Welcome to the Silkmen Supporters' Trust.

5th May 2021

The Latest SST Update

Dear all

It has been some weeks since I as chairperson of the Silkmen Supporters Trust (SST) provided an update so here goes and I sincerely I hope that you find the information provided both helpful and informative.

Firstly, on behalf of the SST board, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to all of the amazing Silkmen fans who gave so generously to the GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral costs for much loved volunteer Andrew Galloway and significantly lessened the burden on Andrew’s devastated family. In addition as a result of the dissolution of the old Super Silk Lotto to make way for the new Macclesfield FC Lotto, we are delighted to be able to advise that we are in the process of paying £500 to the following organisations who do so much hard work for the wellbeing of our local community:

- Silklife Foodbank

- Age UK Cheshire East

- Speaking Up Speaking Out

- Cre8

- Packhorse Bowling & Social Club

- East Cheshire Eye Society

The above provide outstanding examples of what a truly fantastic football family Silkmen fans are ?.

 I am sure that you have all been as amazed and awestruck as I have been at the incredible transformation of the Leasing.com Stadium (still fondly referred to as the Moss Rose by many of us) in just a few months; and it continues at a rapid pace. When many of us set foot in the Leasing.com stadium for our historic first game as Macclesfield Football Club, it will feel so good to have a stadium that makes our hearts burst with pride as opposed to cringing with embarrassment.

Several weeks ago I met with Rob Smethurst who made me very welcome and was delighted to give me a tour, and all I can say was WOW!! I know that many of you will have seen the external elements of the ground in recent social media communications but I can categorically assure you will be blown away when you finally get to see BAR TWENTY SEVEN and STEALTH GYMNASIUM. The new reception area (at the site of the old Silkmen Cafe) will also provide a very professional and welcoming starting point for visitors to the Leasing.com Stadium.

 I am sure it will come as no surprise but by the time all the developments come to fruition, Rob Smethurst will have ploughed in excess of THREE MILLION POUNDS of his own money into this fantastic multi-layered project. Discussion was then held as to what we the SST could do to help Rob and the operational board at this time to maximise optimum experience for those visiting the Leasing.com Stadium as well as offer some financial support towards a number of initiatives.

The following points provide an insight as to how we have attempted to do this in collaboration with Rob and the operational board:

• Provided over £10,100 towards a new Public Address (PA) system. I am sure Silkmen supporters will recall ‘the Norman Collier experience‘ that would occur on a number of occasions during my appearances as the match day announcer as a consequence of antiquated and ill functioning equipment. I am also very aware that the inadequacy of the PA system was regularly a source of frustration for Silkmen fans who regularly highlighted their concerns on social media. A new PA system will not only ensure improved efficacy in terms of the health and safety of those inside the stadium, but most definitely improve the supporter experience on matchdays.

• Provided £2,100 towards two defibrillators and lockable cupboards which is a crucial component towards the ‘chain of survival’ during medical emergencies such as heart attack, cardiac arrest, strokes and foreign body obstruction to the airway. This was a ‘no brainer’ for the SST board, and I am sure that you would all agree that if only one life can be saved as a result of the availability of this vital piece of equipment; it will be have been money very well spent.

• Arranged match sponsorship for the first ever game at the Leasing.com Stadium as Macclesfield Football Club. The package includes complimentary food, the best seats in the stadium; complimentary match day programmes, and half-time refreshments for four people. There will also be the huge honour of selecting the very first Macclesfield Football Club Man of the Match.

• Agreed to sponsor the home and away shirts of Silkmen legend and manager Danny Whitaker for our inaugural campaign as Macclesfield Football Club.

As I am sure you can appreciate, the SST have within the course of the last several weeks provided significant financial resources (in the region of £13000) towards the above initiatives, and we do not have a boundless supply of funds. In the next few months, as the Covid-19 situation continues to improve, we are hoping to initiate a number of fund raising initiatives. It would be great if you as members of the SST could provide we the SST board, with suggestions of initiatives that you would actively support  (and ideally come forward to help in the facilitation of) as we move forward on this amazing new journey.

The SST board has been delighted to have Rob Vernon join us but there is most definitely room for at least three more people to help add further diversity, enthusiasm and new perspectives going forward. If you feel you would like to do this please get in touch by using the link below.

https://www.sstrust.uk/about-the-sst/contact-us/

Finally, I will make an earnest plea for all members of the SST (and indeed ALL Silkmen fans) to get hold of the brilliant song by Glass Ankle in homage to the Silkmen if you haven’t already done so, as it will help to raise for the long term benefit of the Silkmen and you our fantastic supporters. I also urge you to join the new Macclesfield Football Club lotto (when it comes back online) which helps to provide a nice little earner of £150 each week to a lucky winner whilst also supporting three very worthwhile causes who receive 20% of the proceeds with the rest going to the benefit of the football club.

 Please see the following links for details:

 https://www.facebook.com/GlassAnkleBand

www.macclesfieldfc.com/charity/lottery

Take care and stay safe, and never forget that is #OURTOWNOURCLUB

 Andy Worth

 Chairperson of the Silkmen Supporters Trust

26th February 2021

The Last Super Silk Lottery Draw

The winner of the very last Super Silk Lottery Draw is No: 84 Andrew Scott. 

Congratulations to Andy and thank you to all who have supported the Super Silk Lottery over the last 6 years.  In particular we would like to thank all at Canalside Radio for their support in announcing the winner weekly.  We would also like to thank the Silkmen Supporters Trust for their support in helping to administer the lottery.   We hope all the Macclesfield fans put their support behind the upcoming lottery being run by Macclesfield Football Club.

Regards

Marie, Andy and Rob 

21st  February 2021

Andrew Galloway and the Appeal

The Silkmen Supporters Trust (SST) were absolutely heartbroken to learn of the recent passing of committed Silkmen supporter and much-loved volunteer Andrew Galloway at just 23 years young.

Andrew was a young man who fought through so many challenges in his young life, and yet was simply just a lovely young man who provided countless hours of dedicated service for the club that he loved unconditionally over the course of the last few years.

Andrew’s warm and engaging personality; alongside a disarming smile and infectious laugh ensured that he was a much loved character, and he possessed an extraordinary ability to improve the mood of all those around him in no time at all.

There was never any indication that Andrew wanted any other remuneration for his voluntary work other than the knowledge that he was helping OUR club. Andrew had his whole life in front of him and had no agendas other than to volunteer his time for the benefit of the club that he loved. I am also sure all who read this will be able to recognise and empathise with the unimaginable pain and grief that Andrew’s family are going through at this time.

Rob Trafford (Head of Communications at Macclesfield FC) has been in daily contact with Andrew’s family. What has become clear from Rob’s discussions with the family is that the devastating loss of Andrew, has been exacerbated by the stress of trying to find some way of finding the money to provide Andrew with the sort of funeral that he so much deserves.

In the opinion of the SST board, now is the perfect opportunity for all of us to show what Andrew did for our club is truly appreciated by the Silkmen family.

The SST aim to raise £4200 to help to pay for Andrew’s funeral and lessen some of the burden on the Galloway family, whilst also helping to provide Andrew with the kind of send off that he so much deserves. The SST are providing an initial £1000 donation to the appeal, and it would be wonderful if many of the Silkmen family contribute what they can to help us to achieve our intended target. 

In order to do this you can follow the link below which will take you to the funding website, where you can make your contribution:

: gofundme.com/f/andrewgalloway

23rd January 2021

A New Announcement

Dear all

Firstly may I wish each and everyone a belated happy new year, and sincerely hope that you are all keeping safe and well in these unprecedented times.

The developments at the Leasing.com stadium (aka Moss Rose) continue at a relentless and extraordinary pace, and without a shadow of a doubt the stadium will look infinitely better when we finally get to see a Silkmen eleven on the field of play once again representing the town of Macclesfield with pride and passion.

Over the course of the last few weeks there has been discussion between the SST board and the Silkmen hierarchy with regards to how we can work in  partnership to support Rob Smethurst and the operational board in their quest towards making Macclesfield FC a vibrant and successful football club.  We want a club that clearly recognises the importance of listening to the voice of you the Silkmen fans as we hopefully go from strength to strength in the exciting times that lie ahead.

The prophetic words of Joe Koller on the SLE message board epitomised so succinctly as to how Silkmen fans are feeling at this time when he wrote the following words in response to Rob Smethurst’s new year message.

'Rob you gave us hope where there was none, you installed belief that the club would rise again when we had none. You have given this club back to the community and in return the community has put its trust and faith in you and the team and is not only right behind you, but travelling the journey with you. We all know that there is a long journey ahead and there will be ups and downs but we will travel the journey with you and share in the joy and disappointment as we work together to achieve the ultimate goal of a return to the Football League.’

Rob isr ploughing vast sums of his own money into this project, and we are keen to add our financial support. Rob cannot be expected to continue to shoulder sole responsibility for financing this exciting new journey. Over the past few weeks the SST board have spoken at length with the operational board of Macclesfield FC about how we can support this journey so here goes:

• The Super Silk Lotto; an initiative which has  been continually supported by the SST board since its inception, will make way for an exciting new Macclesfield FC (MFC) lottery and details of this will be made available by the club very soon. In the six years that the Super Silk Lotto has been in existence, over £75000 has been raised and this money has gone to help the football club; fabulous local community partners and of course lucky winners of the £100 weekly prize. Because of the importance of community to our football club we have decided hat better way is there to donate the sum of £500 each from our surplus to a number of local good causes who do such amazing oft unheralded work for the benefit of people in our local community. For more information, please see the statement from Robert Stirling, Marie Grundy & I which is available on the SST website and also on SLE Facebook dated the 21st January 2021.
  
  I urge not only those who participated in the Super Silk Lotto, but every member of the Silkmen Supporters Trust and Silkmen fans everywhere to join the new MFC lotto when it becomes available. If the MFC lotto can have 1000 entries every week, just imagine how much this will demonstrate to Rob, Robbie and the operational board that we the Silkmen fans are truly on this exciting new journey with them. 

• The SST intend to fund raise towards identifed project that wll be  to the benefit of supporters of Macclesfield FC.  There is ongoing consultation with the operational board of MFC about potential projects and we  will endeavour to canvas ALL SST members for their opinions regarding any potential project that is identified as soon as practicable. We intend to organise a range of events which we will need you to support in the post-covid world.  This will include such initiatives as race nights and golf days as starters for ten!

• There is however something that you can help to raise funds in the very near future. The SST board have  also pledged their 100% support behind the fantastic single by Greg from Glass Ankle where every penny earned will be placed into the SST coffers and subsequently ploughed into our chosen project.  Greg has been working tirelessly to have the final mix of the song and artwork by the 31st January 2021, and will then look to get it out on a range of formats including Amazon, Apple Spotify iTunes and even a limited edition vinyl copy, and how good would it be if we could get so many sales that we get it into the charts?

• We are delighted to inform you that the SST have agreed  the front of shirt sponsorship of the away shirt of the newly formed Macclesfield Supporters Football Club. As is so aptly stated on the home page of their website ‘football is nothing without fans’ and as the official fans representatives of Macclesfield Football Club it was an absolute ‘no brainer’ to offer financial support to our peers on this great new venture.

• We would love to see our current board membership enhanced by new members who could potentially provide significant new impetus to us. If you are someone who thinks they can be that person please contact us at  https://www.sstrust.uk/about-the-sst/contact-us/ and we would happy to chat with you.

• If you the SST membership have any ideas about how we can develop and improve as a Supporters Trust then please offer your suggestions by going tohttps://www.sstrust.uk/about-the-sst/contact-us/ and placing your suggestions in the ‘We welcome your Thoughts and Comments’ box.

• It would be so good if Silkmen fans from all walks of life could volunteer their particular skills towards the Silkmen cause. Members of the SST board including Patrick Birch Jon Smart and Richard Pattrick have already put in countless hours on a voluntary basis because they can see what an amazing future that could be ours. If you  feel you have something to offer then please contact the football club at info@macclesfieldfc.com because I know they would love to hear from you.

Please take care and stay safe ?.

Andy Worth

Chairperson of the Silkmen Supporters Trust

22nd January 2021

Super Silk Lotto Finishes

As of the 26th of February 2021 the Super Silk Lotto will be terminated.  This is to make way for a new Macclesfield FC lottery, of which more details will be released shortly.  All existing entries will be terminated from that date and the 327th and last draw will take place on Friday 26th February 2021.

The Silkmen Supporters Trust board and in particular the separate lotto committee of Andy Worth, Marie Grundy and Robert Stirling, with support from John Abbott and Myra Clark, would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the 259 people who supported the Lotto over more than 6 years.  In that time, the Lotto went from strength to strength raising vital funds for Macclesfield Town FC as well as a number of local community partners, all through the voluntary efforts of dedicated Silkmen supporters.  

The total raised amounted to in excess of £75,000, leading to regular cash injections to the football club predominantly focused on stadium improvements to improve the fan experience such as new kitchen equipment, pitch treatment, stewards radios, turnstile works, and a volunteers thank you event.  Let us also not forget the 327 winners of the £100 weekly cash prize, which helped to significantly brighten their Friday’s after such a nice little windfall!

The Super Silk Lotto was extremely proud to contribute to numerous community partners during the 6 year period including David Lewis, Ollie's Army, Mac Activity Centre, Space4autism, Canalside Community Radio and Silklife Foodbank.

As part of the termination of the Lotto, there is also a retained surplus which will be split amongst a cross section of local community organisations helping Macclesfield people of all ages and backgrounds.  Those chosen are as follows:

- Silklife Foodbank

- Age UK Cheshire East

- Speaking Up Speaking Out

- Cre8

- Packhorse Bowling & Social Club

- East Cheshire Eye Society

Any further surplus will be retained by the SST to go towards fan projects.

Thank you again to everyone associated with the Super Silk Lotto, a great initiative which has benefited many in the Macclesfield community.

Andy, Marie & Robert 

Former Super Silk Lotto Team

For any future questions, please get in touch with membership@sstrust.uk or if you would like to join the waiting list for the new Macclesfield FC lottery, please email info@macclesfieldfc.com with LOTTERY in the subject line.

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.