robert smethurst
Robert Smethurst is best known as a businessman and football club owner who has led the modern rebuilding of Macclesfield FC in English non‑league football.
Who is Robert Smethurst?
- A British entrepreneur born in 1977 who has held multiple directorships across football and related businesses.
- Widely recognised as the owner and chairman at Macclesfield FC, where he has become a central public figure since taking over the club after the collapse of the old Macclesfield Town.
- Frequently referred to as “Rob Smethurst” in interviews, club content, and football-business media.
Role in football and Macclesfield FC
- Smethurst became director of Macc Football Club Limited in October 2020, a key corporate vehicle behind the reborn Macclesfield FC.
- He has also been involved in other football-related companies, including The International Football Sports Group Limited and The International Academy Of Football Limited, reflecting a wider interest in the sport and player development.
- Media and podcast appearances highlight his role in the “resurrection” of Macclesfield, describing how he helped transform a non‑league side into a growing, commercially ambitious club with strong community links.
Quick snapshot of directorships (selected)
| Company | Role | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macc Football Club Limited | Director | From 6 Oct 2020 | Active |
| The International Football Sports Group Limited | Director | From 15 Nov 2020 | Active |
| Stockport Town Football Club Limited | Director | 3 Dec 2019 – 31 Mar 2021 | Active during tenure |
| The Savage Foundation CIC | Director | 4 Feb 2021 – 24 Dec 2024 | Dissolved |
Recent updates and public comments
- Smethurst regularly appears in video interviews titled along the lines of “An update from owner Robert Smethurst” or “Catch up with chairman Rob Smethurst,” where he discusses on‑field performance, restructuring decisions, and long‑term club plans.
- In a recent football‑business podcast, he spoke about the “incredible” journey of rebuilding Macclesfield, including promotions, financial rebuilding, and reconnecting with fans.
- Local coverage in early 2026 reports that he has said owning Macclesfield helped “save his life”, describing how taking on the club gave him structure and motivation while he battled addiction and personal challenges.
“It has been incredible… I’d never have changed anything,” he reflects when looking back at the journey, while also acknowledging the emotional and demanding nature of the role.
Forum and fan discussion angles
On forums, social media, and comment sections, conversation around Robert Smethurst typically clusters into a few themes:
- Saviour of the club vs. business pragmatist
- Many fans credit him with rescuing football in Macclesfield after the previous club’s collapse, praising his willingness to invest and take risks.
* Others focus on decisions around managers, restructures, and off‑field choices, debating whether he is too ruthless or simply realistic in trying to make the club sustainable.
- Emotional leadership style
- His interviews often show him visibly emotional and candid, openly admitting when he feels “gutted”, lonely in decisions, or unsure if he is the right person to front certain football calls.
* Supporters often discuss this openness: some appreciate the transparency and human side; others argue that emotional communication should be backed by clearer plans and football structure.
- Long‑term vision vs. short‑term results
- There is interest in how his broader business network in football (academies, football groups, foundations) might support Macclesfield’s future growth.
* At the same time, match results, league position, and managerial changes drive debate about whether the project is progressing fast enough on the pitch.
“Quick Scoop” – key points
- Robert “Rob” Smethurst is a British entrepreneur and football-club owner, most prominently associated with the modern Macclesfield FC project.
- He holds or has held multiple football‑related director roles, including Macc Football Club Limited and The International Football Sports Group Limited.
- Media pieces portray him as the driving force behind Macclesfield’s rebirth, combining investment, fan engagement, and commercial growth.
- In recent coverage, he has openly described how buying the club helped him battle addiction and gave him renewed purpose.
- Fan and forum discussions often balance gratitude for saving the club with scrutiny of his decisions, emotional communication style, and long‑term strategy.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
