Snakes and ladders: Curle on board, but what next?

New Chief Exec appointed in latest boardroom reshuffle

Macclesfield FC wants to reassure supporters that a line has been drawn under the chaotic recent events and that much-needed unity has been restored. And as fans we desperately hope this is true following the much-publicised (temporary) suspension and subsequent reinstatement of co-owner Rob Smethurst to the Board.

But does this week’s latest reshuffle with the arrival of Keith Curle as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer further restore parity, or potentially muddy the waters?

Curle’s appointment to, “take overall control of all operational matters and report directly into the Board of Directors”, in addition to his role largely focusing on, “executive governance, commercial sustainability, and growth on and off the pitch”, has been well received by most Silkmen supporters.

Curle handed the keys to the top job

Highly respected in the game as a player representing the likes of Wimbledon, Manchester City and England, in addition to leading QPR to the Premier League as assistant manager, and Northampton Town to promotion to League One as manager, Curle’s track record commands significant respect.

The Board’s decision to allow Curle to immediately assume control for handing all “operational matters” is a strong statement of intent, at face value adding more professionalism and signalling an end to how the club has been run historically.

While Curle has been handed the top job, other members of the Silkmen’s back-office staff have climbed the corporate ladder. Bob Trafford has been promoted to Deputy Chief Executive Officer, a reward for his commercial and sponsorship success, longstanding knowledge of the club and the respect he commands from leading shareholder, Ama Singh. Joining Trafford as part of a new senior management team is Amanda Penney, Lindsay Brown and Rachael Brown.

The seniority of Curle’s appointment would suggest that the desire to bring him to Macclesfield was premeditated, and not as a kneejerk reaction to the recent boardroom unrest. But who knows?

Aside from his impressive footballing CV, what isn’t clear (at least to me) is what qualifies Curle to assume the day-to-day running of a non-league club? Although Wednesday’s statement championing Curle’s credentials reveals he has “operated a successful, hands-on property development portfolio”.

Climbing a ladder, or slithering down a snake?

What isn’t clear is how Curle’s skills and responsibilities will align with some of the other higher profile members of the Silkmen’s hierarchy.

The statement highlights that Curle runs a sports management firm focusing on player recruitment strategy, corporate operations, and contract consultation. It also suggests Curle can: “seamlessly support our recruitment department, mentor the coaching staff, and ensure the sporting infrastructure is built to meet EFL standards”.

Macclesfield’s recruitment is being overseen by Sporting Director Jonathan Bull and Head of Recruitment Jimmy Holmes, in conjunction with manager John Rooney and his assistant Francis Jeffers.

Together, they have made a strong start to the Silkmen’s summer squad rebuild after the recent signings of George Wilson, Lincoln McFayden, Christian Dibble and Fin Shrimpton. However since Shrimpton’s arrival on 30 May, no additional new faces have arrived through the door.

On the subject of Rooney, he last appeared on the club’s social media channel on 18 May, commenting on penning a new long-term contract after guiding the Silkmen to the National League North play-offs and fourth round of the FA Cup.

Such impressive achievements have understandably attracted wider attention as Rooney was linked to the vacant managerial roles at Southend and Rochdale which have since been filled. No doubt other admirers of the Macclesfield FC boss will be keeping a close eye on developments at the Leasing.com stadium.

And what about Rob Smethurst? Is he genuinely able to shape the Silkmen’s ongoing development following constructive and amicable discussions with the rest of the Board, or does Curle’s appointment dilute his influence?

More questions than answers

Despite the club issuing a series of communications in the past month, Curle’s appointment raises a number of questions as we approach the 2026-27 season.

· Was Curle’s appointment discussed and universally agreed by the Board?

· What qualities does Curle possess to run footballing and non-footballing operations?

· Who is in charge of Recruitment?

· What has happened to the 6 players Macclesfield supposedly have lined up to sign?

· When will supporters have clarity as to whether Brandon Lee, James Gale, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts and Harry McHugh are staying or leaving the club?

· When can we next expect to hear from John Rooney?

· Can we ever expect to hear from leading shareholder Ama Singh? If not, why not?

Curle’s appointment could be a masterstroke, particularly if the Board have put their differences to one side. But (relatively) sluggish season ticket sales suggest some supporters remain sceptical about the club’s current trajectory, and want further evidence that everyone is pulling in the same direction for the coming season.