Promotion winner signs - fans’ view on George Wilson
25-year-old midfield maestro arrives from Fylde
Macclesfield have signalled their intent for the 2026-27 season with the capture of free agent, George Wilson, the club has officially announced this afternoon. If this is the standard of the Silkmen’s summer recruitment to come, Wilson has set the bar high.
The 25-year-old midfield maestro has just won promotion from the National League North representing AFC Fylde, making over 40 league and cup appearances for the Coasters, registering 6 goals and 3 assists. He was signed on a one-year deal and Fylde had the option to extend, but chose to let him go.
Despite being popular with Fylde supporters, Wilson was restricted to only 15 league starts as he struggled to become first-choice in the champions’ stellar midfield comprising the likes of Danny Mayor, Chris Merrie, Ethan Mitchell, Tom Whelan and Luca Thomas.
Nevertheless, Wilson did start Fylde’s final two league games to help his now former club get over the line, scoring in their 4-0 win over Southport and also impressing in the Coasters’ 4-2 victory at Merthyr which sealed their promotion and return to the National League.
Wilson also started and scored for Fylde against Macclesfield in their 5-1 demolition over us at Mill Farm, waltzing through the Silkmen’s defence in the closing stages and converting from close range, in addition to coming on as a substitute for Fylde in their 4-1 triumph over Macc at the Leasing.com stadium in February.
George Wilson - what can we expect?
A cultured, energetic midfielder who is comfortable in both defensive and attacking roles. Excellent in possession, Wilson achieved a 92% passing accuracy against Macclesfield back in November, scoring a goal, laying on an assist and also creating one big chance for the home side.
Still only 25, George has bags of potential and finished the season strongly. He rarely gives the ball away, has an eye for goal as well as being a creator of chances, either from a central berth or on the right flank.
Wilson joined Fylde from Altrincham (of course!) where he was also surprisingly released after some promising performances, amassing over 50 appearances. George began his career in Blackburn Rovers’ academy, before moving on to Loughborough whilst studying at university.
Wilson then had a stint at third-tear Swedish side Ljungskile, before returning to the UK to play for Coalville Town in the 2022-23 campaign where he attracted attention higher up. In fact, Wilson came off the bench for Coalville during their 1-0 win over Macc in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
Whilst a signing which may not automatically set the pulses racing, Wilson looks a shrewd capture. He’s at the right age with importantly the right attributes and a point to prove. He will undoubtedly strengthen Macclesfield’s midfield and increase competition for places.
Read on to discover the positive thoughts from Fylde and Altrincham fans on the Silkmen’s new capture.
AFC Fylde supporters on George Wilson
“Complete player”
“Was fantastic today (against Southport). Proper M.O.M performance”
“Well deserved man-of-the-match. Don’t know how he doesn’t start every week”
“Just unlucky to play in the team with by far the best midfield in the league”
“Wilson would be a first choice starter for anyone else”
“Great lad, top player”
“Class player”
Altrincham supporters on George Wilson
“What a player Fylde have got. Standout game in, game out, and destined for the Football League. Warch him run, tackle, pass and shoot. Never panics”
“Surprised to see George Wilson released after making over 40 apps for Fylde last season… Was surprised when Alty released him last summer…”
“Altrincham should never have let him go. Has so much potential”
“Releasing Wilson is a surprise”
“Disagree about releasing George Wilson. Decent player”
“Very sad and surprised to see George go”
“George had plenty of energy”
“Wilson will be missed”
“Wilson has been missed. Great driving force”
“Amazing goal scored by George. Well deserved, he’s a great asset and works his socks off”
Opinion from non-league football expert, Tom Williams
“A gem that Alty picked up from Coalville, Loughborough uni graduate Wilson is really growing into his own this season. He’s been handed extra minutes and responsibility after an injury to Isaac Marriott, and he’s a player I’m a big fan of. Wilson has really stepped up in Marriott’s absence. An intelligent, well-rounded midfielder”