CLUB STATEMENT FROM ROBERT SMETHURST

25 Oct 2023

Share:

Further to last night’s Northern Premier League – Premier Division fixture against Worksop Town, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to part company with Head Coach Mark Duffy, Assistant Head Coach Sammy McIlroy, and Head Goalkeeper Coach Dean Baker.
In addition to this, Head of Recruitment Jimmy Holmes will also be leaving his role at the Football Club.
All four individuals have been a pivotal factor in all that we have achieved to date and without them, none of this would have been possible.
Helping us achieve two successive promotions is something which all four individuals can take an infinite amount of pride and is something which we will forever be grateful for.
Whilst their positive contributions can never be questioned, the challenges we have faced since being promoted to the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League have meant that changes need to be made.
Despite everyone’s best efforts, four defeats in the last five games sadly have forced our hand.
Before the 2023/24 season commenced, we made everyone acutely aware that our aim was to secure a play-off place and be competitive in every game we play.
Whilst accepting the fact that the campaign remains in its early stages, the stark reality is that if our current form is allowed to continue unchecked then our objectives for the season would be placed in jeopardy.
Quite simply, we are not prepared to risk that.
Every facet of the Football Club (including playing staff) will be meticulously reviewed to ensure our incredibly high standards are maintained.
We will do everything within our power to ensure that our objectives are met and will issue a further statement in due course.

Featured in this article:

LatestNews

MATCH REPORT: MACCLESFIELD FC 3-0 OXFORD CITY

MATCH REPORT: MACCLESFIELD FC 3-0 OXFORD CITY

The Silkmen followed up on an unbelievable victory in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round at home to Crystal Palace with an emphatic 3-0 victory against Oxford City, the goals courtesy of Isaac Buckley-Ricketts and D'Mani Mellor! John Rooney made just one change to the...

read more
MATCH PREVIEW: MACCLESFIELD FC VS OXFORD CITY

MATCH PREVIEW: MACCLESFIELD FC VS OXFORD CITY

The Silkmen play their second game in twenty four hours this afternoon as they take on Oxford City in the Enterprise National League North at the Leasing.com Stadium   MATCH DETAILS Date: Saturday 17th January 2026 Kick-Off: 15:00 Kit Colours:  SILKMEN:...

read more
MONDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS FOR BRENTFORD GAME

MONDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS FOR BRENTFORD GAME

We are delighted to confirm that our Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Brentford will take place on Monday 16th February with a 7:30pm kick-off time.  The tie has also been selected for TV coverage, with the tie to be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery +....

read more