From Property Listing to Football Glory: The Macclesfield FC Transformation
Rob Smethurst's life was spiraling out of control when he made a decision that would change everything. In the midst of a severe alcohol addiction during the Covid-19 pandemic, the businessman stumbled upon an unusual property listing on Rightmove - the Moss Rose ground of Macclesfield FC. What began as a desperate search for purpose has evolved into one of football's most inspiring stories.
A Life-Changing Discovery on Rightmove
"I had a drinking addiction with alcohol and I was probably hiding it away from everybody," Smethurst reveals. "I was drinking an awful lot and really going down the wrong path. I pushed my family away and I was having very, very bad and dark days."
The businessman explains that he reached a critical point: "I nearly died through alcohol and I thought, 'I've got to step up and try and make a difference.' When I saw it on Rightmove, I thought, 'I've got to try and change my life,' and there was no better thing really than to buy a football club to do that."
In October 2020, Smethurst purchased the stadium and all available assets of the phoenix club, which had been established after predecessors Macclesfield Town were served a winding-up order. More than five years later, he stands as a transformed man - four years sober and leading a football club that has captured the nation's imagination.
Historic FA Cup Achievement
The Silkmen created football history earlier this season when they stunned FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in the third round, achieving what has been described as the biggest giant-killing in the competition's history. The non-league side, some 117 places below Palace in the football pyramid at kick-off, delivered a performance that will be remembered for generations.
Now, Macclesfield face another Premier League challenge as they host Brentford in the fourth round on Monday night. The Bees currently sit seventh in the top flight and come into the match off the back of a draw with league leaders Arsenal, making them formidable opponents.
"I'm scared to death," Smethurst admits about facing Brentford. "But the reality of it is we've won our World Cup already. So whatever happens in the next round, the boys will go out there, they'll have fun and I think that that's all we can ask for is do your best."
Football as Therapy and Purpose
For Smethurst, owning a football club has provided the structure and purpose he desperately needed during his recovery. "When you suffer with addiction and myself with ADHD, you're all over the place," he explains. "Your head's constantly looking for the next thing and when you've got a football club, there are so many things that happen."
The owner describes how the club has given him direction: "It's really kept me grounded and really sort of massively focused on doing something. When you're on those dark days, you really do need that direction and purpose to keep you focused."
Smethurst believes the takeover has probably saved his life while also providing an outlet to help others struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or other challenges. He emphasizes that his door is always open to those within the club who want to reach out, positioning himself as both a fan and an active part of the community.
On-Field Success and Financial Impact
Under Smethurst's ownership, Macclesfield FC has experienced remarkable on-field success. The club has won a succession of promotions during a journey that has brought them ever closer to a Football League return. Their FA Cup run has also delivered significant financial benefits, with close to £800,000 generated through prize money and television income this season alone.
This financial windfall is being reinvested into the club as they aim to continue their upward trajectory through the leagues. Manager John Rooney, the 35-year-old younger brother of former England captain Wayne Rooney, has overseen this fairytale cup run after taking over from Robbie Savage.
Chief Belief Officer Role
In a fitting full-circle moment, Rightmove has approached Smethurst to become the property website's Chief Belief Officer. He has embraced this new responsibility with enthusiasm, seeing it as an extension of his personal journey.
"Going back to the Rightmove story, [the message] is that if you believe in yourself and you believe in a purpose, it's really important to take that journey and have a go and don't be scared of moving forward in life," Smethurst explains.
He adds: "Too many people are afraid to make that next step or they're too afraid to make a difference, or they might be in a dark place and don't know how to get out of that. So being this Chief Belief Officer for Rightmove, that goes a little bit deeper than just buying a property. It's actually believing in yourself."
Looking Ahead with Optimism
As Macclesfield prepare for their biggest challenge yet against Brentford, Smethurst maintains a philosophical perspective. "Who knows what's going to happen," he says about the upcoming match. "And if we lose 15, 20-0, who cares? It's been great fun."
But the owner has also made some tempting promises to his players. "I promised the lads that we'd go to Ibiza and that might be upgraded to Vegas," he reveals with a smile. "Who knows what will happen? But I think no matter what happens, we've achieved the impossible, we're against all odds and, if we can do the David and Goliath story again, one more time, then the celebrations will go into the late morning and for weeks to come."
From a life-threatening addiction to leading a football club to historic FA Cup success, Rob Smethurst's journey serves as powerful testament to the transformative power of purpose, community, and belief in oneself.
