wide range of organisations from nurseries and primary schools to care homes for the elderly, addressing a health and wellbeing agenda.

We also run a successful Community Football Academy in partnership with All Hallows’ Catholic High School and Macclesfield College and currently have 100 students studying Sports Science A-levels or BTECs and playing for our various teams in College and EFL Community Leagues. Just last week we played in the final of the 2020 Football League’s Community & Education Football Alliance National Cup and beat Swindon Town at the FA Headquarters at St George’s Park to bring home the trophy!

Sadly, the lack of modern open field community facilities in Macclesfield means that we have to play most of our "home" games at Egerton Boys Club in Knutsford or Platt Lane in South Manchester which illustrates well just how important the Moss Rose is to the town.

We’ll find it difficult to survive without a "parent" Football Club over the longer term and fully support the concept of a much needed Community Stadium.  We’ll do all we can to help realise this vision".

Thank you for your time.

The Town Council:

The Macclesfield Town Councillors responded very positively.  Mayor Sarah Bennett-Wake said, 'Macclesfield will not let the Silkmen go'.

Cllr. Mick Warren said he hoped that discussions with Cheshire East would be taking place later this week to secure Community football here at the Moss Rose.

Cllr. Neil Puttick stressed the active role the Town Council can play in the development of the Community club encouraging everyone to get involved.  In particular he highlighted the great work of the Community Sports Trust (CST) with people of all ages.

Cllr. Fiona Wilson stressed the importance of the viable business plan for the development of the Moss Rose and the assistance Town Councillors could offer with fundraising.

Cllr. Jackson felt in these challenging COVID times Macclesfield won't be the only football club experiencing financial difficulties.  A return to grass roots football is the answer for Macclesfield and the way we should go.

Cllr. Hutchinson expressed the view of all Town Councillors that they were passionate about the club and would do whatever they could to help.

The football club is at the heart of the Macclesfield community.  The Town Council resolved to get involved immediately ('early doors') to ensure the right way forward both for the club and the town.

26th September 2020

Latest Statement

Dear all

Firstly thank you very much to all of you who have joined the Silkmen Supporters Trust (SST) over the course of the last few days which demonstrates how much our beloved Silkmen means to so many of you. We hope that many of you will have seen that there is also an opportunity to join the Super Silk Lotto which has the sole intention of raising funds for the benefit of the football club in whatever guise it takes going forward. Links to joining the SST and / or Super Silk Lotto will be provided below.

      Joining the SST             ;                                            Join the Silk Lotto

Many of you will be anxious to know if there has been any developments since our last statement and we will endeavour to tell you what we are aware of to the time of this statement. We can categorically clarify that Mr AlKadhi made no attempt to rescind the winding up order, and that the most appropriate way forward would appear to be the formation of a phoenix club. As has been noted in social media, the football club is now up for sale with written offers due in by 12p.m. on Monday 28th September 2020, with a requirement for a non-disclosure agreement and proof of funding cited as a pre-requisite for any interested parties.

In the midst of all the uncertainty, one beacon of light has been the impassioned rhetoric from Joe Sealey. Joe as made it clear that he has fallen in love with the club; has hailed the fans ‘the best I’ve ever come across’ and wants to have a board full of local businessmen who are also fans, and has also mooted his desire for fan representation. We spoke on the afternoon on Friday 25th September 2020 with sources close to Joe who spoke of his continued commitment to the cause, and that both Joe and his business advisors were ‘exploring a number of avenues currently and hope to further progress things next week. It’s hard to say too much as still a lot to do.’ 

At this time we have no information regarding any other bidders, and we clearly recognise that supporters are anxious for some good news after the horrors of the last several years. It is of further use to note that Patrick Birch from the SST alongside Mike Rance from the Community Sports Trust (CST) will be speaking with local councillors at the behest of the Mayor of Macclesfield, Sarah Bennett-Wake, on Monday 28th September 2020 and we will of course provide an update on this as soon as practicable.

Please be assured that as soon as we are able to, we will provide further information.

SST Board

#OURTOWNOURCLUB

22nd September 2020

Latest Update from the SST

On the evening of Monday 21st September 2020 the Silkmen Supporters Trust (SST)  engaged with representatives  of the Community Sports Trust (CST) alongside a representative of the Fooball Supporters Association (FSA) via a Zoom meeting to discuss the potential options for senior level football in Macclesfield as a consequence of the enforced liquidation of Macclesfield Town Football Club last week.

At the time of this briefing we are still awaiting the outcome of whether Mr AlKadhi is able to pay what is owed to a range of creditors in an attempt to rescind the winding up order,  and whether or not this has been possible should be known by Wednesday 23rd September 2020.

There was a clear consensus from all present that in the event that liquidation is confirmed; successfully resolving any issues of concern surrounding the lease of the Moss Rose stadium is fundamental to the success of any football team that represents the town of Macclesfield in the future. The SST and CST are committed to such a successful resolution.     

We are also delighted to confirm that a representative of the SST board and CST have been invited to speak to the Town Council about the situation surrounding our football club by the Mayor of Macclesfield; Councillor Sarah Bennett-Wake.. We would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the Mayor for her kind invitation.

Please be assured that as soon as we are able to, we will provide further contemporary updates, and thank you for your patience. 

18th September 2020

The Latest Statement

After the devastating news on Wednesday the SST are now urgently trying to pull together a viable future strategy and plan for the club we all love so much.  To do this we need the help of all fans and any contribution you can make will be warmly received, appreciated and greatly valued.

These are awful traumatic times for us all and we all need to work together to keep our illustrious club alive.  Obviously we need to consult and work with all interested parties to look for the best possible solutions available to the club.

The situation is still fluid and will probably be so for a few days, when we expect the end of Mr Alkahi’s tenure and the full extent of the legal situation will sadly be clarified.  To date as we understand it the Official Receiver has received five bids for the club.  Two are viable with the remaining three being from property developers.

Once we have clarification we can then decide the best way forward.  It is imperative that we get this right.  There is so much at stake and we appreciate the anxiety surrounding the future and the eagerness to help but currently we need to ask for patience.

For those of you who are looking to contribute to a fighting fund to aid the cause, we again ask you to remain patient with us.  We are looking to set up a funding campaign with a major platform which we will launch as soon as we decide the best direction to assist the club.

In the meantime, a good number of people have become members of the Trust over the past 24/48 hours and we strongly urge others to join.  We need as many members as possible to help us get through this nightmare.  You can join by clicking on this link to our website:

Join Us

Be assured we will continue to update fans as and when we have any information to give out.  In the meantime the SST are currently dealing with and acting on information from the following:

The Official Receiver.

Cheshire East and Macclesfield Councils.

Community Sports Trust.

Football Supporters Association.

The FA.

The National League.

The EFL.

Various national and international newsrooms.

Thousands of messages on Twitter and other social media platforms.

Individuals offering their skills and help.

16th Septermber 2020

A  Statement on Today's Winding Up Order.

The SST are devastated by the decision of the court to wind up Macclesfield Town Football Club.

The responsibility for this lies at the feet of one person – Amar Alkadhi.

We are currently looking into what actions we can take to save the club and as such will be seeking a meeting with the receiver as soon as possible.

In the meantime the SST will attempt to put together a rescue bid.

We ask all our fans to unite and get behind the SST.  We therefore ask any fan with specialist knowledge to contact the SST, as soon as possible.

A Further Statement on Today's Winding Up Order.

Following on from the decision of the court to wind up Macclesfield Town Football Club, the SST has ascertained that a receiver has not yet been appointed and is unlikely to be appointed for a week or so.

This is a winding up, so the court will appoint someone, if it believes there to be any assets.

It is understood that Mr Alkadhi was told at last week’s hearing to provide proof of funding or a potential buyer but he was unable to do so.

There is no easy way back from this.  The only way would to pay out all the money owed an option the SST are currently exploring.

The court ruling is in effect the end of the club in the present format.

The only way forward now, and it may be a positive, would be to form a new club, just like Bury have done, debt free and without Mr Alkadhi.  To that end the SST will be contacting local councillors to preserve and protect the integrity of the Moss Rose stadium.

The SST would like to reassure our fellow fans that whatever happens the SST will not countenance Mr Alkadhi being involved in any shape or form.

The SST furthermore hope than the fanbase will unify behind whatever club we have in the future.