Macclesfield's latest financial results unpacked
Silkmen post loss of £624,000
Macclesfield FC has released its financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2025, revealing a mixed picture as the club continues its ambitious journey. The headline figure shows the club lost £624,198 last year, compared to £245,366 in the previous 12 months, due to net assets falling from £932,251 in 2024 to £308,053 in 2025.
For many Macclesfield supporters this will come as little surprise, given the lavish spending the club embarked on to win promotion from the Northern Premier League last season.
Under former manager Robbie Savage, the Silkmen made a raft of major new player signings (with promotion clauses) on considerable wages from higher up the football pyramid, which included: Danny Elliott, Justin Johnson, Danny Whitehead, Elliott Whitehouse, Max Dearnley, D’Mani Mellor and Rollin Menayese, amongst others.
Increased investment from the Board, but an increased reliance on the Smethursts
Short-term liabilities have risen sharply from £1.82 million to £2.39 million, of which £2.21 million is to ‘related parties’ and directors.
Broken down, the figures highlight the amounts owed to ‘related parties rose’ from £1.03 million to £1.55 million, while directors’ loans increased £688,000 to £838,000. On a positive note, these numbers reveal a major commitment from Rob and Sarah-Jane Smethurst to back the Silkmen’s aim to eventually return to the Football League, alongside contributions from newer board members such as Jonathan Bull.
Asset base remains strong
Macclesfield’s fixed assets – largely the club’s infrastructure ie the stadium and associated leisure facilities remain its most valuable long-term strength. The net book value of tangible assets stands at £2.31 million, slightly lower compared to £2.45 million the previous year.
The club continued to upgrade its facilities, albeit somewhat modestly following additional spending of £43,378 on new fixed assets. In reality, Macclesfield have pushed harder on and off the pitch to achieve success, which naturally comes with higher operating costs.
Cashflow stable
Cash in the bank increased to £124,110 from £101,747. In addition, trade receivables have increased from £71,854 to £132,145 which indicates a strong uplift in the club’s commercial performance following promotion to the National League North. The club’s staff numbers also remained static at 48 – identical to the previous year.
Heavy financial losses, but reasons for optimism
There’s no sugarcoating a £624,000 loss, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that A LOT has changed since these figures were compiled reflecting Macclesfield’s financial performance for the year ending 30 June 2025.
Following Robbie Savage’s departure and the appointment of new manager John Rooney, the Board has exercised greater financial prudence, helped in part by Savage raiding his former club to sign Tre Pemberton, Laurent Mendy, Neil Kengni, Sean Etaluku and more recently D’Mani Mellor.
After previously considering stepping back from the day-to-day running of the club, Rob Smethurst has also returned as Chairman at the beginning of this year much to relief of Silkmen supporters.
Summary
Why did the losses increase so much?
Although the accounts don’t break down player‑related spending, several things clearly contributed:
· The club significantly increased its player budget
· Short‑term debts increased
· General operating costs rose…
But he club continued upgrading facilities, spending £43,378 on new fixed assets.
Is the Board still supporting the club?
Yes, in a major way. Amounts owed to owners and related parties rose to £1.55 million, showing that the board (predominantly Rob and Sarah-Jane Smethurst) has continued to back the club moving forward.
And whilst understandably many supporters bemoaned the loss of Pemberton, Kengni and Mendy to Forest Green without like-for-like replacements being brought in, the Board have not been shy at putting their hands in their pockets and supporting John Rooney.
Since the end of last season, 21 new players have arrived through the door – 15 of them as permanent signings (with 6 loans), although Josef Yarney, Max Woltman, Luke Griffiths and Shea Callister have subsequently been allowed to leave.
How significant is the FA Cup run?
It could potentially be transformational in the short and medium term, particularly if Macclesfield’s boost in profile attracts new investors from at home or even overseas. A proportion of the money generated from the FA Cup run is likely to have been allocated to fund the acquisitions of nine new players since January alone to spearhead a play-off push.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Mikey Stone, Elliot Osborne, James Gale, Theo Chapman and most recently Harry McHugh have arrived on permanent deals, whilst Anjola Popoola, Kacper Pasiek and Rogan Ravenhill have arrived on loan as the Silkmen strive for promotion to the National League.