"Macclesfield Town FC, 1874-2020 was the etching on the gravestone of the club that died, mourned quietly by a town that had slowly lost touch with events at the shambling football ground on its southern tip, pretty much the last stop before the long drive to London begins. So ruinous were finances the old club, recently relegated from League Two after repeated points sanctions, was lost to the receivers in September 2020."
"Rob Smethurst is the local entrepreneur who bought Moss Rose's fixtures and fittings from the Rightmove website. Such a whim a snap decision Smethurst, who has put in 4m, readily admits was taken while heavily under the influence soon restored the club to its town. The 4G pitch that so troubled Crystal Palace on Saturday proved the crucial factor, allowing locals to train and play on the surface through the week, driving revenue."
The original Macclesfield Town club folded after severe financial collapse, repeated points sanctions, relegation from League Two and receivership in September 2020, compounded by Covid restrictions and fragile football economics. Local entrepreneur Rob Smethurst purchased Moss Rose's fixtures and fittings and invested about £4m to create a phoenix club. Installation of a 4G pitch enabled weekday training and community use, boosting revenue. Addition of gym facilities and a high-end bar revived attendance, turning matchdays into social gatherings with drinks in view of the pitch. The revived club produced a memorable FA Cup victory that reconnected the town with Moss Rose.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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