Baba Noe

2017-18 midfielder

NC     League 9(3)1     Cups 2(1)0

Debut 5 August 2017 Wrexham (Away)

Although born in Cameroon Baba played for Irish side Castlebar Celtic in the 2012-13 season before moving to Fulham’s youth system in the summer of 2013. Left Fulham to join Birmingham City in the summer 2015 where he featured regularly in the development sides before leaving St Andrews in the summer of 2017.

At the age of 20 signed for Macclesfield Town in July 2017. Featured regularly in the first two months of the season and scored on his debut in the 1-0 victory at Wrexham in the opening match of the season. When Adam Yates' loan spell ended and Jared Hodgkiss was still out injured, Noe moved back to fill the right back position for three matches. With other midfielders performing well there were few opportunities for him and after September he only featured on five further occasions, his last appearance coming in the first round of the Buildbase FA Trophy at FC Halifax Town in January 2018. However, his contribution helped the team to become champions of the Vanarama National League for the 2017-18 season.

Having been released by Macclesfield Town at the end of the 2017-18 season Noe returned to Ireland signing for Waterford FC moving to German fourth tier side USI Lupo Martini on 31 January 2019 and SC Fortuna Koln in August 2019 leaving them in the summer of 2021. Subsequently signed for KFC Uerdingen 05 who play in one of the three regional leagues which comprise the fourth tier of German football.

Having been released by KFC Uerdingen 05 in the summer of 2022 he was without a club until he signed  for Republic of ireland side Finn Harps for the 2023 season which runs from February to October.

Noe (pronounced No-ah) has been a regular on the Ireland international scene for many years making appearances in the U16, U17, U19 and U21 sides.  He captained the U17 team and as such was the first African-born player to captain an Ireland international side.

His younger brother Thierry is a promising footballer and has already appeared in the Irish U15 side.

Born: 8 August 1986.

Baguley

1889-90 and 1890-91 Right-half

#TC     League 7 Apps 0 Goals

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

First appeared in Macclesfield's last season in their pre-league era.  A member of their reserve team, he featured at senior level when deputising for regular members of the first team.

A local player who signed amateur forms for Macclesfield in the summer of 1919.  He was a versatile player who was equally at home in defence as he was in the forward line. In the 1919-20 season he made six senior appearances but featured regularly in the reserve team. There is no record of him playing for Macclesfield in the 1920-21 season but he appeared fairly regularly throughout the 1921-22 season, again in both defence and the forward line.

Bailey

1899-1900 Inside-left

NSL      League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 27 January 1900 Stafford Rangers (Away)

There is no information recorded about this player who was playing in a one match trial.

Bailey

1956-57 Defender

CL     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 27 October 1956 Congleton Town (Home) Challenge Cup R1

An amateur player signed from Stoke City who only played  one match which ended in 1-1 draw.

Bailey A

1932-33 Defender

CL      League 2 Apps 0 Goals       Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 7 September 1932 Congleton Town (Home) Challenge Cup R1

Playing in the Macclesfield District League, Bailey was drafted in as cover for senior players who were unavailable.

Alan, a Macclesfield lad,  was a promising youngster at Manchester City where he was a trainee from 1996 to 1999, played in Russia for City's U17s side and made one senior appearance against Mansfield Town in the Auto Windsreen Shield in December 1998. He was on loan with the Silkmen during January and April 1999 relying on a quick approach, was adept at holding up the ball and scored his first league goal on 13 March 1999 in the 90th minute to help Macclesfield beat Colchester.

Signed for Stockport County in July 1999 making 21 appearances in all competition and scored 2 goals. On leaving County he signed for AB Copenhagen in the Danish Super League, a move which he did not enjoy due to financial problems at the club.  He moved to Burton Albion in the summer of 2001, where he was a member of the team which won promotion to the Conference, and in the summer of 2002 moved to Marine, then Guiseley before signing for Mossley in August 2003 where he made 25 appearances scoring 11 goals. His next stop was Ashton United the following season, later playing for Woodley Sports.

On retiring from playing football Alan founded his own circuit class at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, specialising in one-to-one training and subsequently instructed classes in Spinning and Kettlercise. Also a talented musician, he formed a jazz band performing at weddings and corporate events.  Having taken a creative foundation writing course funded by the PFA and a two-year stint at the Manchester School of Acting, he became a freelance writer within the fields of sport and film, and has already penned and starred in a film. Along with Neil Jeram-Croft, a film producer, Alan runs their own company call The Film Mill. Alan has also become involved in the Manchester Film Festival and has started working with Salford University with his offices now based in Media City.

#Born: 1 November 1978.

Bailey Harold

1946-47 to 1948-49 Inside-left

CL     League 8 Apps 2 Goals

Debut 23 November 1946 Hyde United (Away)

An amateur from Crewe who was a member of the Macclesfield reserve side deputising for senior players when they were unavailable. Prior to signing for Macclesfield had played in Services representative football.

There is no information about this player during his time at Macclesfield whose debut came in the second league match of the season in a 0-0 draw, with his second appearance at Chirk in the 1-7 defeat.

Would appear to have been on the books of Northwich Victoria during the 1893-94 season when they were in their second season as members of the Second Division of the Football League

Played for Hanover in the Junior Division of the Stockport Sunday School League initially as a defender but when the goalkeeper failed to turn up for a match volunteered to play in goal, remaining there until February 1915 when he joined the Navy during the First World War.

He reverted to full-back, having had enough playing in goal, for HMS Essex but there were few opportunities during his 15 months with this ship as they were at sea on foreign service for much of the time, only docking at Gibraltar twice. In October 1916 he joined HMS Constance, the ship's team reaching the third round of the Light Cruiser Cup but armistice prevented the competition being completed.

On leaving the Navy he returned to Hanover and whilst with them he was captain of a representative team from the Stockport Combination League in a match against Stockport County Reserves.

Howard first appeared for Macclesfield towards the end of the 1919-20 season at a time when the club were clearing a backlog of fixtures, and  was a member of the team which won the Altrincham Cup in May 1920.  In the 1920-21 season he played regularly for  the reserve side but was kept out of the senior side by the experienced Fred Smith, however, Howard managed three appearances in October 1920 deputising for Fred when he was unavailable.

Bailey J

1919-20 Right-half

CL      League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 13 September 1919 Crewe Alexandra Reserves (Away)

One of many players given a one match trial in the 1919-20 season.

1961-62 to 1965-66 Full-back

CL     League 109 Apps 5 Goals    Cups 26 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 4 November 1961 Tranmere Rovers Reserves (Home)

As a boy Johnny played for Stoke on Trent schoolboys and later won his place in the Staffordshire County side being a member of the team which won the FA Schoolboys Shield in 1958-59.  On leaving school he joined Stoke City and then signed for Northwich Victoria in the 1959-60 season. From there he moved to Port Vale for a small fee, followed by a short spell at Sankeys before moving to Macclesfield on a player exchange deal where he proved to be a useful signing always performing consistently at right-back, as he did at left-back on the few occasions he filled that position. An electrician by trade, he worked as a sub-contractor for a Birmingham firm.

2004-05 and 2005-06 Defender

FL     League 25(1)2    Cups 6(0)0

Debut 7 August 2004 Leyton Orient (Away)

Mark joined the Silkmen from Lincoln City having previously played for Rochdale, Winsford United, Lancaster City and Northwich Victoria. A useful right-back who used his pace well and was an excellent crosser of the ball, but his time at the Moss Rose was blighted by injury, firstly ankle, then a hernia and in his second season an Achilles problem, which led to Mark leaving the club in April 2006. Since then has played for Peterborough United and Stafford Rangers, the latter releasing him at the end of the 2006-07 season. It would appear that Mark may well have retired from playing football following his time at Stafford Rangers.

Away from football Mark has held a number of appointments. Managing Director at BCT, Sales Manager at Beauty Distribution and car sales companies, Knights BMW, Blue Bell BMW, Stratstone BMW, Lookers BMW/MINI and more recently Head of Client Success at Synectics Solutions, Stoke-on-Trent.

Mark is the son of former Port Vale player Terry Bailey.

Born: Stoke: 12 August 1976.

Bailey Will

2012-13 to 2014-15 Midfielder

NC      League 1(1)0     Cups 4(5)0

Debut 26 February 2013 Stalybridge Celtic (Away) Cheshire Senior Cup R2

A member of the Macclesfield youth team who appeared in the Cheshire Senior Cup competition in both seasons. His debut in February 2013 came when the youth team were used to fulfill the round two tie  Unfortunately his time on the pitch was cut short to 16 minutes when he was substituted so that George Whiteoak could take over in goal after the regular youth team goalkeeper, Connor O'Keefe, had been dismissed.

Will was signed for the Macclesfield youth team from Premier League side Stoke City at the start of the 2012-13 season.  A tall, energetic, goal scoring midfielder with a good awareness of possession, Will is reliable on the ball when under pressure and capable of breaking up play and stands out as a good performer.

With more experienced midfield players available, Will only made five senior appearances during the first half of the 2014-15 season and was an unused substitute for six other matches. Released by Macclesfield Town at the end of the 2014-15 season when he joined Kidsgrove Athletic with whom he had spent time on loan. Signed for Newcastle Town in the summer of 2017 and has been with Stone Old Alleynians since the summer of 2018 where he picked up the Player of the Year Award for the 2020-21 season.

A local player who started his career with junior clubs, played in the Macclesfield District League for many years and had been on the books of Sandbach Ramblers.  William was a member of the Macclesfield reserve side during  the 1926-27 season making two senior appearances at the end of the season. He graduated to the senior ranks early in the 1927-28 season when he was used at either right-half or left-half. Most of his senior appearances came in the early months of the 1927-28 season, after which he filled in for other players.

In the 1928-29 season he made a single appearance in the home match against Northwich Victoria on 29 December 1928 appearing at right-half. When walking home after the match supporters noticed that he did not look well and, unfortunately, that evening he collapsed and died at home at the age of 26. The coroner's report indicated that he had died from a heart defect.

He worked as a chauffeur to Uriah Arnold of J. Arnold & Co Ltd, Silk Manufacturers, and previously had been employed by Josiah Smale & Sons Ltd where he was a member of their football team in knock-out competitions. He was associated with St Peter's Sunday School and the Memorial Hall.

The Cheshire League opened an Appeal Fund donating £20, with the majority of clubs in the League taking collections and subscriptions. It was later reported that the fund held £56 9s 1d in the bank with £150 invested in War Stock which gave a return of 5%.  Mrs Bailey had been paid £55 3s 1d.

In his schooldays represented North Staffordshire Boys against South Staffordshire Boys, and at the age of 13 signed for Goldenhill St John's, winning a North Staffordshire Church League Championship medal and a winner's medal in the League Cup. He then moved to Brown Lees where he won a Championship medal in the Biddulph and District League.

His success continued at Kidsgrove Wellington where he gained a winners' medal in the Infirmary Cup. In the First World War he was with Stoke and during his time there they won the Staffordshire, Infirmary and Sentinel Cups. In the 1919-20 season he played for Crewe Alexandra and was captain of the side which won Section B of the Subsidiary Competition of the Cheshire League.

He signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1920 going straight into the senior side where he was a quick and agile player appearing regularly until the middle of December 1920, after which the left-half position was filled by Birtles and then Tommy Jones.

2014-15 and  2015-16 Midfielder

NC    League 3(6)0     Cups 3(0)1

Debut 28 February 2015 sub Eastleigh (Away)

A tricky winger who can play on either flank, Theo was signed by Macclesfield Town in February 2015.  Started his career as a junior at Manchester City and then was on the books of Crewe Alexandra, Northwich Victoria and Irlam Town.  Theo had a trial with Birmingham City and signed for Wrexham in November 2012 where he made 30 appearances. During his time at Wrexham he had a spell on loan at Colwyn Bay in April 2014 but unfortunately broke a bone in his foot in September 2014.

At Macclesfield, In the 2014-15 season most of his appearances came in March 2015 usually on the right-wing, but after the home match against Nuneaton Town on 21 March his only appearance came in the final of the Cheshire Senior Cup when he scored Macclesfield's second goal in the 3-2 win. In the 2015-16 season he was a fringe player only featuring on five occasions and would appear to have been released by the club at the end of the season although it seems that his registration was retained by the club.

Signed for Stalybridge Celtic in the summer of 2017 moving to Altrincham in March 2018 and Stafford Rangers, managed by Silkmen legend Steve Burr, in the summer of 2018 where he suffered an ACL injury in August 2019. Moved to Hyde United in the summer of 2020 extending his contract in the summer of 2021 for the 2021-22 season. however, after good performances, including those against Stafford Rangers, re-signed for Stafford at the beginning of October 2021 extending his contract for the 2022-23 season but returned to Stalybridge Celtic in September 2022.

Born: 22 May 1994.

His performances for Hartlepool during the Second World War were recognised when he signed for Manchester United in December 1945, although before signing for United he had spent time with Ashington. Without having made any senior appearances for United he moved to Bury where he remained for two seasons but only made two appearances scoring one goal.  Bill signed for Tranmere Rovers in November 1948 where he made 168 appearances scoring 63 goals, leaving them at the end of the 1953-54 season.

Signed for Macclesfield Town from Ellesmere Port Town in the summer of 1956, he continued scoring goals on a regular basis, featuring regularly throughout the season and completed the campaign as second top-scorer behind Jonnie Clowes.  He scored four goals in the 5-1 home win against Stafford Rangers.

On leaving the Silkmen he returned to Ellesmere Port Town in the summer of 1957 where he continued to play and also coached the reserve team.

Born: 9 March 1922. Died: 3 August 1966.

1948-49 to 1950-51 Outside-right

CL     League 14 Apps 4 Goals     Cups 1 App

Debut 11 September 1948 Wellington Town (Away)

A regular member of the reserve team where he was a prolific scorer who was used from time to time at senior level.  He scored his senior goals in two matches towards the end of the 1948-49 season and similarly in two matches in the 1949-50 season, helping the side to secure three wins and a draw.

His daughter, Kath, has kindly provided further information of her father's career. She advises that he played for Hyde United and several other teams.

He had a successful trial with Preston North End but as he had received his call up papers in WW2 on the day of his trial he was unable to take up the offer from Preston. He played for various teams around Kent whilst based at Dover through to 1944 when he was sent abroad through the Suez Canal to India and Burma etc and was eventually demobbed in 1946. After the War he played for local teams, including Macclesfield, until he was over 40.  Then continued to play cricket including taking examinations to be a cricket Umpire, a position which he held for many years.

2008-09 Defender

FL      League 1(1)0

Debut 7 March 2009 Sub Darlington (Away)

Rikki commenced his career at Coventry City where he spent 11 years without making a first team appearance.  He then moved to Accrington Stanley where he made three Football League appearances in the 2006-07 season, before moving to Tamworth where he spent the best part of two seasons after which he moved to Corby. He signed non-contract forms at Macclesfield in the January 2009 transfer window but only made two appearances for the senior side and was released at the end of the season. Signed for Darlington in August 2009, and whilst there spent time on loan at Blyth Spartans and Gateshead. He signed for Ilkeston Town in 2010 and has since played for Hinckley United, Barwell, Sutton Coldfield Town and Bedworth United.

Has also represented the Panjab FA.

Away from football was an Associated Business Consultant with Huxley Engineering and Computer Futures (Sthree Group). Moved to Wazoku in January 2021 where he is employed as a (IT) Business Development Manager.

Date of Birth: Coventry, 3 February 1988.

2011-12  Forward

FL      League 0(9)0

Debut 21 January 2012 Sub Swindon Town (Away)

A pacy striker who started his career as a left-back before moving to midfield and more recently to the forward line.  Michael has played for many clubs: Leyton, Welling United, Thurrock, Bishop's Stortford, and Chelmsford City.

Signed for Macclesfield in January 2012. Despite his pace, Michael could not force himself into the senior side on a regular basis, with all of his appearances coming from the substitutes' bench, often late in the second half.

Released in the summer of 2012 at the end of his contract when he moved to Southport and spent time on loan at Droylsden. He continued his journey signing for Chelmsford City for a second time then Dover Athletic in the summer of 2013, Tonbridge Angels, Braintree Town in the summer of 2014 (during his time there went on loan to Bury Town), VCD Athletic, Witham Town, Welling United in 2015, Wrexham in 2016 (during his time there went on loan to Billericay Town) and Warrington Town in March 2017. Having been released by Warrington Town signed for Welsh club Connah's Quay Nomads in the summer of 2017 along with his brother Mathias. Named the Welsh Premier League's Player of the Season for the 2018-19 season. Signed a short term contract with Hereford FC in the middle of February 2021 and was released at the end of the 2021-21 season. In July 2021 joined Icelandic side Fjolnir for the remainder of their season. Signed for Isthmian League Premier Division side Leatherhead in November 2021 but was on the move again in Febuary 2022 when he signed for Scottish Championship club Arbroath leaving them in the summer of 2022.

Left the UK signing for top-flight Finnish side HIFK. Signed for Isthmian League - Premier side Enfield Town at the end of March 2023 until the end of the 2022-23 season. Joined Glacis United (Gibraltar) in the summer of 2023.

Date of Birth: 1 December 1986.

Baldwin H

1911-12, 1912-13 and 1914-15 Defender

LC      League 15 Apps 1 Goal     Cups 4 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 30 March 1912 Darwen (Away)

Signed from Hazel Grove in January 1912, he usually featured for Macclesfield reserve team but was used in the senior side from time to time at centre-half and right-half. He scored on his debut in the 1-0 win at Darwen. Left Macclesfield at the end of the 1912-13 season to join Fleetwood. Returned to Macclesfield in the summer of 1914 featuring in the first nine matches of the season before returning to Fleetwood when his position at the Moss Rose was taken by G Birds.

1999-00, 2000-01 Defender

FL      League 2(4)0    Cups 0(2)0

Debut 29 April 1999 Sub Rochdale (Home)

Mike was a product of the Macclesfield youth set up and moved up from trainee ranks in 1999. A quick right back who could also play in the midfield, Mike must have made one of the shortest ever debuts when his first senior appearance lasted only 21 seconds. Opportunities were limited for him in the 2000-01 season but when called upon he put in some excellent performances for the senior side and was a regular and reliable member of the reserve side. Gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup in 2000.

Due to knee problems, Mike has had to retire from playing football and initially worked as a qualified plasterer in his father’s firm. However, he took an access course at the Open University studying human biology A-level. He followed this with a four-year part-time Physiotherapy degree at Salford University, the PFA helping with the financial commitments. Mike gained a first-class degree and won an individual prize dedicated to former Macclesfield player Richard  Butcher.  The Richard Butcher Memorial Award is for people who did not have the best qualifications going into the course but achieved the most out of their degree.  Mike is now working in a private hospital as a physiotherapist.

Born: Preston, 1 October 1980.

(Thanks go to the PFA Magazine for details of Mike's qualification as a physiotherapist.)

1878-79 to 1886-87 and 1888-89 Full-back

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

A member of the Chester Road Mill team, joining Macclesfield in February 1879. Small and slight in build he is said to have been an excellent full-back.  For some unknown reason he was known as 'Yab Pickles'. He was the team captain for the 1884-85 season. Represented Cheshire at County level and when he retired from playing football became a referee.

Away from football was a silk warper at Messrs J and T Brocklehurst Ltd and was a member of the Brewers' Arms Bowling Club.

Died: February 1917 aged 61.

1883-84 and 1885-86 to 1886-87 Centre-back

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

Came on the scene towards the end of the 1883-84 season but was a  regular in the side for the 1885-86 and 1886-87 seasons. He was a member of the team reaching the semi-final of the Cheshire Senior Cup in the 1885-86 season.

Died on  5 June 1942 at Christies Hospital, Withington.

Initially played for Manchester North End and  from May 1935 for Halifax Town (nine League appearances) first as an amateur and then as a professional.

Signed for Macclesfield in May 1935 where he was a member of Macclesfield's reserve team before promotion to the senior side, initially playing in place of Jack Hartshorne whilst Jack was recovering from an operation.

Born: 20 May 1907, Warrington. Died: 1974

1959-60 and 1960-61 Left-back

CL     League 39 Apps 1 Goal   Cups 10 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 22 August 1959 Buxton (Home)

Said to be a cool defender he started his career with Sheffield YMCA and then moved to Sheffield Wednesday (1946-1952, 75 league apperances).  Spent a short time at Chesterfield during the 1953-54 season (17 league appearances) after which he played for King's Lynn (1954-59).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1959. In the 1959-60 season Keith was the team's captain and was almost ever present only missing a few matches at the end of the season. His one goal came in the 1-1 home draw against Northwich Victoria in December 1959.  In the FA Cup match against Northwich Victoria in September 1960, Keith played for three-quarters of the match with an arm broken in two places.

When fully recovered from his broken arm Keith played in the reserves but sustained a serious knee injury and retired from playing in November 1960 on his doctor's orders.

Folllowing his retirement from work in 1989 he returned to Hillsborough in various off-field roles.

Born: 27 January 1923. Died: 13 March 2012.

1876-77

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

There is no information recorded for this player who featured in the first season of the newly formed Macclesfield FC in their pre-league days.

1949-50 and 1952-53 to 1955-56 Centre-forward

CL     League 93 Apps 44 Goals   Cups 18 Apps 9 Goals

Debut 20 August 1949 Buxton (Home)

Eric was initially registered as an amateur at Stockport County before moving to Sheffield United in February 1947 where he played in their Central League side returning to Stockport County in March 1949 although he did not make any senior appearances.

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1949 where he appeared regularly on the score sheet and was top-scorer in the 1949-50 season scoring 25 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions. He scored the winning goal (a last minute header) in the 3-2 victory over Crewe Alexandra, in the Cheshire Senior Cup 2nd round replay at Crewe on 1 March 1950. 

Despite a media report in January 1950 that Manchester United might have been interested in signing him, after the Crewe match he was signed by Bolton Wanderers for £1500, the first Macclesfield player to move to a league club for a fee since the war. In fact the club were promised a further £500 if he stayed at Bolton for a further season, which he did but made no senior appearances. He then signed for Rochdale in April 1951 making 17 appearances scoring two goals.

Eric returned to the Moss Rose in 1952 and appeared fairly regularly for the next three seasons scoring his fair share of goals. However, he was placed on the transfer list in October 1955 at a time when the Directors felt that he had lost favour with the supporters. 

He moved to Witton Albion in October 1955 for a small fee (40 appearances, 15 goals) and later played for Stalybridge Celtic.

Eric was an electrical engineer by trade.

Born: 25 March 1926. Died: Hazel Grove 25 April 2015.

1957-58 and 1958-59 Left-half

CL      League 31 Apps 3 Goals    Cups 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut  15 February 1958 Crewe Alexandra Reserves (Home)

Before joining Macclesfield had played as an amateur for Guildford City and Manchester City, and as a professional for Hyde United where he gained a Cheshire League Challenge Cup Winners’ medal. Known for his ability as a penalty specialist, he held a unique record for the Cheshire County League scoring 21 goals in a single season from the wing-half position.  At Macclesfield he continued as the club's penalty taker.

On leaving Macclesfield signed for Nantlle Vale in the summer of 1959.

1998-99 Forward

FL      League 3(6)1   Cups 1(3)0

Debut 8 August 1998 Sub Fulham (Home)

A member of Bristol City Youth he signed his first professional contract in 1995 at Bristol although he only went on to make 12 senior League appearances playing mostly for their reserve team.  He had two spells on loan at Bangor City (1996) and Slough Town (1997).

Signed by Macclesfield in the summer of 1998, Dominic only made a limited number of appearances as a striker for the Silkmen, spending much of his time in the reserve side where he was top scorer.  His one senior goal came in the match at Oldham Athletic in September 1998 when Macclesfield earned their first win in the former Nationwide League Division 2.  Dominic went on loan to Kettering Town towards the end of his one season at Macclesfield.

On leaving Macclesfield has been on the books of Salisbury (1999-2000), Paulton Rovers, Chippenham Town, Gloucester City and St Leonards from January to May 2001.

Born: 5 September 1976.

Bardsley

1933-34 Outside-right

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 23 September 1933 Wigan Athletic (Home)

Having previously played for Buxton and Hyde United, was given a one match trial.

1946-47 to 1951-52 Centre-half/Right-back

CL     League 199 Apps 4 Goals   Cups 32 Apps 2 Goals

Debut 31 August 1946 Buxton (Home)

Before moving to Macclesfield had played for Crewe Alexandra. He also captained the Royal Navy Team at Lowestoft. A gifted player who gave 100% in every match and whilst he was a recognised defender there were a few occasions when he was used in attack. He won a Challenge Cup winners' medal in 1948 and a Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medal in 1950. A joint Testimonial game for him and Cyril Davies was held on 23 April 1951 against Bury from which he received £150.

1999-00 and 2000-01 Forward

FL     League 58(0)23   Cups 10(0)3

Debut 7 August 1999 Northampton Town (Home)

Richie signed for Macclesfield from Brighton and Hove Albion (where he had a public service bus named after him) having been a trainee at Sheffield Wednesday and subsequently played for Linfield and on loan at Doncaster Rovers. He scored on his debut for the Silkmen and soon became a firm favourite of the supporters, completing his first season as the club’s top scorer despite being troubled by injury throughout the campaign. A strong and hardworking forward Richie fitted in well and capped a fine season by being included in the PFA award-winning Third Division team.  A successful ankle ligament operation in the summer of 2000 ensured that he was fit for the start of the new campaign but he could not match the form of the previous season, and having failed to agree new contract terms moved to Rotherham United in January 2001 for a fee of £60,000, subsequently he played for Mansfield Town, Hartlepool United who paid a fee of £80,000 in January 2007, before returning to Rotherham United.

Due to a recurring knee problem Richie retired at the age of 33 when he was appointed Community Trust Head of Youth at Bury Football Club. On the departure of manager Alan Knill to Scunthorpe United in April 2011, Richie was appointed caretaker manager and as manager in the summer of 2011. Appointed manager at Crawley Town in the summer of 2012 but was dismissed at the end of November 2013. Richie soon found another managerial appointment when he moved to Portsmouth in December 2013 but was dismissed from this position in March 2014. Appointed assistant manager at MK Dons in April 2014 and then became Head of Coaching in the summer of 2014. Linked up again with manager Karl Robinson when he was appointed assistant manager at Charlton Athletic in December 2016, moving on again in May 2017 when he became assistant manager at Rotherham United. In September 2022 moved to Derby County as Assistant Head Coach to Head Coach Paul Warne with Matt Hamshaw as First Team Coach.

Represented England at Schoolboy and Youth levels.

Born: Sheffield, 30 May 1975.

Barlow

1936-37 Inside-right

CL      League 1 App 1 Goal

Debut 21 October 1936 Northwich Victoria (Away)

A member of the Macclesfield reserve team. In his sole senior appearance he scored the goal in the 1-3 defeat at Northwich Victoria at a time when senior players were being 'rested'.

1925-26 Forward

CL     League 12 Apps 2 Goals     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 5 September 1925 Manchester North End (Home)

Started his career at Newton Heath Parish Church before moving to Northern Nomads where he featured as a forward. Whilst with the Nomads was a member of the team who went on tour to Belgium and the Netherlands to compete in an International Tournament. Signed for Manchester United initially as a trainee in July 1914 and then as a professional in December 1919 following war service (posted to Scotland, Norfolk and latterly at Rouen).  He made his United debut on 7 February 1920 against Sunderland and went on to make a total of 30 appearances from 1919 to 1922 playing predominately as a full-back. In October 1922 he signed for New Cross (changed name to Manchester North End for the 1923-24 season), and moved to Stockport County in the summer of 1924.

On his move to  Macclesfield made several early season appearances when he scored his two goals but did not become an established member of the team, and for the remainder of the season  deputised for other players from time to time. Probably retired from playing football when he left Macclesfield at the age of 37.

Born: 22 January 1889.

Barlow GF

1902-03 Left-back

ML     League 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 6 September 1902 Northwich Victoria (Home)

There is no information recorded about this player,  but as he only featured in the first three matches of the 1902-03 season and does not seem to have been a member of the reserve team, it is assumed that he was on trial.

Barnes John

1973-74 and 1974-75 Utility/Manager 1975-76 and 1976-77

NPL     League 4(0)0   Cups 3(0)0

Debut 17 April 1974 Lancaster City (Home)

John was joint reserve team coach with Brian Taylor having joined Macclesfield from Sandbach. His senior playing debut, wearing the number 4 shirt, was his only match in the 1973-74 season but he was  used in different positions from time to time during the following season.

Following the resignation of John Collins in January 1976, Tony Coleman was appointed caretaker manager until the appointment of John Barnes as manager in late February 1976 at a time when the club was in financial turmoil. He had to release the majority of the professional staff to reduce the wage bill and by October 1976 he had had enough and resigned.

On leaving Macclesfield is said to have spent time at Middlewich before moving to Ashton United in 1977 as a coach working under Phil Staley featuring in one match in October 1977 during a player crisis. Appears to have left Ashton United at the end of the 1977-78 season.

1975-76 to 1977-78 and 1980-81 midfielder

NPL     League 24(4)2    Cups 3(0)0

Debut 23 August 1975 Mossley (Away)

Initially with Witton Albion (one appearance), moving to Droylsden before returning to Witton Albion (one appearance) and then Northwich Victoria (two appearances).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1975 but was only a bit-part member of the team from 1975 to 1978.

On leaving Macclesfield signed for Middlewich Athletic then Runcorn, Bangor City and Buxton.

Returned to Macclesfield Town in October 1980. During his time at Macclesfield he was described as a midfield player with immense skill. Ended his career by returning to Witton Albion (seven appearances, two goals).

Brother of the international player, Peter Barnes.

2012-13 and 2014-15 Forward

NC     League 57(10)27    Cups 7(4)5

Debut 10 August 2012 Hereford United (Away)

A member of the youth set-up at Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2001 to 2004, Matthew then spent short spells at three lower league clubs in the United States of America - Rochester Raging Rhinos (Martin Nash also played for this team), Syracuse Salty Dogs and Virginia Beach Mariners. On returning to England between 2004 and 2007 he played for Aldershot Town, Hednesford Town, Bromsgrove Rovers, Tividale, Willenhall Town and Wycombe Wanderers, before signing for Kidderminster Harriers where he made over 100 appearances and scored 34 goals. During his time at Kidderminster he had a short loan spell at Luton Town joining them permanently  in 2010 where he appeared regularly on the score sheet. A brief loan at Rochdale was followed by a very short stay at Nuneaton Borough, before signing for Swedish side Ostersunds FK in March 2012. Matthew has also played for the England C team.

Matthew moved to Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2012 going straight into the side and scoring on his debut.  Almost ever-present until he incurred a fractured check bone at the end of the match at Wrexham at the beginning of April forcing him to miss the last six matches of the season.  Matthew completed the season as top-scorer with a total of 23 goals in all competitions, most coming in the first half of the season. His two late goals against Cardiff City in the third round of the FA Cup ensured that Macclesfield reached the fourth round for the first time in  their history.

Moved to Forest Green Rovers in the summer of 2013 and Cambridge United in January 2014 but spent time on loan at Tamworth. Re-joined former Macclesfield Town manager Steve King at Whitehawk in the summer of 2014.

Re-joined Macclesfield Town initially on loan from Whitehawk in October 2014, signing permanently at the end of November to the end of the 2014-15 season. He featured regularly usually playing in a front two but there were occasions when he was the sole striker. His nine league goals included a brace in the 5-1 away win at Alfreton Town and the 3-2 home win against Welling United which included the winning goal. Unfortunately after netting in the home win against Altrincham on 10 February he failed to find the back of the net for the remainder of the season.

Signed for Aldershot Town in the summer of 2015 but was loaned to Kidderminster Harriers in October 2015 for three months. Had a short spell at Farnborough (February 2016) before he  moved to the United States of America in March 2016 to play for Wilmington Hammerheads. Having returned to the UK, he signed for Kettering Town (October 2016), then Brackley Town (February 2017), and AFC Telford United (summer 2017) also signing for Halesowen Town (October 2017) on dual registration forms. Left AFC Telford United in January 2018 when he signed for Mickleover Sports. Moved to AFC Telford United for the 2018-19 season as a player, but with match time limited was promoted to the backroom staff as Striker Coach in January 2019, however also signed for Market Drayton on dual registration forms in October 2019. Allocated squad number 12 at AFC Telford at the start of the 2020-21 season.  AFC Telford confirmed during the summer of 2021 that the 2021-22 season would be Matthew's fifth season at the club and that he would continue in his player/coach role. With the departure of manager Gavin Cowan from AFC Telford United, Matthew also left the club subsequently joining Stourbridge as a player in October 2021. Between 4 December 2021 and 29 March 2022 played for Midland League-Premier side Shifnal Town after which he signed for Bromsgrove Sporting  where his contract was extended for the 2022-23 season but the club announced in Ocotober 2022 that he had left to take up a coaching role at a Step 2 club. 

 Although there appears to have been no official announcement, he is a registered player with Gloucester City (manager Steve King) where he also has a coaching role. Left Gloucester City at the end of the 2022-23 season at the same time as manager Steve King. Appointed First Team Coach at National League North side Brackley Town in the summer of 2023. In September 2023 appointed assistant to manager Steve King at National League South side Havant & Waterlooville. As Steve King (manager) was dismissed by Havant & Waterlooville on 1 December 2023, Matthew probably left the club at the same time. Signed as a player by NPL - Div 1 West side Hednesford Town towards the end of March 2024.

Born: 25 January 1986.

Barnett

1955-56 Outside-left

CL      League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 31 August 1955 Mossley (Home)

An amateur who made just this one appearance in a depleted team alongside two other amateurs.

Debut 9 December 1911 Witton Albion (Away)

Was on the books of Heywood United and Altrincham (where he was described as a star player), also had a trial with Bolton Wanderers before signing for Macclesfield.

Most of his appearances came in the 1912-13 season when he was the top-scorer with 23 goals in all competitions.

Prior to signing for Glossop for the 1913-14 season he had another trial at Bolton Wanderers. He then moved to Cardiff City in May 1914 for a fee of £50 making his debut there in January 1915.

He was a wartime guest player at Manchester United, Stockport County and Rochdale (3 appearances). Returned to Cardiff City from 1922-to 1924 playing in their reserve team. In August 1924 he signed for Aberdare Athletic moving to Fordsons in July 1925, the Ford tractor factory in Cork. Gained a trial with Wigan Borough in September 1926 but in the third match with them he suffered a broken ankle which ended his career returning to his trade as a house plumber. 

Brother of John Barnett.

Born: 7 January 1892. Died: Altrincham, October 1941 at the age of 49.

Debut 21 December 1895 Leek (Home)

Would appear to have been given a one match trial in 1895.  Signed for Macclesfield for the 1902-03 season remaining a regular member of the team for three seasons usually featuring at inside-right but filled other forward positions from time to time.

Born in Boothen, Hanley, as a youth he played for Cannon Street School and Stoke Boys' Club from 1952 to 1954 moving to Port Vale in 1954 where he signed his first professional contract in June 1956 making 57 appearances and scoring 37 goals. Whilst at Port Vale he played for the Army Medical Corps football team during his National Service, was a member of the former Division Four championship side in 1959 and during the 1959-60 season he grew a beard which he did not shave off until Vale were knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa in the fifth round. In March 1960 he moved to Tranmere Rovers for a fee of £5,000 (32 appearances and 11 goals) and then Halifax Town in August 1961 (34 appearances and 10 goals). On leaving Halifax Town he emigrated to Australia where he played for South Coast United, Sydney Hakoah and Polonia before becoming player/manager with South Coast United and later The Corinthians.

Graham had a short break from his career in Australia when he returned to the UK during the Australian close season featuring for Macclesfield Town in the second half of the 1965-66 season scoring two goals on his debut in a 3-3 draw, and further two goals on his next appearance against Wrexham in the 2-0 home win.

He returned to the UK again in 1971 to coach Port Vale's 'A' Team, later worked in the club's commercial department and ran the Y.T.S team until 1985 after which he became a newsagent.

Born: 17 May 1936. Died: 24 June 2019.

1921-22, 1923-24 and 1924-25 Centre-forward

CL      League 23 Apps 8 Goals  

Debut 26 April 1922 Ellesmere Port (Home)

Made two appearances in the 1921-22 season. It would appear that he then played for Audley where he was a prolific scorer, re-appearing at Macclesfield in February 1924 when he was used from then until the end of the season.  In the 1924-25 season he only made five appearances, but by then prolific scorer Harold Kelly was the first-choice centre- forward.

On leaving Macclesfield moved to Sandbach Ramblers.

1911-12 and 1914-15 Inside-left/outside-right

ML     League 10 Apps 9 Goals

LC      League 12 Apps 5 Goals     Cups 3 Apps

Debut 7 October 1911 Eccles Borough (Home)

Commenced his career with Oldfield Amateurs before moving to Altrincham in March 1908, Bury May 1910 and Plymouth Argyle August 1911.

Signed for Macclesfield in October 1911 featuring for the Silkmen during the 1911-12 season,  however, a strike rate of a goal per match did not seem to earn him a regular place in either the Manchester League or Lancashire Combination sides.

On leaving Macclesfield signed for Denton in September 1912, returned to Altrincham in January 1913 and then moved to Hyde in August 1913 remaining there until summer of 1914, before returning to Macclesfield in January 1915. He was probably brought back to assist with a backlog of fixtures including three Staffordshire Infirmary cup ties.  On his return featured at outside-right for the majority of his appearances. After his time at Macclesfield spent some time at Rochdale.

Brother of Albert Barnett.

2010-11 Forward

FL     League 45(0)13   Cups 5(1)0

Debut 7 August 2010 Stevenage  (Away)

Gary Simpson’s first foray into the transfer market in the summer of 2010, Tyrone moved from non-League Hednesford Town initially on a one-year contract which was extended by a further year.  A former team mate of Ross Draper, he was a trainee at West Bromwich Albion, and was a prolific scorer in non-League football, netting 28 goals for the Pitmen in his first season at the club and a total of 40 goals in 81 appearances. Previously played for Rushall Olympics (2005-06), Telford United (2006-07) and Willenhall Town (2007-08). Quickly settled into league football with some powerful performances, and scored on his debut. Tyrone was almost ever-present, often playing as a lone striker and completed the season as top-scorer with 13 goals, all scored in the league. Tyrone was voted the Supporters’ Player of the Year. 

Tyrone moved to Crawley Town in the summer of 2011 and in February 2012 to Peterborough United on loan until the end of the season with a view of a permanent transfer which was completed in May 2012. Since then he has spent time on loan at Ipswich Town, Bristol City and Oxford United. Signed for Shrewsbury Town in February 2015 for an undisclosed fee, but spent the second half of the 2015-16 season on loan at Southend United. Then moved to AFC Wimbledon in the summer of 2016 and Port Vale in the summer of 2017 going on loan to Cheltenham Town in August 2018, signing permanently for them in January 2019. Having been released by Cheltenham Town in May 2019, signed for Eastleigh from where he was released in the summer of 2022 when he signed for National North League side Hereford. Having been released by Hereford at the end of the 2022-23 season signed for Leamington who were relegated to the SFL Central - Premier at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Born: 28 October 1985.

Barnshaw

1880-81, 1881-82 and 1883-84

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

There is no information recorded for this player.

2004-05 and 2005-06 Defender

FL     League 29(2)1   Cups 8(1)1

Debut 7 August 2004 Leyton Orient (Away)

Started his career at Stockton Town before becoming a trainee at Hartlepool United where he signed his first professional contact in July 1989 (13 appearances, three goals in all competitions). On leaving Hartlepool signed for Stockport County in July 1990 (127 appearances, six goals) spending time on loan at Rotherham United in February 1994 (five appearances, one goal). Moved to York City in July 1994 where he went on to make 209 appearances scoring 15 goals moving to Reading in March 1999 for a fee of £20,000 (6 appearances, one goal) and then Walsall in July 1999

(125 appearances, 12 goals) spending time on loan at Plymouth Argyle in November 2002 (four appearances) moving to Notts County in August 2003 (46 appearances, four goals).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in July 2004 using his vast experience as a central defender with good aerial ability. However, throughout his time with the Silkmen Tony was troubled by injury, initially an Achilles problem, and in his second season a recurring hip problem.  Given the choice of a third operation which would have carried him through to the end of the season but could have caused health problems in the longer term, Tony elected to retire from professional football in January 2006 after a total of 17 years in the game.

On leaving the Silkmen Tony played for FC Halifax Town (23 appearances, one goal), Stalybridge Celtic and New Mills

(35 appearances).

By trade is a self-employed plasterer.

Born: Billingham, 29 March 1971.

1901-02 Centre-half

#ML     1 App  2 Goals

Debut 24 April 1902 Lymm (Away)

There is no information recorded about this player who was brought into the side for an end of season match scoring two goals in the 8-2 victory.

1938-39 Forward

CL      League 7 Apps 2 Goals    Cups 2 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 1 October 1938 Bangor (Away) FA Cup Qualifying Round 1

A young amateur player signed at the beginning of the 1938-39 season who had shown consistent form with the Central School Old Boys team.  He scored on his debut, which was his sole appearance until he was called into the senior side at the end of March 1939, when he played in all but one of the concluding eight matches of the season scoring in the 4-1 home victory against Hurst. Also played in the 1939-40 Macclesfield war-time team.

Macclesfield's first choice 'keeper in the 1896-97 season until he either left the club or lost his place on the return of experienced goalkeeper Jack Kent.  Played his last match for the club in the second round of the Cheshire Senior Cup on 16 January 1897.

2014-15 Defender

NC      League 37(1)2     Cups 3(0)0

Debut 9 August 2014 Braintree Town (Home)

A member of the Centre of Excellence at Swansea and then the youth team at Port Talbot where he progressed to the senior side, making 88 appearances for them in the Welsh Premier League including two in their Europa League qualifying matches. He won the goal of the season award in 2009/10 and earned a place in the Welsh Premier League 2009-10 team of the season as well as being the Young Player of the season. Scott signed for Conference side Tamworth in the summer of 2010 spending two seasons there making 54 appearances. He left Tamworth at the end of the 2012-13 season and was ruled out of the 2013-14 season through a cruciate ligament injury.

Having fully recovered he signed for Macclesfield Town in  the summer of 2014 where he quickly established himself as a favourite of the fans with excellent performances at left back. Scott was out of action for the month of March 2015 with a back problem but otherwise he was virtually ever-present, his performances being recognised when he gained the Vanarama Player of the Month award in November 2014. He scored two brilliantly taken goals.  The first in the home match against Barnet in October 2014 when he struck a 35-yard shot, and the second  in the home match against Alfreton Town, when he collected the ball some 70 yards out taking the ball through the defence and coolly slotting home.

Offered a new contract at Macclesfield in the summer of 2015, Scott opted to sign for Football League club Newport County moving on to Merthyr Town in the summer of 2016 and then Gateshead in the summer of 2017 from where he was released in June 2020 to join York City on a one-year deal.  In March 2021 signed an extension to his contract at York for the 2021-22 season. Unfortunately suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the successful National North Play-off Final and may be out of action for the whole of the 2022-23 season. Following the dismissal of John Askey as manager at York City in November 2022 it was announced that Scott would be assisting the interim manager, Tim Ryan. After discussions his contract at York City was renewed for the 2023-24 season but went out on loan to Darlington in January 2024 until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Born: 19 October 1988.

Barton

1896-97 Inside-left

TC     League 8 Apps 3 Goals     Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 5 September 1896 Everton Reserves (Home)

Like goalkeeper Barrington, Barton spent exactly the same amount of time at Macclesfield starting with the opening match of the campaign and completing his contribution with the second round Cheshire Senior Cup match on 16 January 1897.  He scored in consecutive matches - two goals came in the second match of the season when Macclesfield defeated Barnton Rovers 7-0 at the Moss Rose, with his third goal coming in the return fixture fourteen days later.

Baskerville

1922-23 Outside-right

CL     League 2 App 0 Goals

Debut 30 April 1923 Witton Albion (Away)

The Macclesfield reserve team outside-right was called into the senior side for the final two matches of the season .

1879-80 to 1886-87

Debut 18 October 1879 Cocknage (Home)

A member of the Chester Road Mill team before signing for Macclesfield, making his debut against Cocknage in October 1879. In his book, John Earles writes that Bates alongside Bolton were the best two players in the Macclesfield team at that time. Bates was an idol of the crowd for his performances at centre-forward.  He was probably a prolific scorer but match reports of the day often omitted the names of goal scorers, however, he scored a hat-trick in the first round tie of the Cheshire Senior Cup in January 1883 in the 6-0 win against Rainow, and scored four goals in the 6-0 win against Marple in December 1885 again in the first round of the Cheshire Senior Cup. He was  team captain for the 1885-86 season and represented Cheshire County over four seasons and was captain in 1884.

When he became a joiner for Stockport Corporation he signed for Stockport County.  In January 1888 in the Heaton Norris Rovers v Rainow match, Bates was a spectator but with Rainow two men short he, along with a local player, completed the line-up for Rainow.

He was also a fine cricketer.

2011-12 Defender

FL     League 17(4)0     Cups 7(0)0

Debut 6 August 2011 Dagenham & Redbridge (Home)

A former trainee at Blackburn, Jon moved through the ranks to their reserve side, but his 2007-08 season was disrupted due to a cartilage operation following which he spent a short time on loan at Buxton. After a successful trial at Bradford City, he signed for them in the summer of 2009 where he went on to make 27 appearances in all competitions.  He was released after a single season and, following a trial at Accrington Stanley, was given a permanent contract.  In the early part of the 2010-11 season he helped Accrington on their way to the play-offs before spending time on loan at Altrincham from March 2011 to the end of the season. 

The right-back signed for the Silkmen in the summer of 2011 making the starting line-up for approximately half the matches.  However, he often lost out to other players,  in the first half of the season to Elliot Hewitt and in the second half  to loanees Mark Connelly and Marcus Marshall, with Sam Wedgbury taking over at right-back for the closing matches. Released in the summer of 2012 at the end of his contract when he signed for Ross County but was released in December 2012.

Born: 20 September 1989.

1912-13 Goalkeeper

LC     League 15 Apps 0 Goals      Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 14 December 1912 Rochdale (Home)

Initially played for Chesterton White Star and then Burslem (1905), Liverpool Road (1906), Congleton White Star (1908), Tunstall Park (1909), Derby County (1910) and Stoke (1910-11, six appearances). 

He returned to Chesterton White Star in December 1911 before signing for Macclesfield in November 1912.

He was Macclesfield's regular reserve team goalkeeper but was given his chance at senior level when he replaced Macclesfield's long-standing 'keeper Allen in the middle of December 1912. The team were successful and results went his way, but after a run of five matches without a win, Allen was re-instated at the beginning of April with Baxter returning to the reserve team.

It is unknown whether he remained as a member of Macclesfield's reserve team during the 1913-14 season but he signed again for Tunstall Park in March 1914.

Born: 1889. Died: 1951.

1884-85 to 1887-88 Forward

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

Was a member of Langley FC in the early 1880s. A member of Macclesfield's reserve side who made the occasional appearance in the senior side.

1963-64

CL     League 6 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 24 August 1963 Buxton (Home)

Before moving to Macclesfield had played at Runcorn, Bangor City, Oldham Athletic where he made 130 appearances and scored 19 goals from 1956 to 1961, and Worcester City.  John was mainly a member of the reserve side with his senior appearances all coming in the early weeks of the 1963-64 season. On leaving Macclesfield moved to Mossley (1964-65 to 1966-67, 86 appearances, 11 goals), then Stafford Rangers and Boston FC (1969-70).

Born: 4 October 1936.

1888-89, 1891-92 and 1892-93 Full-back

TC     League 2 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 16 February 1889 Denton (Away)

There is no detailed information about this player, but he was a member of Macclesfield's reserve team. He first appeared in Macclesfield's pre-league days in 1889,  later making two senior appearances in the 1891-92 season and a single appearance the following season.

2010-11 Defender

FL     Cups 1(0)0

Debut 5 October 2010 Crewe Alexandra (Home) JP Trophy R2

Jason spent over ten years at Derby County, progressing through the ranks to make his senior debut in August 2007 aged just eighteen. However, further opportunities were limited and he went on loan to Notts County at the start of the 2007-08 Season, returning to Derby in January. Jason then moved to the USA registering with Tampa Bay but returned to the UK in the summer of 2010 and, following a successful pre-season trial, signed for the Silkmen, but with little opportunity for him in the senior side, spent time on loan at Eastwood Town but only made one senior appearance.  Jason was released by Macclesfield in the summer of 2011 and has since played for Mickleover Sports,  Stafford Rangers, Lincoln City, Uttoxeter Town, then Eastwood Town in March 2013 and Worcester City in the summer of 2013. (Information of his clubs from leaving Worcester City to November 2016 unknown) Signed for  Stafford Town in November 2016 returning to his home town club of Uttoxeter Town in the summer of 2017 where he was made captain.

Born: 12 July 1989.

1966-67 to 1971-72 Utility and Player/Manager

CL      League   81 Apps 10 Goals      Cups 36 Apps 8 Goals

NPL   League 145(1)22    Cups 90(1)14

Debut 20 August 1966 Buxton (Home)

Born at Hoyland Common near Barnsley, Frank joined the ground staff at Barnsley FC from school, turning professional with them in December 1957 scoring 37 goals in 107 appearances over a four-year period. In September 1961 Bury paid a fee of £10,000 for his services (68 appearances, 12 goals) and in September 1964 he moved to Stockport County where over the next two seasons he made 55 appearances scoring 4 goals..

Signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1966, Frank was described as a real dynamo and the backbone of the team and was a member of the side which played Fulham in the FA Cup 3rd round in 1968.  He was known as a quiet spoken leader and a versatile player equally at home in defence or attack and was prepared to run himself into the ground.

Frank stepped up to become player/manager at the start of the 1968-69 season, for the team’s first season in the Northern Premier League, when Keith Goalen resigned because of work commitments. In his first season the side were champions of the League and also won the Cheshire Senior Cup.

In 1969-70 his side were NPL Champions again holding Scunthorpe, with a young Kevin Keegan, to a draw, led them to Wembley winning the first ever FA Trophy final beating Telford United 2-0, lifted the North West Floodlit League Trophy and, but for a narrow defeat by Altrincham in a two legged NPL Challenge Cup, missed out on the opportunity to win a fourth piece of silverware.

In 1970-71 Frank’s team slipped to 5th position, lost to Bradford City in the 1st round of the FA Cup and lost to then non-League Hereford United in the quarter final of the FA Trophy.  However, there was the consolation prize of another Cheshire Senior Cup win.

Unfortunately in 1971-72 Frank was unable to consolidate on previous success although he steered them to a North West Floodlight League Final.  Although Frank was dismissed in April 1972 when he moved back to his native Yorkshire with Bradford Park Avenue, he was one of the most successful managers in the history of Macclesfield Town Football Club. Later was manager of Woolley Miners Welfare FC in the Yorkshire League.

He was a shop development manager for WH Smith and then a sales manager for Blow & Scrimshaw until he retired. Frank died in November 2011.

Initially played for Christ Church FC (Preston) and Lytham Institute before signing for Accrington Stanley in March 1904.  He then  moved to Preston North End  in August 1906, remaining there until April 1907 before signing for Nelson in August 1908.  A move south to Watford came in July 1909, where he made 21 appearances and scored two goals, leaving them during 1910, signing for Chorley in November 1911 and Fleetwood in March 1912, where he must have remained very briefly as he signed for Macclesfield in the same month, but only made one appearance, ironically against Fleetwood.

Born: 25 March 1893, Preston. Died: 1965.

Prior to joining Macclesfield had played for Chester Road, St Georges and St Paul Alexandra.

Whilst with the club for five years, he did not feature on a regular basis and was probably used to deputise for players when they were unavailable..

1925-26 and 1927-28 to 1929-30 Left-half

CL      League 53 Apps 1 Goal     Cups 6 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 16 September 1925 Nantwich (Away)

Would appear to have been give a one match trial in September 1925, eventually coming to Macclesfield from the Potteries mid-way through the 1927-28 season and remained until the end of 1929-30 season.  In the 1927-28 season, following his debut he appeared regularly but his place was taken by CW Jones at the start of the 1928-29 season. However, after Jones moved to centre-half (and was shortly after sidelined following a motor cycle accident) Beech returned to the side in late December 1928 and was virtually ever-present to the end of the season.  He scored his only goal for the club in this period in  the 4-5 defeat away to Mossley in March 1928. In his final season for the club, Beech appeared regularly until December 1929, after which he was only used when other players were unavailable.

1912-13 Right-half

LC     League 30 Apps 1 Goal     Cups 4 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 2 September 1912 Bacup (Away)

With Stockport County for the 1911-12 season before signing for Macclesfield in the summer of 1912

He went straight into the team and was described as a tricky player, featuring in the majority of matches including both FA Cup ties and both Cheshire Senior Cup ties. There were times when he played at centre-half usually when Gartside was included in the team playing at right-half.

On leaving Macclesfield signed for Crewe Alexandra in August 1913 remaining there until April 1914.

2006-07 Goalkeeper

FL     League 2(1)0   Cups 1(0)0

Debut 25 November 2006 Sub Stockport County (Away)

Asmir was signed on loan from Portsmouth in November 2006, and made his Football League debut from the substitutes’ bench when the current ‘keeper Jonny Brain broke a leg.  It was immediately clear that Asmir was a talented ‘keeper with excellent overall ability, including taking high balls with ease and as a shot stopper. He only managed to make four appearances before a knee injury incurred in training forced him to return to Portsmouth. Asmir hails from Trebinje in Bosnia & Herzegovina but has represented Canada at International Under-20 level. He has since had loan spells at AFC Bournemouth, Yeovil Town and Ipswich Town before he signed for Stoke City for a fee of £3.25M. Moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2015 for a fee of £8M and then to AFC Bournemouth in the summer of 2017 for an undisclosed fee. Having dropped to fourth choice 'keeper at Bournemouth, from September 2019 to January 2020 spent time on loan with Premier League side Qarabag FK in Azerbaijan. Having returned to Bournemouth signed another loan deal with AC Milan until the end of the 2019-20 season. Returned to the UK and was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Year for the 2020-21 season. In the summer of 2021 joined Everton on a one-year deal with the option of a further year which was taken up by the club in the summer of 2022. Having rejected an offer for the 2023-24 season Asmir left Everton of his own accord signing for EFL Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2023.

Away from football has set up the Asmir Begovic Foundation to enable both the building and improvement of recreational facilities in England (Cobham), and also in his native Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo).  In 2020 announced that he had set up a third Academy in Heilbronn (Germany).

Born: Trebinje, Herzegovina, 20 June 1987.

2016-17 Midfielder

NC     League 0(2)0     Cups 1(0)0

Debut 1 January 2017 Sub Tranmere Rovers (Home)

Born in Poynton, Laurie joined the School of Excellence at Stockport County in 2000 at the age of eight, moving to Manchester City's Academy in 2004 after which he spent two years from 2009 on a youth apprenticeship at Rochdale where he was a member of the Youth  Alliance title winning squad. From 2011 to 2014 he played college football for the University of Wisconsin's side Milwaukee Panthers and was named the 2013 Horizon League player of the year and a first-team All-American.  The following season, he was named an Academic All-American for the second straight year. Whilst at college he also appeared for USL PDL club Ventura County Fusion in 2014.

In March 2015 signed for United Soccer League club Tulsa Roughnecks but returned to England in December 2015 spending time with Evo-Stick Northern Premier League First Division side Hyde United. Moved to Sweden in April 2016 signing for Karlslunds IF KFK.

Signed non-contract terms with Macclesfield Town on 1 January 2017 and dual forms with Hyde United. At Macclesfield made one start in the second round of the Buildbase FA Trophy and two cameo league appearances, but received praise at Hyde United where he played regularly helping them to climb into the top half of the league with seven wins, two draws and one defeat.

Re-signed for Karlslunds IF KFK at the end of February 2017. After three enjoyable years at Karlslunds IF KFK, wanting a fresh challenge signed for another Swedish club BK Forward  in 2019 which meant that he could continue living in Orebro. In February 2020, prior to the start of the 2020 Swedish season, signed for Orebo Syrianska IF, Division One (tier3) team leaving them in February 2022. Signed for Cymru Premier club Caernarfon Town in April 2022 with his contract extended for the 2022-23 season after which he left the club.

Away from football during his time in the UK had part time employment updating the social media channels for a small local business. In Sweden he was a marketing manager for Heja.

Born: 1 September 1992.

(Thanks goes to the National League for some of the content of this profile.)

2008-09, 2009-10 and 2014-15 Midfielder

FL      League 74(9)3    Cups 5(3)0

NC     League 9(1)3      Cups 1(0)0

Debut 12 August 2008 Sub Blackpool (Home) Carling Cup R1

Lee was a trainee at Crewe Alexandra where he earned his first professional contract in February 2001. After making over 60 appearances for the Alex he signed for Burton Albion in January 2007, moving to Mansfield Town in the summer of 2007. His injury towards the end of the 2007-08 Season was seen by many as one of the key reasons for the Stags relegation when his attacking and combative play was a big loss to them.  He became Keith Alexander’s first 2008 close season signing, but had a very slow start and was dropped to the bench in November 2009.  Only after the departure of Terry Dunfield did Lee fully find his feet in the centre of the park and was rewarded with a twelve month extension to his contract to June 2010. Lee made some notable performances during the 2009-10 season as a speedy and extremely hardworking midfielder, and was rewarded when he was voted Player of the Year. Lee was released in the summer of 2010 at his own behest returning to Crewe Alexandra and moved to Burton Albion in the summer of 2012.

Returned to Macclesfield Town in February 2015 on loan from Burton Albion to the end of the 2014-15 season. Featured fairly regularly and scored a goal in each of three consecutive matches in April, the first in the home match against Wrexham on 6 April celebrating his 100th appearance in all competitions for Macclesfield Town.

In August 2015 announced his retirement from professional football due to injury.

Returned to Crewe Alexandra initially assisting Kenny Lunt as part of the Elite Player performance Plan. Was appointed assistant manager for Crewe Alexandra U18's team and more recently has been promoted as manager of the U18's team. Following the departure of Crewe Alexandra's first team manager David Artell, Lee was appointed first team assistant manager on an interim basis in the middle of April 2022 under the managership of Alex Morris, with both appointments being confirmed as permanent on 28 April 2022. At the beginning of November 2022 appointed First Team Interim Manager at Crewe Alexandra following a request from manager Alex Morris to step down from the manager's position for compassionate reasons remaining as assistant manager. Following a selection process Lee was appointed permanent manager at Crewe Alexander on 1 December 2022.

Born: Alsager, 26 January 1983.

Bill was born in 1907 in Manchester and followed in his father's footsteps who had played for Manchester United.  In the First World War Bell senior sent his family to live in Scotland, where Bill played for West of Scotland Boys.  After the War his father was appointed trainer at Coventry City with Bill signing for St Margaret's FC in Coventry. His father then moved to Manchester City as trainer in December 1925, Bill moved at the same time and spent two seasons at City in the reserve team.  In 1927 Bill signed for Coventry City where he remained for four seasons before moving to Portsmouth for a fee of £450 and then to Chester for a fee of £250 where he spent four seasons.

From there he signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1935 when in addition to playing football, he became a salesman. Bill played in four early season matches but unfortunately fractured a bone in his foot which required surgery, leaving him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

2009-10, 2010-11 Midfielder/defender

FL     League 55(5)16    Cups 8(0)0

Debut 8 August 2009 Northampton Town (Away)

Originally played for Guingamp, France before moving to Nottingham Forest in November 2006.  Hamza had a short loan spell at Lincoln City late in 2007 but with little opportunity to progress he moved to Macclesfield in the summer of 2009 going straight into the starting line-up.  A strong, attacking player at both centre-back and in the centre of midfield, Hamza quickly established himself as one of the squad’s best players and was on the score sheet on five occasions before breaking his ankle at Rochdale in December 2009, an injury which kept him out of contention for the remainder of the season.  Signed a one year extension to his contract in the summer of 2010 and returned to first team football early in the 2010-11 season going on to be second top-scorer with 11 league goals including a brace in the home win against Burton Albion in October. Known to his team mates as ‘Hammerfoot’ because he hits the ball so hard.  

Hamza moved up a league in the summer of 2011 when he signed for Notts County, moving to Plymouth Argyle in September 2013. He returned to the Conference with Lincoln City in August 2014 and then signed for FC Halifax Town in the summer of 2015 where he won a winners' medal in the FA Trophy. Moved to Wrexham in the summer of 2016 and in January 2017 to York City on loan to the end of the 2016-17 season gaining a winners' medal in the FA Trophy. Completed a permanent move to York in the summer of 2017 and having been released at the end of the 2018-19 season signed for Guiseley in June 2019. Joint Supporters' Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season. In March 2021 the Guiseley captain signed an extension to his contract for the 2021-22 season. Having left Guiseley in the summer of 2022 signed for NPL-Division 1 East side Worksop Town with his contract extended to the end of the 2025-26 season. Honoured, along with Sam Wedgbury, when selected in the NPL - Division East Team of the Season for the 2022-23 season.

Hamza has represented Algeria at Youth and Under 20 levels.

Hamza is associated with the On Fire Sports Agency as a scout and player liaison.

Born: Paris, France, 2 February 1988.

2006-07 Midfielder

FL     League 0(3)0

Debut 23 March 2007 Sub Mansfield Town (Away)

Started his career as a schoolboy at Brentford and was a trainee at Gillingham.  Signed for RKC Waalwijk (Holland) in January 2004, reportedly on an 18 month contract, initially in the reserve team.  Upon returning to the UK, he went on to play briefly for Wingate & Finchley and for Margate during the 2005-06 season.  Played for Welling United from August to November 2006 then moved to Folkestone Invicta making a single appearance in November 2006, after which he featured for Crawley Town from November 2006 to January 2007.

Signed by Macclesfield in March 2007 where he was known as Ronayne Benjamin, but only made three appearances all of which were from the substitutes’ bench.  Opportunities were limited but when the field of play he made good use of his pace on the left wing.  He was released at the end of the 2006-07 season.

On leaving Macclesfield he has gone to make appearances for numerous clubs, rarely for any length of time, and he has played under both the names of Ronayne Benjamin and  Ronayne Marsh-Brown at various times. The clubs are listed below with the duration he was with them recorded within brackets.

Fisher Athletic (August-October 2007), Maidenhead (November-December 2007), Welling United (February 2008), Dorchester Town (August 2008-March 2009) going on trial to Southampton in February 2009 whilst at Dorchester.  He then played for Bath City (April-May 2009), had a trial at Northampton Town (October 2009), moved to Harrow Borough (January-October 2010), Sutton United (November 2010-January 2011), Walton & Hersham (January-February 2011), Maidstone United (February-May 2011), Northwood (September 2011-August 2012), Aylesbury FC (September-December 2012),Wingate & Finchley (December 2012-March 2013), returned to Aylesbury FC (April-August 2013), Chalfont St Peter (August 2013-April 2014), returned to Wingate & Finchley (August 2014-March 2015), Metropolitan Police (March–September 2015), Lewes (September-October 2015), Farnborough Town (October-November 2015), Unknown (December 2015-October 2016), Chalfont St Peter (November 2016-February 2017), Bedford Town (February-September 2017) as player/assistant manager, St Neots Town (October 2017), Barton Rovers (February 2018). For the 2018-19 season he has been on the books of Peterborough Sports, Whitehawk, East Thurrock United (November 2018) and Marlow (February 2019). Signed for Biggleswade in August 2019 on dual registration with Marlow taking his first steps into management as player/joint assistant manager leaving in January 2020 to become player/coach at Bedford Town. For the 2020-21 season - team manager Letchworth Eagles Under 16s and team coach at Hemel Hempstead. On leaving Hemel Hempstead appointed Academy Coach at Cambridge United in September 2021.

Has three footballing brothers - Keanu, Kwai and Kyjoun

At international level has represented Guyana and was included in the 23-man squad for the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup featuring in the 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago in the final Group game.

Away from football has set up Marsh-Brown Elite Coaching.

Date of Birth: Chiswick, 13 November 1984.

(Sincere thanks go to Mark Bettany for the significant amount of research undertaken for this profile.)

1931-32 Centre-half

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 12 September 1931 Mossley (Away)

Previously with the Northern Nomads and Buxton, Bennett was drafted in for one match when James Burridge was unavailable.

1969-70 to 1971-72 Full-back

NPL      League 82(0)1   Cups 42(2)0

Debut 9 August 1969 Gateshead (Away)

An apprentice with Liverpool from April 1963 who represented Liverpool (alongside Grant McCulloch - see separate profile) in the 1963 FA Youth Cup Final against the winners West Ham, but having made no senior appearances signed for Chester in June 1966 where he made 76 appearances in all competitions.

Moved to Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1969 where  he proved himself to be one of the most dedicated players in the game, being a tenacious tackler and had a good turn of speed, he was a member of the  1969-70 Northern Premier League championship side, gained a winners' medal in the FA Trophy in 1970 and was a member of the team which won the North West Floodlit League in 1969-70.

Subsequently  played for Stalybridge Celtic, New Mills and Great Harwood. A hamstring injury then sidelined him but having regained full fitness signed for Morecambe for the 1973-74 season gaining a FA Trophy winners' medal in 1974, remaining with the Shrimps until 1975. Completed his career at Witton Albion (18 appearances).

Away from football was involved in his family's building business in Liverpool.

Born: 21 March 1946.

There are no records available for this player.

1884-85 and 1885-86

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

A member of Macclesfield's reserve team who made the occasional appearance at senior level.

A native of Knutsford, Joe had played for Knutsford FC, Lostock Gralam, Salford United, Crewe Alexandra and Chester before signing for Macclesfield in the summer of 1909.

Top scorer in the 1909-10 season he regularly appeared on the score sheet scoring in seven consecutive matches at the start of 1910. In his book John Earles describes Joe as a fast runner, clever dribbler, with an excellent shot at goal and was always a hardworking player.

In 1910 he moved to Manchester City where John Earles records that at various times he played in every position except goalkeeper evidently in the reserve team as it is recorded that he only made one senior appearance in the League fixture at Sheffield Unbited on 26 February 1912.

. In September 1912 he signed for Stockport County moving to Altrincham in October 1912.

He returned to Macclesfield for the 1913-14 season but by then he was not always the first choice, however, he still showed his versatility playing in various forward positions.

On leaving Macclesfield for a second time he returned to Altrincham in October 1914. Retired from playing in 1915.

Died in 1950.

1892-93 Outside-left

TC     League 4 Apps     1 Goal

Debut 27 March 1893 Dresden United (Home)

Joined Macclesfield from Congleton Hornets for the final four matches of the 1892-93 season scoring his one goal in the 8-0 home win against Wrexham in the final match of the season.

2003-04 and 2005-06 Midfielder

FL      League 14(7)0 Cups 3(4)1

Debut 4 October 2003 Leyton Orient (Away)

David spent two spells with Macclesfield, the first on loan from Plymouth Argyle for one month, at the end of which he became Brian Little’s first signing for Tranmere Rovers. The second time around he moved from Tranmere Rovers in the summer of 2005 and initially featured regularly, but in the second half of the season other players were preferred. He was a fast left-sided midfielder who always strove hard and had the ability to make telling crosses. After leaving Macclesfield David retired from professional football and is now a PE teacher.

Represented England at both Schoolboy and Youth levels.

Born: Middleton, 11 November 1976.

1911-12 and 1912-13 Left-back

ML     League 5 Apps     Cups 3 Apps 0 Goals

LC      League 17 Apps     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 9 September 1911 Stalybridge Celtic (Home)

Joined Macclesfield FC from Rossendale having previously played for Tonge. Featured fairly regularly in the 1911-12 season for both senior teams although he dropped to the Macclesfield reserve team for the 1912-13 season making just one senior appearance. Moved to Denton for the 1913-14 season.

1928-29 Centre-half

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 26 December 1928 Stalybridge Celtic (Away)

A member of the Macclesfield reserve side Berry was one of thirteen players who only made a single senior appearance in the 1928-29 season when a total of 40 different players were used. Berry's appearance came during the Christmas period when five matches were played in almost as many days.

1967-68 to 1971-72 Half-back/full-back

CL      League   27(0)4   Cups 18(0)1

NPL   League 133(1)4   Cups 85(1)4

Debut 19 August 1967 Buxton (Home)

Before joining Macclesfield Dave was a junior at Blackpool and played for Earlestown, and Chester where he made one appearance.  A tough tackling, all-action, red haired player nicknamed ‘Ginger’, he was equally at home at full-back or half-back, and was often seen popping up in attack. In his first season at the club (1967-68) he was Sportsman of the Year. Dave was a member of the team who were champions of the Northern Premier League in 1968-69 and 1969-70, holder of winners' medals in the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1969 and 1971 and a member of the team which won the North West Floodlit League in 1969-70. Returned to Macclesfield in 1981 as Brian Booth’s assistant. Enjoyed a benefit season in 1971-72.

His occupation was as a jig or tool draughtsman with the English Electric Company and later Dave was a director of Faber Engineering Designs. Also ran the Chorley Equestrian Centre.

Born 1 June 1945, died 2 January 2022.

Debut 2 October 1911 Buxton (Home)

Initially played  for Atherton before moving to Heywood United in 1908 and then Carlisle United in June 1909, Eccles Borough January 1910, and returned to Heywood United in August 1911.

Signed for Macclesfield in September 1911, with all of his appearances coming in the month of October scoring  two goals on his debut in the 3-1 win.

Returned to Heywood United for a third time in November 1911, signing for Barnoldswick United in October 1912 and Newton Heath Athletic in July 1913.

1910-11 and 1911-12 Centre-forward

ML      League 39 Apps 37 Goals     Cups 11 Apps 7 Goals

LC       League    8 Apps  5 Goals

Debut 3 September 1910 Altrincham (Away)

First started playing for St George's School, Wigan moving to Ince Athletic in September 1906 and then Bryn Central in November 1906. He next played for Hindley Central joining them in July 1907 moving to Northwich Victoria in September 1907, returning to Hindley Central in December 1907 before signing for Altrincham in May 1908. Signed for Nelson in March 1909 and was then with Preston North End reserves from January 1910.

Joined Macclesfield in May 1910 going straight into the Manchester League team and scored a hat-trick on his debut in the 3-1 victory at Altrincham. He was a prolific scorer throughout his first season, netting in seven consecutive matches and later in eight consecutive matches. He was instrumental in the team completing the 1910-11 season as League Champions and gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup in the same season. His second season with the club was much quieter when he scored 11 goals in 26 appearances.

On leaving Macclesfield he moved to Hyde United in May 1912 remaining there until he signed for Chester in December 1912 after which he went on to sign for South Shields in January 1914 and Denton in June 1914. During WW1 Best returned to Altrincham appearing in their war-time Lancashire  Combination team and continued to play for them in the the early part of the 1919-20 season after which he signed for Witton Albion in November 1919.

From September 1911 was the landlord of the Black's Head in Mill Street Macclesfield having previoulsy had experience in the trade in Chorley and Manchester.

Note: In all Football Association and Football League registrations Best is listed as 'Gordon'.  However, during his time at both Altrincham and Macclesfield he was referred to as 'Richard'.  It may well be that his full name was Gordon Richard Best and that he was known by his second name with official records referring solely to his first name.

2003-04 Midfielder

FL     League 3(1)0

Debut 17 January 2004 Sub Cambridge United (Home)

Started his career at Plymouth Argyle progressing through the youth section to the first team where he signed his first professional contract in August 1995 going on to make 161 appearances in all competitions. He then moved to Sheffield Wednesday in May 2002 (16 appearances) spending time on loan at Swindon Town (three appearances).

Jon spent a month on loan at Macclesfield Town in January 2004 as cover for suspended players featuring at left back and in a wide-left midfield role.

Subsequently played for Bristol Rovers (July to November 2004, one appearance), Kidderminster Harriers (November 2004 to January 2005, 11 appearances), Forest Green Rovers (January 2005 to May 2005, 25 appearances) and spent from 2005 to 2008 at Salisbury City when he went out on loan to Mangotsfield United and Weston-super-Mare. Jon signed for Paulton Rovers in 2008 but was released in 2009 purely due to work commitments as a policeman when he decided to retire from playing football.

Born: 15 January 1978.

1935-36, 1936-37 and 1937-38  Centre-half

CL     League 40 Apps 1 Goal    Cups 9 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 18 January 1936 Wigan Athletic (Away)

Born in Congleton. Before signing for Macclesfield had figured with Stoke City playing in their Central League side and Congleton Town.

In his  first two seasons Bill was a member of the reserve team. He was promoted to the senior side for the 1937-38 season missing very few matches, and was ever-present from the beginning of December to the end of the season. Bill was an amateur International and captained Staffs Amateurs v Cheshire Amateurs on 27 November 1937.  He left Macclesfield in the summer of 1938 to take up a scholastic appointment in Tunbridge Wells. Returned to play for Congleton in their wartime team returning to play for Macclesfield's wartime team in January 1940 to the end of the season. (None of these wartime appearances were regarded as official and therefore not counted in the player's overall figures)

After WW2 returned to Congleton Town in the 1946-47 season.

Educated at Longton High School and Loughborough College where he was the first pupil to take a diploma in Physical Training.  Whilst there he was selected to captain the Enlish Universities Soccer team. On leaving College he was appointed as a P.T. instructor at Longton High School (it was at this time he featured for Macclesfield F.C.). In 1940 he joined the Navy serving as a Petty officer P.T. instructor.

1911-12 Forward

ML     League 6 Apps 2 Goals

LC      League 6 Apps 2 Goals

Debut 1 January 1912 Lancaster (Home)

Like many players in the 1911-12 season there is no information recorded about this player.  He came on the scene for the second half of the season and appears to have been used when other players were unavailable in both the Manchester League and Lancashire Combination teams.

2000-01 Midfielder

FL     League 0(2)0

Debut 12 August 2000 Sub Scunthorpe United (Home)

Signed non-contract forms in the summer of 2000 having previously played for Sheffield United (1996-99), Hull City (loan 1997-98), Chesterfield(1999) and Rochdale (1999-2000). Chris only made two substitute appearances on the wing and was released in October 2000 subsequently linking up with former England star Chris Waddle at Worksop Town (20001-02). Released by Worksop in 2002, spent a short time at Staveley MW (2002), South Normanton (2002) and Ilkeston Town (2002) before joining Alfreton Town where he remained until 2006.  Chris then spent two seasons at Harrogate Town from 2006-08. After a short time with Bradford Park Avenue (2008) he signed for Retford United where he remained until 2010 when he moved to Worksop Town (2010) and later Stocksbridge Park Steels. With Brigg Town from January 2015 and then Heanor Town (2015-16) before signing for Rainworth Miners Welfare in the summer of 2016 at the age of 38 remaining there for the 2016-17 season.

Born: Chesterfield 27 October 1977.

Bevans John

1966-67 Goalkeeper

CL     League 6(0)0   Cups 1(0)0

Debut 28 September 1966 Mossley (Away)

John was a 21-year-old reserve team goalkeeper who deputised for John Cooke. After his debut, he had to wait until November to make a further senior appearance when  John Cooke was side-lined with a cracked  knuckle. Bevans then enjoyed a run of six games in the senior side and played so well that he kept Cooke out of the side until he broke a leg in the home match against Winsford United on 17 December 1966.  Unfortunately this injury ended his senior career with the Silkmen.

1955-56 to 1958-59 Outside-right

CL     League 114 Apps 19 Goals  Cups 21 Apps 3 Goals

Debut November 12 1955 Ellesmere Port Town (Away)

Prior to signing for Macclesfield he was with Stoke City but his playing career was interrupted by National Service however he managed to notch up 15 appearances scoring one goal.

An outside-right, but his versatility meant that he could play on either wing or as an inside-forward.

On leaving Macclesfield signed for Hinckley Town in the summer of 1959.

Born: 16 April 1934.

2018-19 Forward

FL     League 1(2)0

Debut 2 February 2019 Sub Mansfield Town (Away)

Born in London he moved to Scotland at the age of 12 and as a youth played for Clydebank then Falkirk where he signed his first professional contract at the age of 16 in 2014 making his senior debut on 6 May 2014, going on to make 32 appearances in all competitions scoring four goals. Moved to Premier League side Swansea City in August 2015 for a six figure fee where he featured mainly for their Under-21 and Under-23 sides with a handful of matches for the senior side. Spent time on loan at Scottish side Hamilton Academical from August 2017 to January 2018 making five league appearances.

Signed a loan deal with Macclesfield Town during the January 2019 transfer window. One of a number of players signed at that time, his appearances were restricted with more experienced players taking preference. Returned to Swansea City in May 2019 at the end of his loan spell but would appear to have been released by Swansea having signed for Ebbsfleet United in July 2019 leaving Ebbsfleet in October 2019. Signed a short term deal with Scottish club Stenhousemuir in November 2019 leaving the club at the end of his contract in the summer of 2021. In the summer of 2021 signed for Scottish League Two newcomers Kelty Hearts and helped them win the Scottish League Two title for the 2021-22 season leaving the club in May 2022. Joined Highland League side Brechin City in October 2022 leaving them at the end of the 2022-23 season when he returned to Scottish League One side Kelty Hearts.

At International level, because of his birthplace and parentage he had a three-way choice between Ivory Coast, England and Scotland electing to represent Scotland and was called up for the Under-19 side for a series of matches in September 2014.

Born: 8 March 1996

Biggin Jonah

2017-18

NL     Cups 0(1)0

Debut 7 November 2017, Sub 1874 Northwich (Away) Cheshire Senior Cup Preliminary Round

Played for Whaley Bridge Under 10s in 2011 graduating to their Under 14s side in 2014.

Joined the newly formed Macclesfield Town under 21 Youth Development team at the start of the 2017-18 season. Came on from the substitutes' bench in the only Cheshire Senior Cup match of the season when the members of the Development team were used to fulfill this tie.

Since leaving Macclesfield Town has played in the Cheshire Football League for Buxton FC Reserves (2018-19) and for Whalley Bridge Athletic during the curtailed seasons 2019-20 and 2020-21 for which records were expunged and was also registered with Whaley Bridge Athletic for the 2021-22 season although he does not appear to have made any appearances for their senior side.

1951-52 Outside-right

CL      Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 3 October 1951 Buxton (Away) FA Cup Preliminary Round replay

A local amateur player who was given a one match trial at a time when senior players were out of contention due to injury.

1991-92 to 1994-95 Defender

Conf    League 101(1)2   Cups 46(0)0

Debut 17 September 1991 Runcorn (Home)

Stuart, a 21-year-old full-back in 1991, was signed for a fee of £5,000 from Southport  where he was captain, having previously played for Ellesmere Port and Prescott.  A solid and dependable defender, he was an important member of the back line. At Macclesfield he gained a winners medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1991.

Just a few days before he was due to receive his first England semi-pro cap, Stuart took the opportunity to move into the Football League with Bury who paid a fee of £12,500 for his services in 1994. In November 1996 he made the move to Lincoln City where he remained until 2003 making a total of 175 league appearances.

Since 2003 he has played for Cambridge United, Accrington Stanley (loan), Canvey Island and  Chelmsford City.  He was then player/manager at Bedford Town from 2006 to 2008 returning to Cambridge United in 2008 as first team coach for a single season. Afterwards Stuart acted as scout for Barrow and from September 2010 until May 2011 was assistant manager to Ken McKenna at Altrincham. Appointed the development Coach at the Southend United Centre of Excellence in July 2012. In more recent times (2017) has been appointed First Team Assistant Coach at Biggleswade United and Head of Recruitment for the Biggleswade United FC Academy. At the end of the 2017-18 season Biggleswade ended Stuart's contract along with Head Coach Christian Colas who both moved to Staines Town in May 2018 as part of the management team but were released in the middle of September 2018. Is qualified as an 'A' License Football Coach.

Away from football Stuart is an Assistant Leader at the New Life Church in Biggleswade and is a Medical, Wellness and Tech Entrepreneur.

Born: 29 September 1969

1946-47  Left-back

CL      League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 21 September 1946 Altrincham (Away)

Reported to have been a professional player from Manchester, he was one of many players to be given a trial in Macclesfield's first season after the Second World War.

1920-21 Left-half

CL      League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 1 January 1921 Winsford United (Home)

A member of the Macclesfield reserve team given a taste of senior football during a busy festive football programme.

A regular in the team throughout his time at Macclesfield, he was a member of the side which played in a competitive league, The Combination, for the first time in the 1890-91 season when they finished runners-up. Joseph held two Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medals - the first for the 1889-90 season against Nantwich when the Silk Lads won the cup for the first time, and the second for the 1890-91 season against Crewe Hornets.

It would appear that he signed for  Stockport County for the 1892-93 season although still registered as a player for Macclesfield and was suspended by the Football Association for one month.

Away from football was employed as a weaver.

1878-79

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

There is no information recorded for this player who featured during the pre-league days of Macclesfield FC.

1921-22 Centre-half

CL      League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 3 May 1922 Stalybridge Celtic (Home)

The Macclesfield reserve team centre-half was given a taste of senior football in the final league match of the season. In the reserve team he was described as a reliable, cool and efficient.

1914-15 Right-half

LC     League 27 Apps 1 Goal    Cups 6 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 7 November 1914 Witton Albion (Home)

Moved from Rochdale replacing Baldwin when he moved back to Fleetwood, and was the regular right-half from November 1915 to the end of the season. Brother of Joseph Birds.

1913-14 and 1914-15 Goalkeeper

LC     League 48 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 8 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 26 December 1913 Rochdale (Home)

Played for Hazel Grove  in the 1909-10 season and then moved to Stockport County (38 appearances) in September 1910, signing for Macclesfield during the 1913-14 season when he replaced Allen who had been the club's first choice 'keeper for several seasons. He was a member of the side which won promotion from the Second to the First Division of the Lancashire Combination in the 1913-14 season, his ten clean sheets (including three in his first three matches for the club) helping the club to achieve this promotion.

After leaving Macclesfield he signed for Stockport County but guested for Manchester City during the First World War when he served as a corporal in the Royal Garrison Artillery. Left Stockport at the end of the 1920-21 season when it appears that he returned to Macclesfield although there is no record of him making any senior appearances.  In the summer of 1922 he moved to Nelson (42 appearances) where the team only conceded 10 home goals throughout the 1922-23 season and gained promotion to the Second Division.  In the following season, first team opportunities were limited when Nelson signed Harry Abbot as 'keeper. Joseph left Nelson in  the summer of 1924 when he retired from professional football and became a printer in Hazel Grove 

Born: 29 October 1887. Died: Stockport, 18 April 1966.

1959-60 Outside-right

CL      League 19 Apps 7 Goals   Cups 4 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 16 September 1959 Wigan (Home)

A former England Schoolboys international, Cliff joined Manchester United as a trainee in 1949, signing his first professional contract in October 1950 making nine appearances and scoring two goals. He moved to Southport in June 1956 where he made 14 appearances scoring four goals.

It would appear that he then spent a short time with Wigan Rovers before signing for Macclesfield.  Cliff made an immediate impression when he scored two goals on his debut in the 3-1 victory.  Whilst initially appearing regularly, in the second half of the season he had competition from both Peter Johnson and Bill Finney.

Died: 11 January 1997.

1924-25 Forward

CL     League 1 App 1 Goal     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 28 March 1925 Ashton National (Home)

Previously on the books of Port Vale, made two consecutive appearances probably on trial which was not extended despite scoring on his debut.

1947-48 Centre-forward

CL     League 10 Apps 6 Goals   Cups 1 App 1 Goal

Debut 30 August 1947 Chester Reserves (Away)

Initially on the books of Everton as an amateur, he signed for Tranmere Rovers in August 1946 but only made two appearances scoring one goal.

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1947. His introduction to the team was slightly delayed as he was injured in a pre-season match.  He was described as a live-wire but all his appearances came in the short interval from the end of August to the middle of October when he  featured regularly on the score sheet, including netting two goals on his debut in the 5-6 defeat.

He moved to Winsford United for a small fee then Wellington, Ashton United (71 appearances, 28 goals) and Witton Albion (September 1951 to April 1952, five appearances, one goal). 

Born: 24 August 1922. Died: Wallasey, January 1993.

1956-57 Centre-forward

CL     2 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 20 March 1957 Witton Albion (Away)

An amateur player who made only two senior appearances.  His goal came in the 2-3 home defeat against Tranmere Rovers.

1919-20 Left-half

CL     Cups 6 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 20 March 1920 Altrincham (Away) Cheshire League Subsidiary Competition

Brought in  from Stockport to play in the Subsidiary Competition and the Altrincham Cup towards the end of the season when a back-log of fixtures was being cleared. He was rewarded with a winners' medal in the Altrincham Cup.

1973-74, 1974-75 Forward

NPL     League 31(2)9   Cups 15(0)8

Debut 8 December 1973 Northwich Victoria (Away)

Bruce started his football career as a junior at Carlisle United after which he moved to Mossley where he made his first senior appearance as a teenager late in the 1965-66 season. He averaged a goal every other match there and was transferred to Wigan Athletic for a fee of £200 in the summer of 1973, having completed the 1972-73 season as Mossley's top-scorer. He only remained at Wigan for a short time before joining Macclesfield Town where he regularly featured on the score sheet in both league and cup matches, and was joint top-scorer in the 1973-74 season.

Twin brother of Gordon.  The two brothers played together for several seasons whilst at Mossley.

1978-79 Forward

NPL     League 13(1)2   Cups 2(0)0

Debut 24 February 1979 Workington (Away)

His career started at Stoke City signing associate forms at the age of 14 and became an apprentice on leaving school. He was promoted to the professional ranks at the age of 17 and in the 1976-77 season he made 17 Football League appearances, also spending a short time on loan at Port Vale (two appearances).  He signed for Wimbledon in December 1977 at the age of 20 for a fee of £5K where he filled in at right-back, midfield or central defence but only made six senior Football League appearances.

A skilful ball player, Brian was signed for Macclesfield Town from Winsford United but was only with the club from February to May 1979.

On leaving Macclesfield played for Witton Albion (August to November 1979, four appearances), Ashton United (1979-80, one appearance), Stafford Rangers, Congleton Town, Rhyl, Winsford United and was again registered with Ashton United in 1986 although he did not make any competitive appearances.

Since 1979 he has worked as a systems and logistics manager for Tesco Distribution at Middlewich.

Born: 5 October 1956.

1913-14 and 1914-15 Inside-left

LC      League 32 Apps 27 Goals     Cups 5 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 13 December 1913 Rossendale United (Home)

From his debut until November 1914 Bithell was ever-present after which he only made the occasional appearance, Flannery and G Hall being preferred. He was a prolific scorer netting three hat-tricks and was top-scorer in the 1913-14 season with 19 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions. Although he only made 13 appearances in his second season with the club he still scored nine goals.

1932-33 and 1933-34  Inside-left/Left-half 

CL      League 47 Apps 10 Goals    Cups 10 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 8 October 1932 Crewe Alexandra Reserves (Away)

Signed for Forfar Athletic and then played at Forfar East End for three seasons gaining four cup winners' medals and a Championship medal and, although he signed amateur forms for Manchester United, he joined Macclesfield in October 1932. In the 1932-33 season he replaced John Shirley at inside-left until the middle of March when Shirley regained his place in the side. At this time William moved to left-half where he remained until January 1934 when he left to take up a job at Dundee Post Office. A versatile player who even took over in goal for part of a match, he played his part in helping the Silkmen win the Cheshire League Championship in the 1932-33 season. 

He rejoined Forfar East End on leaving Macclesfield and remained there until August 1937 when he moved to Morton and in September 1938 to Dundee United where he scored 24 goals in the 1939-40 season, including five in a game against East Sterling. He played in nine Regional League (Wartime) matches and was released in the 1940 close season. He joined the forces in August 1940 but returned to play for Forfar East End in autumn 1942, and must have returned to war time activity as he then spent two years in a German PoW camp being released in 1945. After the war he played some Scottish junior football.

1911-12 Outside-right

ML     League 1 App 0 Goals     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

LC      League 7 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 18 November 1911 Fleetwood (Away)

Said to be a clever and promising young player from Chorley, he was a member of the Lancashire Combination side.  His Cup appearance for the Manchester League side came when the Lancashire Combination team played the tie for the Manchester League side as they had a league match on the same day.  His league appearance for the Manchester League side came when the two sides changed competitions for one match.

1928-29 Centre-half

CL      League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 23 February 1929 Chester (Home)

A member of the Macclesfield reserve team, Blackburn was one of 13 players in the 1928-29 season to make a single senior appearance when a total of 40 individual players were used.

Macclesfield's reserve team goalkeeper who deputised for William Osbaldeston. Having recovered from a shoulder injury sustained in his final match for Macclesfield at Altrincham on 18 February ironically he signed for Altrincham in March 1923.

Played for Cradley Heath and Willenhall before becoming a member of Chesterfield reserves in September 1932 and then moved to Wellington Town in the summer of 1933.

Signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1934,  Blackham appeared in early season matches scoring a hat-trick in the 4-2 victory at Buxton, the second match of the season. Nevertheless, there were very capable players filling the forward positions resulting in his contract being cancelled at the end of September 1934.

Signed for Norwich Reserves in May 1935, moving to Walsall in January 1936 and then Stourbridge in the summer of 1936.

Died in 1989.

1984-85, 1985-86 Goalkeeper

NPL     League 10(0)0   Cups 6(0)0

Debut 25 August 1984 Rhyl (Away)

Signed from Newcastle Town in the Potteries, Glen was understudy to Alan Zelem.

2006-07 to 2008-09 Forward

FL     League 1(11)1

Debut 28 April 2007 Sub Accrington Stanley (Away)

A product of the Macclesfield Youth team, Nick was given his first professional contract in March 2007.  Overall he was a skilful player with a good touch and held the ball up well. He scored his debut senior goal, a last minute equaliser, in his first appearance of the 2007-08 season in the home match against Dagenham & Redbridge. Nick spent the first half of the 2008-09 season training at Blackburn where Paul Ince was the manager and moved there permanently in the January 2009 transfer window. Whilst at Blackburn Nick has spent much of his time out on loan with spells at Blackpool, Oldham Athletic, Motherwell and Aberdeen. However, he made his Premier League debut for Blackburn on 13 August 2011 against Wolverhampton Wanderers.  Nick moved to Sheffield United in the summer of 2012, Reading in January 2013 and Derby County in January 2016 for an undisclosed fee signing a three and a half year contract. In August 2017 Nick agreed a season-loan deal with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv managed by Jordi Cruyff. During his time there he featured in the Europa League in the Group Stage, he helped the team to finish as runners-up in the Israeli Premier League and to win the Israeli Equivalent of the League Cup. With a year left on his contract, Nick returned to Derby County in the summer of 2018 when he signed a year-long loan deal with Sporting Gijon. In July 2019 Nick returned to Maccabi Tel Aviv, on this occasion on a two year permanent deal following a free transfer from Derby County. He has also been in Barbados acting as an ambassador for the Concacaf Next Play initiative and for the last three years has hosted a Football Friendship Festival. Scored the opening goal for Maccabi Tel Aviv when they beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-0 to secure the Israeli Premier League title and qualify for the 2020-21 Champions League. Also a member of the Maccabi Tel Aviv side which won the 2020 Israel Super Cup.

Made his international debut representing Barbados on 5 September 2019 against St Martin scoring two goals in their victory, played in the defeat in the Cayman Islands and scored the only goal in the home win against the US Virgin Islands, going on to make a total of five international appearances.

Noted on the Football Black List 2017.

Born: Whitefield, 11 November 1989.

1992-93 Midfielder

Conf    League 12(8)3   Cups 2(2)0

Debut 17 November 1992 Sub Stafford Rangers (Home)

Colin was signed by Macclesfield Town from Hyde United  (October- November 1992) but he started his football career with Curzon Ashton and then enjoyed Football League experience at Halifax Town during the 1988-89 season where he made 23 appearances before moving to Northwich Vics.

On his debut Colin was a second half substitute for John Askey and scored the fourth goal in a 4-1 win. His other two goals came in the 1-1 draw at Yeovil Town and from the penalty spot in the 1-0 home win against Stalybridge Celtic.

On leaving the Silkmen he played for Winsford United (Summer 1993 - September 1993), Stalybridge Celtic (September 1993 - April 1994), Droylsden and Trafford.

Born: 7 March 1970.

1988-89 Midfielder

Conf    League 1(1)0   Cups 1(0)0

Debut 18 March 1989 Sub Telford United (Home)

Prior to Macclesfield had played for Winsford United, Altrincham (1980-81), Curzon Ashton (on loan from Altrincham),  Hyde United on two occasions in their senior team (1982-83 one appearance, 1986-87 two appearances), Stalybridge Celtic and Halifax Town for whom he signed in June 1988 making 23 appearances.

Signed for Macclesfield Town late in the 1988-89 season when he was a fringe player for the senior side.

On leaving Macclesfield he moved to Accrington Stanley and then Curzon Ashton again.

Away from football Steve was a Disc Jockey.

Steve died on 10 May 2016 at the age of 55.

(Thanks go to Jeremy Sayle and Terry Rowley for their valued input to this profile.)

1924-25 Left-back

CL      League 16 Apps  0 Goals    Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 25 October 1924 Winsford United (Home)

From Altrincham, after a successful one match trial was signed at a time when there was no specific player filling the left-back position. Was almost ever-present until F Whalley was signed at the end of February when it appears that he lost his place, although he made one further appearance in the semi-final of the Cheshire League Challenge Cup in April 1925.

1896-97 Outside-right

TC     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 5 September 1896 Everton Reserves (Home)

His one and only appearance came in the opening match of the 1896-97 season when he was probably on trial.

Bob was a member of the reserve team, with his sole senior appearance coming in the  4-0 victory when he replaced Stuart Hutchinson.

2017-18 and 2018-19 Forward

NL     League 15(2)5

FL    League 11(8)0     Cups 3(3)1

Debut 20 January 2018 Sub AFC Fylde

Started his career at youth level with Staffordshire University and Kidsgrove Athletic. He joined Romulus in the summer of 2011 moving to Kidderminster Harriers in August 2012. He then spent time out on loan at Cambridge United (March–April 2013), two stints at Hednesford Town (November 2013-January 2014 and February-March 2014) and Bristol Rovers (November 2014-January 2015). He then signed for Bristol Rovers on a permanent basis in January 2015 helping them to achieve promotion in 2015.  Further loan spells came with Tranmere Rovers (August-October 2015) and Lincoln City (November 2015-January 2016). In January 2016 he signed for Torquay United where he made 41 league appearances scoring 12 goals before signing for Plymouth Argyle in January 2017 for a fee of £15,000, the first player to have a fee paid by Argyle since 2012.

In January 2018 signed a loan deal with Macclesfield Town until the end of the 2017-18 season. As a tall striker he added a different dimension to the side and gave manager John Askey the opportunity to utilise two forwards on a fairly regular basis. Nathan was ever-present from the date of his signing to the end of the season and contributed a useful five goals, two of which were winning goals - at Aldershot Town and in the home match against Gateshead helping the team to become champions of the Vanarama National League for the 2017-18 season. On returning to Plymouth Argyle at the end of his loan he was released by them accepting a permanent deal with Macclesfield Town for the 2018-19 season. Featured regularly in the first half of the season but could only conjure up a single goal in the Checkatrade Trophy, although he continued to use his physical presence to good effect.

Signed for Solihull Moors on 21 December 2018 for an undisclosed fee from where he was released in the summer of 2020 going on to sign for Maidenhead United where he extended his contract for the 2021-22 season. Having been released by Maidenhead in the summer of 2022 signed for National North side AFC Telford United leaving the club by mutual agreement  on 24 February 2023 so that he could sign for Stafford Rangers remaining with them for the 2023-24 season. Moved to SFL Central-Premier side Bromsgrove Sporting in February 2024.

Away from football became a fully qualified mortgage advisor in February 2021.

Blissett’s uncle is Luther Blissett who represented Watford, Bournemouth and Milan and at international level when he made 14 appearances for England scoring three goals.

Born: 29 June 1990.

1901-02 Centre-forward

#ML     League 7 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 7 September 1901 Northwich Victoria (Home)

In an attempt to find a player to fill the centre-forward position on a permanent basis Bloor was signed in the summer of 1901. Unfortunately he only scored one goal (in the 3-2 away win at Middleton in October) resulting in him being replaced by Bracegirdle in December 1901. For rest of the season Bloor featured as the centre-forward for Macclesfield's reserve team.

1935-36 to 1937-38 Goalkeeper

CL     League 20 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 22 February 1936 Hyde United (Home) Cheshire Senior Cup R2

Before moving to Macclesfield Ernest played a few matches for Manchester City reserve side. At the Moss Rose he was primarily the reserve team 'keeper whose brilliant displays, agility and daring made up for his lack of inches.  His ability ensured that he was a favourite of the supporters. Ernest suffered a fractured arm during the 1935-36 season, but throughout his time at the Moss Rose he was an able deputy for the regular senior side 'keeper Frank Thiemicke. On leaving the Silkmen in the summer of 1938 he signed for Hyde United. Unfortunately he died from pneumonia in January 1940 at the age of 25.

1978-79 Defender

NPL     League 10(0)2   Cups 2(0)0

Debut 19 August 1978 Scarborough (Away)

Started his career at Hyde United before moving to Altrincham then Northwich Victoria (10 appearances) and Middlewich Athletic where he was Player of the Year.

He was a tall defender, quick on the ground, good in the air and  made an immediate impact when he scored on his debut in the 2-2 draw but only remained at the Moss Rose for two months.

On leaving Macclesfield returned to Hyde United making 165 appearances and scoring 2 goals, moving to Leek Town after which he played for Stalybridge Celtic and Witton Albion (November 1984 to May 1985, 13 appearances, two goals).

Was assistant manager with Leek Town for the 1989-90 season.

1929-30 Left-half

CL     League 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 16 November 1929 Whitchurch (Home)

An amateur player who started his career with Grove Park (Wrexham) Secondary School. In the 1925-26 season he was with Overton in the Maelor League and then featured for St Alban's City Reserve team, Chester College and then Wrexham Reserves where he remained for a season and a half.

Given a three match trial at Macclesfield after which he moved to Oswestry Town FC.

Was a school treacher in Manchester.

1951-52 Forward

CL     League 10 Apps 1 Goal    Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 13 August 1951 Buxton (Home)

Born in Tunstall, Eddie was an amateur at Port Vale before signing for Northampton Town in May 1937 (87 appearances, two goals). During the Second World War he guested for several clubs: Port Vale, Wrexham, Stoke City, Crewe Alexandra, Bury, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stafford Rangers returning to Northampton Town at the end of the war. Moved to Accrington Stanley in July 1949 (nine appearances, 1 goal) subsequently playing for Northwich Victoria and Congleton Town.

A forward who scored on his debut, but after playing in the first four matches of the season, his appearances only came when other players were unavailable.

Born: 21 May 1918. Died: 20 September 1993.

2019-20 Forward

FL     League 0(19)1     Cups 3(0)0

Debut 3 August 2019 sub Exeter City (Away)

Born in Nuneaton, he started his career with local side Bermuda FC moving to the non-league Pyramid when he signed for Nuneaton Griff (35 league appearances, 19 goals), moving to Bedworth United in July 2010 (25 appearances, six goals) signing for Leamington in January 2011 (25 appearances, six goals). He then made the jump to Championship side Leicester City in July 2012 but did not go on to make any senior appearances for the Foxes however, he scored six goals in 11 appearances for the club’s Under 21 Development Squad and featured for the Development Squad and Academy during the 2012-13 season when he was top scorer. Whilst at Leicester he was loaned out on seven occasions: Burton Albion (January - February 2013, two appearances), Notts County (February–March 2013, four appearances), Northampton Town, two spells, (August–December 2013, 11 appearances, three goals), Burton Albion (August 2014–May 2015, 22 appearances, five goals), Cambridge United (August–September 2015, five appearances, one goal) and Blackpool (March–May 2016, eight appearances, three goals). Released by Leicester City at the end of the 2015-16 season he signed for Scottish Premiership club Motherwell in August 2016 (eight appearances) signing a two-year contract with an option of a third year, but left Motherwell by mutual consent in August 2017. He was then without a club until he signed for Barrow in July 2018 (24 appearances, three goals).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in July 2019 on a one-year deal. Very much a bit-part player who just could not break into the side with all his league appearances coming from the substitutes' bench, only featuring in the starting line up for the Carabao Cup and the leasing.com Trophy.  His one goal came at Leyton Orient on 8 February 2020 when he rescued a point for the Silkmen in the 91st minute with a well worked goal and even then he was an unused substitute for the next match. Released by MTFC in June 2020.

Signed for Altrincham in December 2020 but with few opportunities coming his way opted to leave Altrincham at the beginning of January 2021 after which he signed a contract until the end of the 2020-21 season with Gateshead. Having been released by Gateshead on completion of the 2020-21 season signed a short-term contract with Oldham Athletic moving to Chorley in September 2021. Having been released by Chorley in the summer of 2022 signed a one-year deal with Bradford (Park Avenue) joining Darlington on loan in March 2023 until the end of the 2022-23 season.

Away from football, along with his wife, a former Reality TV person, has set up a personal Fitness company, Four Fitness.

Born: 14 August 1992.

1921-22 to 1923-24 Outside-left and Outside-right

CL     League 72 Apps 6 Goals     Cups 12 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 31 December 1921 Crewe Alexandra Reserves (Home)

Initially given a trial at the end of December 1921 when playing for Woodhouses FC, but never returned as he was signed by Macclesfield immediately after the trial going on to feature regularly in the outside-left position until Forrest was signed for the 1923-24 season when he was given the  outside-left position, Boardman moving to outside-right. He was a diminutive, plucky player who was never afraid of his opponents and centered the ball expertly. Represented Cheshire Amateurs versus Lancashire Amateurs.

Later played for Stockport County (1924 to 1930 - 185 league appearances, 31 goals) and then Manchester City Reserves (1930-31). (The 'transfer fee' from Stockport for Boardman and George Burgess was by way of a friendly match played at Macclesfield who were allowed to retain the gate receipts.)

Was a cotton spinner by trade and lived in Hollingworth, Oldham.

Born: 28 April 1899. Died: Manchester, 1968.

Boden Scott

2011-12 and 2013-14 Forward

FL     League 6(1)0    Cups 1(0)0

NC    League  38(2)18      Cups 7(0)5  

Debut 15 October 2011 Oxford United (Home)

A trainee at Sheffield United, Scott spent a short time on loan at Finnish Premier League club IFK Mariehamn. On leaving Sheffield in the summer of 2008 he signed for Chesterfield.

With George Donnelly temporarily returning to Fleetwood and Waide Fairhurst still out of contention through injury, Scott was signed on a month's loan by Macclesfield in the middle of October 2011 which was extended for a second month. He made eight senior appearances for the Silkmen without scoring, although he netted four goals against Witton Albion in the Cheshire Senior Cup competition. He signed a three month loan deal with Alfreton Town in January 2013 returning to Macclesfield in the summer of 2013.

In the early part of the 2013-14 season Scott was in competition with Chris Holroyd and  on loan Connor Jennings, however, on the departure of Jennings he featured regularly either in a two-man forward line or, from time to time, as the sole striker. Completed the season as the side's top-scorer with 23 goals in all competition, 15 of which were scored in the second half of the season including five in the month of April 2013 when he was the only player to find the back of the net, including scoring the winning goal at both Braintree and Alfreton.

Signed for FC Halifax Town in the summer of 2014 and moved to Football League club Newport County in the summer of 2015 and to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the summer of 2016. Having been released by Inverness Caledonian Thistle signed for National League club Wrexham in the summer of 2017. Having been released by Wrexham at the end of the 2017-18 season signed a one-year deal with Gateshead in July 2018, nevertheless he moved to Chesterfield in January 2019 for an undisclosed fee. With few opportunities at Chesterfield due to the club having sufficent players to cover the striker's role went on loan to Torquay United in February 2021 for the remainder of the 2020-21 season. Having been released by Chesterfield at the end of the 2020-21 season signed for Boreham Wood on a one-year deal with an option for a further year which was taken up by the club. Having been released by Boreham Wood in the summer of 2022, signed for York City linking up again with manager John Askey but quickly moved on signing for Buxton in September 2022 until the end of the 2023-24 season. However, left Buxton by mutual consent on 19 December 2023 signing for Matlock Town on 9 January 2024.

Born: 19 December 1989.

1954-55 Outside-right/inside-right

CL      League 27 Apps 14 Goals   Cups 7 Apps 4 Goals

Debut 24 August 1954 Buxton (Home)

As a youth Tommy was on the books of Strathclyde, Blantyre Celtic and then Renfrew before his first senior signing at Hibernian in 1943.  At the end of the Second World War he moved to Celtic who, as a team, struggled during his time there, he made 55 appearances in all competitions scoring nine goals. Tommy moved south of the border joining Preston North End in October 1948 making 11 appearances and then signed for Manchester United in August 1949 where he made 29 appearances scoring seven goals. Unable to adapt fully to the English game he moved back to Scotland signing for Aberdeen in 1951, but after only four league appearances he moved back to England joining Southampton in December 1951.  Again he struggled to secure a permanent place in the senior side, only making eight league appearances scoring two goals in two years moving to Blackburn Rovers in August 1953 but again failed to become a regular in the senior side only making a single appearance.

He then signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1954 scoring 18 goals in his 34 appearances, but in February 1955 it was announced that Tommy had decided to retire from playing football on doctor's orders.  He had been a popular member of the team during his short time at Macclesfield and it was recorded his presence would be missed.

He made one brief appearance at international level for Scotland in 1945 against England at Wembley, a wartime appearance,  when he was unfortunately injured in the first minute and could not continue.

Born: 18 May 1920. Died 23 September 1993.

2009-10, 2010-11 Midfielder

FL      League 48(11)3   Cups 7(1)0

Debut 8 August 2009 Northampton Town (Away)

An experienced midfielder with almost 350 professional appearances at Bradford City, Notts County and Grimsby, Paul made the move to Macclesfield in the summer of 2009. Initially used as back-up, but as injuries decimated the midfield he appeared more regularly in the starting line-up, although injuries kept him out of contention from time to time, however, overall he made a significant contribution.  Paul was released in the summer of 2010, but after a trial at Stockport he returned to the Moss Rose signing for a further twelve months. Again he has played an important part, including scoring two second half goals in the 3-2 home victory against Oxford United, when the Silkmen had been 0-2 down at half-time.

Paul moved to Mansfield Town in the summer of 2011 and signed a season-long loan at Harrogate Town in August 2012. Appointed coach to the U19 team at Harrogate Town in the summer of 2013. In 2015 became the Head of Football at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate in Harrogate.

Born: Bradford, 23 December 1979.

2012-13 and 2013-14 Defender

NC      League 8(2)0       Cups 3(0)0

Debut 10 August 2013 Nuneaton Town (Home)

James came through the Macclesfield Town youth ranks signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2012. Although he did not make any senior appearances for the Silkmen in the 2012-13 season he spent time on loan at Workington, Stafford Rangers and FC Halifax. His senior debut for Macclesfield came in the first match of the 2013-14 season and was a regular member of the team in early season matches. With competition for the defender positions, James fell down the pecking order and went on loan to FC Halifax Town from the end of January 2014 to the end of the season signing a permanent contract with them during the summer of 2014. Gained a winners' medal with FC Halifax Town in the FA Trophy in 2016.  Left FC Halifax Town in the summer of 2016 on their demotion from the Vanarama National League joining Gateshead in the National League on a three-year contract. However, in the summer of 2017 signed a two year contract with English Football League club Shrewsbury Town, moving for an undisclosed fee.  Signed for Portsmouth on a three-year deal in June 2019 which was extended to the 2022-23 season. However, signed for Plymouth Argyle in the summer of 2021. Having been released by Plymouth Argyle at the end of the 2022-23 season signed for Scottish Premiership side St Mirren on a one-year deal.

At international level appeared for the England C team, making his debut against Cyprus U21 on 17 February 2015.

Born: 13 August 1994.

1887-88 to 1896-97 and 1899-1900 to 1901-02 Half-back

#TC    League 108 Apps 6 Goals    Cups 28 Apps 4 Goals

#NSL  League 6 Apps 0 Goals        Cups 1 App 0 Goals

#ML   League 21 Apps 0 Goals      Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

First played for St George's FC before moving to Macclesfield Swifts on 20 May 1885, the Macclesfield reserve team, and was promoted to the senior side in 1888 during Macclesfield's pre-league days. Was team captain from 1893 to 1896 and during his time at Macclesfield represented Cheshire at County level. Held  winners' medals for the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1889-90 (the first occasion Macclesfield won the cup) 1890-91, 1893-94 and 1895-96.  Also a member of the Macclesfield team who played in a competitive league, The Combination, for the first time in 1890-91, the team completing the season as runners-up. He made more appearances than any other Macclesfield player in The Combination.  Moved to Stockport for two seasons (1897-98 and 1898-99) before returning to Macclesfield.

In his book, John Earles described him as the incomparable Bill Bolton who was a hard worker, a good tackler, clever dribbler with a sure kick and never played a dirty game.

In May 1936 joined the Committee for Macclesfield FC.

Had been a silk dyer and Licensee of the Farmer Arms and the Black Head Hotel, Mill Street.

Billy died in November 1938 (aged 69) following a road accident near his home.

1884-85 and 1885-86

Debut 11 October 1884 Manchester (Away)

A member of Macclesfield's reserve team who made the occasional appearance at senior level in Macclesfield's pre-league days. Appeared for Staffordshire County as a substitute in the match against Cheshire County on 29 November 1884 when the Staffordshire team were two players short.  (The other substitute was F Bond, also from Macclesfield.)

1876-77 Forward

Debut 28 October 1876 Stoke (Home)

A member of the 8th Cheshire Rifle Volunteers team who played at least one season for the newly formed Macclesfield FC team including featuring in their first match. From the sparse information available he appeared on the score sheet on two occasions.

He was also a good runner, monopolising the distance events at the Volunteers' Athletics Festival.

1901-02 Outside-right

#ML     League 3 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 8 February 1902 Failsworth (Away)

There is no information recorded about this player who replaced Tom Bullock, the regular holder of the outside-right position in the 1901-02 season, for three consecutive matches.

1922-23 Outside-right

CL      League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 21 April 1923 Winsford United (Away)

From the Potteries, this player was given a one match trial towards the end of the season at a time when different players were being tried out in the outside-right position..

2016-17 Goalkeeper

NC     Cups 2(0)0

Debut 20 December 2016 Altrincham (Away) FA Trophy Round 1

A Port Vale player who had spent two loan spells at Worcester City before signing for Macclesfield on loan as cover for Richie Branagan when he went on loan to Ashton United. On the substitutes' bench for six league matches but played in the Buildbase FA Trophy Round One match against Altrincham which ended in a 1-1 Draw and for the replay which Macclesfield won 2-1. Returned to Port Vale in January 2017. Having been released by Port Vale at the end of the 2017-18 season signed for Solihull Moors from where he was released at the end of the 2020-21 season. However, following the appointment of new manager Neal Ardley signed a new two-year deal with the Solihull club in the summer of 2021. At the end of his contract with Solihull Moors moved to National League club Chesterfield on a one-year deal.

Made his England 'C' debut from the substitutes' bench on 30 March 2022 against Wales.

Born: 9 November 1994.

1919-20 Left-half

CL      Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 5 April 1920 Witton Albion (Home) Cheshire League Subsidiary Competition

Played in the Macclesfield reserve side towards the end of the season and was called in for one Subsidiary Cup match when Macclesfield were clearing a back-log of fixtures.

1946-47 Goalkeeper

CL      League 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 28 September 1946 Stockport County Reserves (Home)

Used for two early season matches when the then regular 'keeper Foxcroft was unavailable.  Having been on the losing side for both matches and conceded eight goals he was released after which he signed for Altrincham.

1963-64 Winger

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 6 April 1964 Tranmere Rovers Reserves  (Away)

Booth was one of several reserve team players given a taste of senior football after the Silkmen had clinched the League Title.

1971-72 and 1976-77 to 1978-79 Utility

NPL     League 26(1)1   Cups 10(0)0

Debut 8 April 1972 Stafford Rangers (Home)

A product of local football, he joined the reserve team at Macclesfield Town where his consistency earned him a place in the senior side where he occupied a variety of positions with distinction.  He was a strong defender and never let the side down where ever he was playing. Brother of Brian.

Unfortunately there is no further information recorded for this player.

1981-82 to 1984-85 Manager

Brian played football for Congleton Town before he moved into management at Witton Albion where he remained for almost six years. When he was first appointed Witton were bottom of the Cheshire League but he managed to improve the side beyond recognition and in his first season took them to eighth position and then to Runners-up.  In Witton's first year as members of the Northern Premier League he steered them to Runners-up position, just one point behind Champions Mossley.

The then chairman of Macclesfield Town, Alan Brocklehurst, managed to sign Brian at his third attempt. Team building was the first priority in his first season.  Success came in the 1882-83 season, the team winning all four qualifying rounds of the FA Cup to reach the first round proper, the first time since 1975. Brian suffered a heart attack during the match against Chorley in February 1982 with the running of the team left to assistant manager Dave Berry who had given sterling service to the club as a player from 1967 to 1972, the Silkmen completing the season in fifth position in the league having been in the top spot for much of the time.  They were finalists in the League Cup and winners of the Cheshire Senior Cup.

At the start of the 1983-84 season Brian had fully recovered, the team finishing sixth in the league, however, they reached the first round of the FA Cup holding Division Four leaders and eventual champions York City to a 0-0 draw at the Moss Rose in front of a crowd of 4300, but unfortunately lost the replay. Brain won the manager of the Month Award for January 1984.

The 1984-85 season provided great excitement with the Silkmen chasing Stafford for the league championship but lost the race finishing as Runners-up. Prolific striker Steve Burr had been signed whose impact was seen immediately when he completed the season as top-scorer. Again the first round of the FA Cup was reached with Port Vale the opponents at the Moss Rose.  The match was interrupted just after the start of the second half with Macclesfield leading 1-0 when there was a crush at the end where the 2000 Port Vale fans were accommodated resulting in the wall collapsing, the game was stopped for 15 minutes whilst injured spectators were stretchered away.  Port Vale went on to win 2-1.  The team were runners-up in the two-legged final of the NPL Presidents' Cup.

Brain was made the NPL manager of the Year for 1984-85.  Sadly for the club at the end of the 1984-85 Brian resigned due to ill health.  After the problems encountered in the 1970's Brian brought life back to the club and is credited with creating the foundation on which the club was to achieve future success by bringing in players who were capable of gaining promotion.

Well respected by all, he was a Macclesfield man who outside football ran a building business with his brother Mick. Brian died on 8 May 2013.

1969-70, 1970-71 Forward

NPL     League 4(7)   Cups 0(2)

Debut 1 October 1969 Sub Buxton (Home) NW Floodlit League

At the time Bryan played for Macclesfield he was a teacher in South Manchester and moved to Kidderminster in 1970 to join IMI Summerfield as a rocket motor designer. He signed for Kidderminster Harriers for whom he played for two years, and then spent four seasons with Stourbridge FC where he achieved promotion to the Southern Premier League in 1973-74 and was on the losing side in the Welsh Cup Final against Cardiff City.

(Thanks go to Bryan for supplying the above information)

1980-81 and 1981-82 Defender

NPL      League 18(0)0   Cups 4(0)0

Debut 22 November 1980 Morecambe (Away)

Eddie was formerly with Stoke City but joined the Silkmen from the Staffordshire League and quickly adjusted to NPL football.

Unfortunately there is no further information recorded for this player.

In January 2018 the web site was advised that Eddie lives in Biddulph but is suffering with heart problems.

1925-26 and 1926-27 Goalkeeper

CL     League 62 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 12 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 7 November 1925 Middlewich (Home)

Prior to joining Macclesfield he was with Talke in Staffordshire and Stockport County Reserves (March 1925).

During the early part of the 1925-26 was the first choice 'keeper for the Macclesfield reserve team but graduated to the senior side replacing Townley.  He remained as the senior team 'keeper rarely missing any matches until the end of the 1926-27 season.  He was one of eight players who played in two competitive matches (one in the afternoon and one in the evening) on the same day in April 1926, the team winning both matches.

On leaving Macclesfield he joined Nelson (four league appearances) in 1927 having initially made an appearance with Nelson Reserves against Darwen on 27 September 1927 whilst on trial from Macclesfield, moving to  Whitchurch (1928-29), Winsford United (September 1929) and Oswestry Town (October 1930). 

Born: April 1901. Died: Q1 1970.

1991-92 Winger

Conf    League 1(3)0

Debut 28 March 1992 Sub Gateshead (Away)

Darren commenced his senior career at Stoke City in 1989 where he made seven senior appearances over a three year period. Whilst at Stoke he had loan spells at Wigan Athletic, Exeter City and, late in the 1991-92 season, at Macclesfield. His one start  came in the 3-2 loss at Merthyr Tydfil at the beginning of April when he was described as a flying winger. On his release by Stoke City he joined non-league Stafford Rangers in 1992 remaining with them for several seasons earning a testimonial season in 2001.

Away from football has worked for Stoke Council.

Born: 30 November 1970.

1974-75 to 1976-77 Forward

'Bob'

NPL     League 38(3)13   Cups 16(3)6

Debut 22 April 1975 Stafford Rangers (Away)

A product of football in the Potteries, Bob emerged from the Macclesfield Town reserves as a powerful player and was joint top-scorer with Mark Baber in the 1976-77 season. He spent a short time on loan at Witton Albion (January 1976, three appearances, one goal) and made a single appearance for Congleton Town.

1912-13 Outside-right

LC     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 1 February 1913 Darwen (Home)

From Shrewsbury Town, Bowen was given a one match trial but was not signed.

1974-75, 1975-76 Forward

NPL     League 10(2)3   Cups 9(1)1

Debut 27 November 1974 Buxton (Home) NW Floodlit League

A local lad who was promoted from the reserves although only used occasionally in the senior side. He scored both goals in the 2-0 home win against South Liverpool in October 1975, and scored a goal in the home 4-3 win against Goole Town.

1960-61 to 1962-63 Inside-right/Manager

CL     League 113 Apps 69 Goals     Cups 21 Apps 8 Goals

Debut 20 August 1960 Wigan (Away)

Before joining the Silkmen Frank had been a one-club player having joined Stoke City as a professional in 1937.  He was their longest serving player and had been given three benefits making 436 appearances and scoring 149 goals playing in the former First and Second Divisions.  He had also played in a FA Canadian tour. 

Frank was player/manager at Macclesfield where he scored a total of 29 league goals in the 1960-61 season, led his team to the Cheshire League Title and reached the first round of the FA Cup. It is no surprise that he was voted Sportsman of the Year that season, the first occasion that this award had been made. He was described as a great schemer, one of the finest exponents of the long through pass and possessed a cannonball shot, the latter he used to good effect when taking penalties. It is reported that if the goalkeeper did not duck out of the way the ball would be aimed at him in an attempt to knock him out!  Whilst devoting most of his time to the football club he still ran a sweets and tobacco business in Hanley.

At the end of the 1962-63 season he opted not to renew his contract when he moved to Cornwall due to family commitments where he became a caretaker in Newquay. 

Born: 10 April 1922. Died: 11 November 1999.

2004-05 Midfielder

FL      League 4(1)0

Debut 5 March 2005 Sub Northampton Town (Away)

Commenced his career in the youth set up at Newcastle United from 2000 to 2002 signing his first professional contract with Port Vale in 2002. Unfortunately he suffered a broken ankle towards the end of his first season but having recovered could not force his way back into the senior side  and moved to Carlisle United for the latter part of the 2003-04 season and then signed for Gretna in the summer of 2004,

Mark spent the second half of the 2004-05 season at Macclesfield Town on loan from Gretna only making a handful of appearances in the centre of midfield, but his steady approach and his good distribution served the team well.

He then played for a succession of clubs, Accrington Stanley (2006), Southport (2006-07), Sligo Rovers (2007-08), Barrow (2008-11) where he made 80 league appearances, Droylsden (2011), Workington (2011-13), and Celtic Nation (2013-15) spending the 2014-15 season as player/manger, the club folding in the summer of 2015. Moved to Penrith AFC in March 2016 and Carlisle City for the 2016-17 season where he was an occasional commentator for BBC Radio Cumbria.

Appointed assistant manager at Shildon AFC for the 2017-18 season which does not appeared to have worked out, but after taking a short time out he registered with Carlisle City for the remainder of the 2017-18 season. He then returned to Penrith for the 2018-19 season as a player/coach but this appointment did not seem to work out either as he was dismissed at the end of September 2018 along with player/manager Kyle May.

Born: Carlisle, 22 October 1981.

1986-87 Utility

NPL      League 6(1)0   Cups 3(2)0

Debut 23 August 1986 Morecambe (Home)

Having previously played for Stambridge United, Canvey Island and Wycombe Wanderers, Gary was signed from Walton & Hersham at a time when he was thought of as an up and coming utility player. Gary's appearances came at a time when the side was depleted though injuries. He gained a winners' medal in the Presidents Cup competition in 1987 when he was introduced from the substitutes' bench.

On leaving Macclesfield he played for Witton Albion (August 1987 to May 1991, 173 appearances, two goals), Stalybridge Celtic (27 appearances), Drolysden and Nantwich Town on loan.

He worked for Astra Zeneca and later at GlaxoSmithKline at Stevenage.

Born: 27 June 1963.

1901-02 Centre-forward

#ML     League 11 Apps 4 Goal

Debut 28 December 1901 Newton Heath Athletic (Home)

Bracegirdle was signed in December 1901 to replace summer signing Bloor when he had only scored one goal. Featured in the side until the end of March which, from available information, appears to have been his last appearances for Macclesfield.

Also played for Bollington Cross FC during seasons 1900-01 and 1901-02 when he was a member of the team who won the Macclesfield and District Charity Cup in 1901 and the District Amatuer Shield in 1902.

2002-03 and 2003-04

FL     League 2(7)2   Cups 1(1)0

Debut 14 December 2002 Sub Rushden & Diamonds (Home)

Signed his first professional contract at the beginning of the 2003-04 season having progressed through the Centre of Excellence and the Youth team at Macclesfield. Opportunities were limited for Steve in the senior side but he was a regular member of the reserve side playing in a wide-right midfield position, however, he made the most of his senior appearances netting twice including the winning goal at Darlington in December 2003. Since leaving Macclesfield in the summer of 2005, Steve has played for Hyde United, Mossley, Salford and New Mills.

Away from football set up Glossop based Peak Active Sport in 2006.

Born: Rochdale, 31 July 1984.

1884-85

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

A member of Macclesfield's reserve team who made the occasional appearance for the senior side in their pre-league days.

1930-31 Outside-left

CL      League 5 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 3 April 1931 Congleton Town (Away)

Reported as 'from the Potteries', he was brought into the side late in the season at a time when a backlog of matches was being cleared, filling the outside-left position for five consecutive matches.

1972-73 to 1974-75 and 1978-79 Winger/Midfielder

NPL      League 24(2)3   Cups 10(2)1

Debut 30 October 1972 Bradford Park Avenue (Away) NW Floodlit League

John was an experienced winger who was a stalwart of the reserves always ready to step into the first team when required.  John is another Silkmen player who has the distinction of scoring on his debut. Gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1973 when he came on from the substitutes' bench replacing Geoff Collier. He returned to Macclesfield from Middlewich in the summer of 1978, and had by then developed into a strong attacking player with speed and possessed a good shot.

There is no record where John played after his second stint with Macclesfield.

1919-20 Left-back

CL      League 1 App 0 Goals     Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 28 February 1920 Witton Albion (Away)

Had been playing in the Macclesfield reserve team towards the end of season and was called into the senior side to assist in one league match and two matches in the Cheshire League Subsidiary Cup at a time when a back-log of matches was being cleared.

1956-57 Winger

CL      League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 20 March 1957 Witton Albion (Away)

Made one senior appearance in a much changed side in the 2-3 defeat.

1890-91 to 1892-93 Full-back

#TC      League 51 Apps 0 Goals       Cups 10 Apps 0 Goals

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

A regular in the team during his three seasons with Macclesfield. He was a member of Macclesfield's team playing in a competitive league, The Combination, for the first time in 1890-91, the side completing the season as runners-up. He also gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Crewe Hornets in the same season.

1921-22 Inside-right

CL     League 11 Apps 2 Goals    Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 7 January 1922 Tranmere Rovers Reserves (Away)

A member of Macclesfield's reserve team, he was used fairly regularly in the senior side in the second half of the

1921-22 season. His two goals came in consecutive matches, the first in the 2-2 draw at Altrincham and the second in the 3-2 home win against Tranmere Rovers Reserves.

Bradley

1923-24 Full-back

CL      League 1 App

Debut 30 April 1924 Whitchurch (Away)

No information is available for this player who was used in a weakened team for the match against Whitchurch and assumed to be a member of the Macclesfield reserve team.  As he played at full-back, it is assumed that he is a differnet player to the Bradley used at inside-right for the 1921-22 season.

1936-37 and 1937-8 Defender

CL     League 3 Apps 0 Goals    Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 6 February 1937 Winsford United (Away)

A member of the Macclesfield reserve side throughout his time at the club, he only made the occasional appearance at senior level when other players were unavailable.  His single Cup appearance came when he replaced Norman Christie in the Welsh Cup match against Bangor in November 1937.

1956-57 to 1958-59 Goalkeeper

CL      League 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 30 April 1957 Port Vale Reserves (Home)

An amateur 'keeper who was used as cover when others were not available, making a single senior appearance each season.

1902-03 Outside-left

#ML     League 4 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 31 January 1903 Newton Heath (Away)

Featured for the senior team in the early part of 1903 but does not appear to have been a member of the reserve side. It was reported that he had resigned from the team in April 1903.

1979-80, 1980-81 Midfielder

NPL     League 40(0)5   Cups 5(0)0

Debut 20 October 1979 Runcorn (Away)

An apprentice at Stockport County he joined the professional ranks in August 1975 going on to make 40 appearances scoring four goals. Signed for Halifax Town in October 1976 where he made 72 appearances scoring four goals and then signed for Northwich Victoria in the summer of 1978.

Signing for Macclesfield in 1979 Lee proved to be a versatile player who filled a number of positions.

1876-77 to 1878-79 Full-back

Debut 28 October 1876 Stoke (Home)

Joined Macclesfield from Langley, appearing regularly in his three seasons with the club. He featured in the newly formed Macclesfield FC's first match.

1963-64 to 1965-66 Winger

CL     League 83 Apps 15 Goals      Cups 20 Apps 6 Goals

Debut 30 October 1963 Chester Reserves (Away)

Warren initially played for both Bolton Wanderers youth and B teams for eight years. He went to Durham University where he appeared for Durham City and then Bishop Auckland where he gained a winners' medal in the FA Amateur Cup on two occasions. After the Munich air crash, in order to fulfill their fixtures Manchester United turned to Bishop Auckland to provide players of a good standard and three players including Warren were loaned to United's reserve team. When Matt Busby returned to work he was impressed with Warren and signed him as a part-time professional in November 1958 Warren taking up a teacher's position in Stretford. In May 1959 he was selected to play for England gaining three caps and scoring two goals.  He had also appeared for the England amateur team on 11 occasions. He is the only player to appear for England at amateur and professional levels in the same season.

Having made 63 Football League appearances and scored 20 goals for United he was transferred to Bury for a fee of £2,500 in March 1962 where he made 13 appearances scoring one goal.  He then moved to Northwich Victoria.

Signed for Macclesfield in October 1963 where he demonstrated that he could play equally well with both feet and was quick-thinking in his approach to play. 

 After Macclesfield there was a spell at Bangor City before he retired from playing in 1966.

He continued in the teaching profession and was a headteacher for many years and also worked with the Manchester United ex-players association. 

Born: 20 June 1933. Died 6 June 2007.

1973-74 Forward

NPL      League 35(0)4   Cups 21(0)6

Debut 11 August 1973 Fleetwood (Home)

Alan played football for Loughborough University, appearing in the same team as former Scotland international goalkeeper Bob Wilson OBE during the 1960-61 season. He signed for Blackburn Rovers, his home town team, in July 1963 where he made 11 senior appearances scoring two goals over three years. In May 1965 he moved to Crewe Alexandra where he established himself making 294 Football league appearances and scored 51 goals in his eight years with the club. Whilst at Crewe Alexandra he was also a teacher at Shadsworth Comprehensive School, Blackburn.

Alan signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1973 and was described as a skilful inside forward who appeared in 56 of the 67 matches played, scoring 10 goals, in his sole season with the club.

After retiring as a player, he coached Blackburn Rovers youth team and was manager at Great Harwood, Padiham and Clitheroe where he was appointed on 9 May 1991 resigning in the first week of February 1994.

Born: 14 September 1941.

1994-95 to 1996-97 Defender

Conf    League 57(9)4   Cups 26(6)4

Debut 18 February 1995 Dover Athletic (Home)

Mark commenced his football career at Blackpool where he made 94 first team appearances.  He moved to Stafford Rangers in 1991 and then to the Moss Rose towards the end of the 1994-95 season for a fee of £5,000 as a replacement for Stuart Bimson.  Usually used in his preferred position of left-back, Mark could equally well fill a midfield berth, always solid in the tackle and forged forward at every opportunity.  He was part of the 1996-97 Conference Championship winning side, gained a winners' medal in the Staffordshire Senior Cup in 1997 and held an England C cap when he appeared in the match against the Netherlands on 3 March 1998.

On leaving Macclesfield Mark played for Halifax Town (1997-2001) where he was part of their Conference winning side in 1997-98, spending time on loan at Southport in 2000. He then moved to Droylsden, Mossley, Woodley Sports where he was the reserve team manager, and Curzon Ashton.  From 2008-10 he was the manager of the Curzon Ashton Ladies' team after which he became their Development Manager and has also worked for Tameside Sports Trust. In 2017 as Head Coach at Curzon Ashton his work also encompasses the responsibilities of Football Development Manager. Having been with Curzon Ashton for many years, at the end of November 2018 Mark was appointed first team manager. Relieved of his managerial appointment at the end of the 2019-20 season remaining as Football Development Manager. For the 2022-23 season Mark remained at Curzon Ashton where was First Team Coach and Sports Development Officer.

Born: 7 September 1969.

2012-13 Defender

NC     League 40(0)0     Cups 7(0)0

Debut 10 August 2012 Hereford United (Away)

A former Charlton Athletic trainee Craig spent time at Eastleigh, East Thurrock and Welling United before joining Peterborough United for a fee of £10,000. In August 2009 he moved to Grays Athletic and in January 2010 to Farnborough Town managed by Steve King. In the 2011-12 season he played for Havant and Waterlooville and then Sutton United where he helped them to reach the play-offs.

Craig signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2012 going straight in to the side, bringing pace and determination to the left-back position which he made his own throughout the 2012-13 season. Loaned to Cheltenham Town at the start of the 2013-14 season initially until January 2014 but his transfer was soon made permanent. Signed for Ebbsfleet United in the summer of 2015, spending time on loan at Woking and Whitehawk (two spells) before signing for Dover Athletic in March 2016. In the summer of 2016 Craig made the move to Braintree Town, then to Chelmsford City in the summer of 2017 and signed again for Welling United in the summer of 2018 linking up with manager Steve King for whom he had played for previously, moving to Hemel Hempstead in June 2019. In January 2020 linked up again with manager Steve King, on this occasion at Dartford and moving clubs yet again when he signed for National league South side Tonbridge Angels in June 2021 with his contract extended for the 2022-23 season. Having left Tonbridge Angels on the expiry of his contract signed for Dulwich Hamlet in the summer of 2023.

At international level, since 2018 has represented Montserrat.

Born: 28 June 1988.

2006-07 to 2009-10 Goalkeeper

FL     League 125(0)0    Cups 14(0)0

Debut 19 August 2006 Peterborough United (Away)

Jon was signed by Port Vale in the summer of 2003 on a free transfer from the Youth Academy at Newcastle United via trials at Carlisle United, making 69 appearances in all competitions.

He signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 2006 when he shared goalkeeping duties with Tommy Lee in the early stages of the season.  Just as he was beginning to make an impression he sustained a broken leg in the match at Stockport County in November 2006 leaving him side-lined for the remainder of the season. Having fully recovered Jon continued with the Silkmen and became the first choice ‘keeper after Tommy Lee broke his hand at the end of November 2007.  With Keith Alexander’s policy of not including a ‘keeper on the substitute’s bench, Jon had no competition and was ever present throughout the 2008-09 season when he proved himself to be an excellent shot-stopper.

In the 2009-10 season Jon had competition from fellow ‘keeper Jose Veiga, nevertheless,  he only missed a few matches and established himself as the number one ‘keeper for the Silkmen keeping 11 clean sheets, and but for his hard work and reactionary saves, the number of goals conceded could have been much higher.  Jon opted to leave Macclesfield in the summer of 2010 when he signed for npower League One side Walsall, being released by them in the summer of 2011 when he moved to Nantwich Town and signed for Stafford Rangers in the summer of 2013 leaving them in March 2014.

Born: Carlisle,  11 February 1983.

Branagan Ritchie

2013-14 to 2016-17 Goalkeeper

NC      League 11(2)0     Cups 17(0)0

Debut 5 November 2013 Vauxhall Motors (Home) Cheshire Senior Cup R1

A member of the youth system at Bolton Wanderers, Ritchie joined the youth set-up at Bury in 2009 joining the first team squad for the 2009-10 season making two senior appearances.  He was released by Bury in May 2012 joining Salford City in August 2012 moving to Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2013.

Macclesfield's second string 'keeper, Ritchie's one league appearance came in the last match of the season at Alfreton Town.  He deputised for the injured Rhys Taylor in the first round of the FA Cup against Swindon Town keeping a clean sheet in the 4-0 home victory.  Also played in the first round of the FA Trophy and all five matches in the Cheshire Senior Cup competition. Was injured in the Cheshire Senior Cup match against Northwich Victoria on 4 March remaining unconscious for 28 minutes, but fortunately was not seriously injured and returned  to the senior team's substitute bench for the last league match in March.

During the 2014-15 season Richard was again Macclesfield's second string 'keeper with his appearances restricted to the FA Trophy and the Cheshire Senior Cup, gaining a winners' medal in the Senior Cup competition.

Prior to the start of the 2015-16 season was allocated squad number 1, but with the very late signing of Shwan Jalal, Ritchie found himself again as Macclesfield's second string goalkeeper featuring in FA Trophy ties and deputising for Jalal when he was injured.

The 2016-17 season again saw Ritchie on the bench following the signing of Craig Ross resulting in him only making one league appearance and one appearance in the Cheshire Senior Cup. In November 2016 he signed a three month loan deal with Ashton United, however, he left the club by mutual agreement at the beginning of January 2017 allowing him to sign for Chorley. Moved to Droylsden in the summer of 2017when he suffered an injury

Moved abroad in 2018 playing for SRC Hiroshama in Japan (where he met his Australian partner).  Once Covid pandemic restrictions were lifted they moved to Australia where he played for Beograd Woodville.

Having returned to the UK with his partner signed for Hyde United in the summer of 2023.

Has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under 21 level and is the son of former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Keith Branagan.

Born: 20 October 1991.

1975-76 and 1976-77 Defender

NPL     League 18(0)0   Cups 8(0)0

Debut 1 January 1976 Altrincham (Home)

Signed as an amateur player, Ron made his debut in place of Dave Mobley who had been relegated to the substitutes' bench.  He went on to make a further 15 appearances in his first season and appeared nine times in the following season, his last in October 1976.

Unfortunately there is no further information recorded for this player

1898-99 to 1900-01 Forward

#NSL     League 12 Apps 3 Goals    

#ML      League  1 App 0 Goals

Debut 28 January 1899 Market Drayton (Away)

A member of the Macclesfield reserve team in 1891 and it is possible that he was on the books of Northwich Victoria at least during the 1893-94 season. 

He returned to Macclesfield representing Hallefield (Macclesfield FC having temporarily gone out of business in 1897) in the North Staffordshire and District League side in 1898-99, and then he was only used from time to time but was a member of the reserve team in the Stockport & District League.. With the Macclesfield reserve team again for the 1900-01 season making one known senior appearance in September 1900.

On leaving Macclesfield signed fror Bollington Cross FC and was a member of the team which won the District Amateur Shield in the 1901-02 season.

1978-79 Winger

NPL      League 1(0)0

Debut 1 November 1978 Bangor City (Home)

Played for Montrose (1964-65) and Airdrie (1965-69) before signing for Wigan Athletic for the 1969-70 season.

There is no information available between 1970 and 1978 before he made a single appearance for Macclesfield Town.

1975-76 to 1977-78 and 1980-81, 1981-82 Midfielder/defender

NPL     League 121(0)17   Cups 37(2)5

Debut 16 August 1975 Gateshead (Home)

Commenced his career with Salford Boys before joining Manchester City in 1968 where he was a member of the reserve team but made four senior appearances and spent time on loan at Stockport County (February - May 1972 - 18 appearances, three goals). Signed for Rochdale for a fee of £5K in October 1973 making 37 appearances and scoring four goals and whilst there spent time on loan at Mossley (March - May 1975).

Moving to Macclesfield in the summer of 1975 he went straight into the team and alongside Geoff Collier provided the Silkmen's twin striking force.  In the 1976-77 season he took on the responsibility of captain when he dropped back to the defence.

On leaving Macclesfield he moved to Northwich Victoria in December 1977 making 87 appearances and scoring 27 goals and then signed for Oswestry Town for a fee of £800, at the time a club record. A further move saw him signing for Witton Albion (August 1980 to February 1981, 29 appearances, three goals).

He returned to Macclesfield for a second spell in February 1981 but only featured in the senior side until September 1981.

Made a single appearance for Northwich Victoria before moving to Stalybridge Celtic.

Moved to Australia where he played for West Adelaide (1982-83) making 44 appearances scoring three goals and then Forest Athena (1984). During his time at Forest Athena he captained Western Australia in a friendly match against Nottingham Forest. Moved to West Perth Macedonia (1985) as player/coach winning the State League but was sacked as the club no longer wanted a player/coach in charge.  He then reverted to being a player, firstly at Perth Azzurri (1986 and 1987) and then Sorrento FC (1988-1989).

In 1990 was appointed reserve team player/coach at Floreat Athena (Perth) although at the age of 38 he played in the end of season Play-offs. Promoted as coach in 1991, remaining there until the end of the first half of the 1993 season when he moved to Western Australia State as coach where he remained to the end of the 1993 season. He was then coach at Perth Kangaroos in 1994 where the team won the Singapore League title, Mike playing in all three games in Singapore at the age of 42. He continued his coaching career as assistant coach at Perth FC (1995) and then Perth Glory (1996 and 1997) before being appointed at Western Australia State (1998-1999) returning to Perth SC (2000) as head coach and then Hamersley Rovers (2001-2004) as coach.

Born: 17 May 1952.

Brereton Samuel

Commenced his football career at Tunstall Town where four members of his family were players. Samuel then moved to Newfield Rovers, Ravensdale and Congleton Town before signing for Macclesfield in November 1933.  He featured from time to time from November 1933 to late January 1934 when he was injured. By this time Sherlock had established himself as the first choice right-back. A bricklayer by trade.

1876-77

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

There is no information recorded for this player who featured in the first season of the newly formed Macclesfield FC in their pre-league days.

1923-24 Centre-forward

CL     League 12 Apps 7 Goals     Cups 4 Apps 2 Goals

Debut 25 August 1923 Tranmere Rovers Reserves (Home)

Prior to signing for Macclesfield in the summer of 1923, he had been on the books of Spencer Moulton and  Crewe Alexandra (30 appearances, 14 goals). He went straight into the side scoring seven goals in his first 11 appearances, including a hat-trick in the 8-2 home win against Witton Albion. Injured in the away match at Tranmere on 27 October 1923 he returned briefly at the turn of the year, after which he only made one further appearance in February.  In his absence Eli Bullock and Henry Barnett had taken responsibility for the centre-forward position.

Born in Bradford-on-Avon signed for Bath City in July 1924 (21 appearances, three goals) where it would appear that injuries continued to be problem for him throughout the 1924-25 season.

Born: Q4 1897, Bradford-on-Avon. Died:1967.

1936-37 Forward

CL     League 11 Apps 3 Goals  

Debut 14 November 1936 Altrincham (Away)

A member of the reserve side who was used as back-up.

1925-26 Inside-left and Left-half

CL     League 19 Apps 6 Goals    Cups 3 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 31 October 1925 Mossley (Away)

Started his career with Burslem Park and then Trenthan before playing for Stoke reserves, being promoted to their first team early in the 1902-03 season (seven appearances). On 6 January 1903 he signed for Sunderland (320 League appearances, 108 goals) where he was awarded a benefit match in February 1908, for which Arthur selected the League match against Liverpool. Having been placed on the transfer list in March 1912 he moved to South Shields where he remained as player/manager until the end of the 1914-15 season. Returning to the Potteries he signed for Stoke in the summer of 1916 and during his time there made a single appearance for Port Vale.  He left Stoke before the start of the 1918-19 season as he was unable to fully commit due to business commitments. It appears that he did not play again until November 1923 when he joined Port Vale (14 League appearances, seven goals) leaving them at the end of the 1923-24 season joining Sandbach Ramblers in November 1924.

At the age of 43 he signed for Macclesfield and made a good start scoring six goals in his first 12 matches including netting two goals in two matches. Personnel filling the inside-left position changed continually throughout the season resulting in Bridgett missing several matches.  After a difficult match at the end of March when played at centre-forward he was moved back into the defence for final month of the season.

Whilst at Sunderland he representated England on eleven occasion scoring three goals.  It is also reported that he represented the Football League twice.

Away from football he was the owner of a fishmongers business whilst at Sunderland and when he moved back to the Potteries purchased a fishmongers business from his brother but with costs increasing he lost all the money he had made from football and was declared bankrupt in November 1934.

He was also a lay preacher and because of his beliefs did not play football on on religious festive days such as Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Born: 11 October 1882, Forsbrook, Staffordshire. Died: 26 July 1954, Ashton, Near Market Drayton.

Started his football career at JC Duckworth's & Co and then played for Rochdale and Mossley (where he had scored 23 goals in the 1937-38 season) briefly returning to Rochdale in May 1938 before signing for the Silkmen in October 1938 at the age of 25. Harry generally filled a forward position but fell back to the defence for a couple of matches, however, although he featured fairly regularly initially he did not command a regular place in the second half of the season.

Signed for Mossley again in the summer of 1939.

1921-22 Right-half

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 27 August 1921 Mossley (Away)

Having played in a pre-season practice match, made his only appearance in the opening match of the 1921-22 season and it would appear that he did not feature for the reserve team.

2004-05 to 2007-08 Defender

Manager - 38 Matches, Won 7, Drawn 13, Lost 18, %Win 18.42

FL     League 17(4)0   Cups 2(1)0

Debut 30 August 2004 Sub Southend United (Away)

Ian, the son of Olympic Athletes Ann Packer MBE and Robbie Brightwell MBE, spent the majority of his playing career at Manchester City where he made over 380 appearances and gained four England U21 international caps having also represented England at Youth level. On leaving City he had short spells at Coventry City, Walsall, Stoke City and Port Vale before moving to the Moss Rose in the summer of 2004, where he was, at various times, Reserve team manager, first team coach and caretaker manager culminating with his appointment as manager in the summer of 2007.  His player registration was retained throughout and was usually called upon when other defenders were unavailable. Having been manager for 38 matches, Ian lost his job in February 2008 at a time when the team was struggling to attain any regular form.  Ian can now be heard on BBC Radio Manchester as a co-commentator.

Following the merger of Congleton Vale Rovers and Congleton Rovers with Congleton Town, became an ambassador of the newly merged club along with his brother David.

Born: Lutterworth, 9 April 1968.

2004-05, 2005-06 Defender

FL      League 23(4)1   Cups 4(5)0

Debut 7 August 2004 Leyton Orient (Away)

Michael’s career started at Northamptonshire non-League club Harpole where he was spotted by Coventry City for whom he signed in April 2003.

Moving to the Moss Rose in the summer of 2004 he went straight into the starting line-up making an immediate impact as a central defender and, in his second season, on the right side of the defence. An exciting, committed and enthusiastic player he was unfortunate to lose out to more experienced players in both seasons spending two months on loan at Conference side Burton Albion from early March 2005, and was released at the end of the 2005-06 season.

Signed for Hucknall  Town in July 2006 spending time on loan at Tamworth from January to May 2007, moving there on a permanent basis in July 2007 spending time on loan at Halesown from March to May 2008. Signed for Redditch in January 2009 returning to Tamworth in July 2009 after which he moved to Steve Burr's Kidderminster Harriers in July 2010. Having left Kidderminster signed for Telford United in July 2012 and finally Stourbridge in July 2013.

In August 2021 Cradley Town Development Centre announced the appointment of Michael as a member of their coaching staff with the brief to recruit U13 players to form a squad under his management.

Born: Northampton, 4 July 1983.

2007-08 to 2011-12 Defender

FL     League 117(7)6   Cups 17(1)3

Debut 1 March 2008 Notts County (Home)

A Macclesfield lad, Shaun was involved with the Silkmen from the age of 13.  A tall, strong central defender, Keith Alexander called him into the first team for his first match in charge having impressed during training, at a time when he was still a trainee.  Shaun signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2008 and, other than for a short period when he was rested, he appeared regularly in the 2008-09 season scoring two goals in Cup competitions. Shaun consolidated his position in the team during the 2009-10 campaign displaying his versatility when he had to move from the centre of the defence to right-back and, at times, right wing-back. In the following season a hip problem, which required surgery, kept him out of the side until February 2011, regaining a permanent position in the starting line-up six weeks later.

In the 2011-12 season he was a significant central defensive force always playing with strength and power, regularly clearing up at the back helping the Silkmen to enjoy a successful first half to the season. Shaun was ever-present partnering Nat Brown until February 2012 when he signed a loan deal with  Peterborough United until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move which was completed in May 2012. Went on loan to Scunthorpe United in September 2014, Luton Town in 2015 and Leyton Orient in 2016. On leaving Peterborough United moved to Carlisle United during the summer of 2016 and signed for Notts County in the summer of 2017. Having been released by Notts County in May 2019 signed for Port Vale at the end of August 2019 re-joining manager John Askey. Released by Port Vale at the end of the 2021-21 season. In the summer of 2021 signed a two-year deal with Wrexham, however left them by mutual consent in the summer of 2022 signing for National North newcomers Buxton. Having been released by Buxton in the summer of 2023 signed for National League North side Alfreton Town.

Born: Macclesfield, 6 May 1990.

1987-88 Defender

Conf    Cups 0(1)0

Debut 26 September 1987 Sub Chadderton (Home) FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Trevor was a member of the youth team at Stoke City moving to Port Vale in May 1980 where he made 55  league appearances as a defender who could play in any of the back four positions. On leaving Part Vale he signed for Darlington in August 1982 making 12 appearances and then played for Stafford Rangers, Witton Albion and Newcastle Town before joining the Silkmen in 1987.

Trevor’s one senior appearance came in the 5-0 FA Cup victory at Chadderton in a season when the side reached the third round of the Cup. Along with fellow players Nigel Shaw, Ian Elsby and Steve Waddington he was involved in a serious car crash before the start of the 1986 season.

Having recovered he had a loan spell at Oswestry Town before moving to Barrow and then Witton Albion (again),  after which he spent time working with Glyn Chamberlain at Congleton Town. Trevor was then player/assistant manager at Newcastle Town and later coached at Meir KA and Stoke City Academy.

Born: 2 January 1961. Died: Birmingham, 17 May 2010 at the age of 49.

First known information about this player indicates that he played for Witton Albion. He signed for Stockport County in August 1905, Witton Albion again in August 1906, leaving in October 1907. His next stop was at Preston North End in February 1908, after which he moved to Horwich RMI in April 1908, Chorley in June 1908, Southampton in May 1909 and Witton Albion for a third time in September 1910.

He moved to Macclesfield in August 1911 from Witton Albion in an exchange deal for Macclesfield player G. Winnington but only played in very early season matches, scoring the first goal in the 5-2 home win against Padiham in the Lancashire Combination on 13 September 1911 which was his last appearance for Macclesfield.

On leaving Macclesfield he moved to Atherton in February 1912, returning to Chorley in September 1912 and then Accrington Stanley in October 1913.

His brother John Thomas 'Tom' Brittleton was a famous professional footballer who featured for Sheffield Wenesday for 15 years and Stoke for five years.

Born: 17 June 1985. Died: 4 October 1951.

1928-29 Centre-forward

CL     League 2 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 9 March 1929 Ashton National (Home)

Reported as 'from Stafford Rangers', Broad made two appearances in March and April 1929 and despite scoring on his debut was not signed permanently.

1949-50 Inside-left

CL     League 3 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 21 September 1949 Chester Reserves (Away)

Signed from Blackpool, he only made four consecutive appearances, three of which he was on the losing side.

Started his career at Oswestry Town where he was free-scoring teenager moving to Bangor City for a fee of £2000 where he is listed as one of their ledends.

In his single season with the Silkmen he was a prolific scorer and when teamed up with Brian Fidler they made a formidable partnership.  Tony scored four hat-tricks, the first on his second appearance for the Silkmen, in the 6-0 win against Fleetwood at the Moss Rose. Gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1971.

On leaving Macclesfield he moved to Altrincham in the summer of 1971 remaining there until the early part of the 1974-75 season (160 appearances all competitions, 51 goals) gaining a NorthWest Floodlit League winners' medal in 1972-73.  On leaving Altrincham he returned to Bangor City where he continued to play well into the 1980s. He was a runner-up in  the Welsh Cup Final in 1977-78 and enjoyed the benefit of a Testimonial Match against Everton on 11 May 1983.

Helps out in the Bangor Hospitality Lounge on match days.

1911-12 Outside-right

LC     League 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 8 April 1912 Darwen (Home)

There is no information recorded about this player who made three end-of-season appearances.

A member of the Macclesfield reserve team over several years whose senior appearances were spread over two seasons. He usually featured as a defender but was equally at home as a forward.

1897-98 and 1898-99, 1900-01 and 1903-04 Goalkeeper

#SDL       League 15 Apps 0 Goals

NSL         League 19 Apps 0 Goals       Cups 1 App 0 Goals

#ML        League 24 Apps 0 Goals       Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 30 October 1897 Gorton Ramblers (Away)

Played for Byron Street  before joining Macclesfield in October 1897, Hallefield's Championship season in the Stockport and District League, when they were undefeated throughout the season. (Hallefield had taken over the Moss Rose when Macclesfield FC had failed financially.) Popular with the supporters he was Macclesfield's  first choice 'keeper throughout the 1898-99 season. Played for Poynton during the 1899-1900 season returning to Macclesfield for the 1900-01 season in the re-formed Macclesfield FC's first season as members of the Manchester and District League. On leaving Macclesfield FC played for Macclesfield United. Returned to the club in February 1904 when the regular 'keeper Smith had refused to play, remaining until the middle of April when Smith returned.

Walter died at a young age on 22 April 1905 in Macclesfield Infirmary having mistakenly drunk a poisonous liquid 10 days earlier.

2016-17 Forward

NC     League 1(3)0

Debut 19 November 2016 Sub Aldershot Town (Away)

Started his career in 2004 at Whickham where he remained until the summer of 2006 when he signed for Newcastle Benfield. Moved to York City at the end of January 2007 (147 appearances scoring 58 goals) and spent time on loan at Barrow (November 2008), before signing for Crawley in September 2010 helping them to win the Conference title in the 2010-11 season. He then had three loan spells - Fleetwood Town (2011-12), where he was a member of the Conference champions side for a second consecutive season, Morecambe (first half of 2012-13 season) and Grimsby Town (January 2013 for three months). Signed for Gateshead in the summer of 2013, spending time on loan at Hereford (September 2013-October 2013) and then Southport (November 2013 to end of the 2013-14 season), signing for them permanently in the summer of 2014. His travels then took him to Aldershot Town in the middle of August 2015 until the beginning of February 2016 when he moved  to Stockport County, remaining there until May 2016 when he signed for York City.

Richard was signed on loan with Macclesfield Town on 17 November until 1 January 2017 having made 387 career appearances in all competitions and scored 119 goals. Returned to York City at the end of his loan spell having made one start and two substitute appearances.

Left York on 11 January 2017, signing for Boston United on 21 January but left them on 15 February having made just three appearances. Re-joined Southport on 18 March 2017 leaving them in the summer of 2017 when he signed for Skelmersdale United but only remained there a short time signing for Solihull Moors 2017.  Was released by Solihull Moors on 26 October 2017 after six appearances when he signed for Rushall Olympic moving to Warrington in June 2018 but was released in September 2018, returning to Rushall Olympic towards the end of September 2018 going on to sign for Ramsbottom United in December 2018 and Ilkeston Town in February 2019. Signed for Skelmersdale United in August 2019 on dual registration with Ramsbottom United.

In 2020 took his first steps into coaching at Skelmersdale. In November 2021 Skelmersdale United announced that Richard had stepped down from his player/coach role subsequently joining fellow NWCFL Premier Division side Ashton Athletic as co-manager in addition to continuing as a player remaining with them for the 2022-23 season, however it was announced in September 2022 that he had been appointed Manager at Skelmersdale United which he  continues to combine with his coaching role within the Academy at Morecambe. Appointed player/manager at Burscough for the 2023-24 season. Left his managerial role at Burscough by mutual agreement in September 2023. Registered at Glossop Norrth End in October 2023 where he was appointed interim Manager and appointed permanent manager in January 2024..

Away from football is a taxi driver.

Born: 8 July 1987.

1994-95 Midfielder

Conf     Cups 2(0)0

Debut 15 November 1994 Blakenall (Away) Staffordshire Senior Cup R2

Aidan commenced his football career as a member of the Stockport Youth team after which he played for Bramhall, Devonshire, Cale Green, Adswood United, Cheadle Town and Congleton Town.  Whilst at the Moss Rose he was a member of the reserve side but was drafted in to the senior side for two Staffordshire Senior Cup matches. Aidan was also a member of the England Amateur team at the UEFA Regions Cup in 2003 held in Bosnia.

After leaving Macclesfield he has played for Barnton, Knutsford and Stockport Georgians where he is currently the assistant manager for their second team.  Until their demise Aidan worked as a planning and records controller for Thomas Cook Airline.

1909-10 to 1911-12 Forward

ML     League 34 Apps 11 Goals     Cups 10 Apps 3 Goals

LC      League 15 Apps   5 Goals    

Debut 27 November 1909 Sale Holmfield (Home)

Made his senior debut whilst still a member of the Macclesfield reserve team but was promoted to the senior side at the beginning of March 1910 when he replaced Stubberts featuring at outside-right. In the following two seasons he was in and out of the team usually playing at either inside-right or inside-left. His best season came in 1910-11 when he played his part in the side winning the Manchester League Championship and gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup competition, playing at outside-right in the final.

1883-84 Centre-forward

Debut 12 January 1884 Chester St John's (Home) Cheshire Senior Cup Round 2

Of Capesthorne Hall, played for the Old Etonians and Oxford University. For Macclesfield he featured in the second round home tie of the Cheshire Senior Cup on 12 January 1884 against Chester St John 's when he scored a hat-trick in the 4-0 victory. The following week he returned to London helping the Swifts overcome the Old Forresters in the FA Cup. He played one further match for Macclesfield, a friendly against Northwich Victoria.

In March 1884 he made two appearances for England against Scotland and Wales at centre-forward scoring two goals against Wales.

He served in the Second Boer War, being awarded the Distinguished Service Order and in the First World War commanded the 22nd Mounted Brigade of the Egyptian Expedition Force with the rank of Brigadier-general.

He was MP for Macclesfield from 1886 to 1905 holding the office of Financial Secretary to the War Office from 1903-1905.  He held the honorary post of Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire from 1920 to 1949, was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1918, a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1919 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 1924.

Born: 21 January 1862. Died 6 February 1949.

1896-97 Inside-left

TC     League 1 App 0 Goals      Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 12 December 1896 Glossop North End (Home) FA Cup Q1

Previously played for Fairfield.  Only made two consecutive appearances for Macclesfield which probably indicates that he was on trial.

1976-77 Forward

NPL     League 18(0)1 Cups 5(0)0

Debut 21 August 1976 Great Harwood (Home)

A native of Stoke-on-Trent, Stan was signed from Eastwood (Hanley).  He was a strong front runner, useful round the box usually acting as provider for others.

On leaving Macclesfield he may well have returned to Eastwood for a short time before signing for Hednesford Town.

Unfortunately, Stan was killed in an accident on the motorway whilst travelling with his brother to an away match at Darlaston.

Died 6 April 1978.

1959-60 Inside-right

CL     League 4 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 29 August 1959 Runcorn (Away)

He was probably unfortunate to play in the early season matches when the Silkmen failed to secure a victory in their first six matches. His single goal came when he  opened the scoring in the 3-4 defeat at Oswestry Town.

1979-80 Defender

NPL     League 11(0)0   Cups 3(0)0

Debut 18 August 1979 Gateshead (Away)

A member of Port Vale’s Lancashire League title winning side, Paul was signed from Vale at a time when he was seen as a defender who showed great promise. Most of his appearances came early in the season.

Unfortunately there is no further information recorded for this player.

1888-89 and 1890-91 Right-half

TC     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

A member of the Macclesfield reserve team.

1923-24 and 1924-25 Defender

CL     League 4 Apps

Debut 3 May 1924 Crewe Alexandra Reserves (Away)

A member of the Macclesfield reserve team who was used to deputise for senior members of the team on four occasions.

In April 1925 he signed amateur forms for Congleton Town but continued to play for Macclesfield  FC reserves and may well not have made any appearances for Congleton Town, appearing for Bideford during the 1925-26 season where he set up a business as a ladies and gentlemen's outfitter.

When the Second World War commenced he joined the Devon Home Guard rising to the rank of Lieutenant and in 1942 he entered the Royal Air Force as a Leading Aircraftman.

As a youngster he was a member of Mill Street School and was connected with Park Street Chapel and Lord Street Sunday School.

Brown

1926-27 Half-Back

CL     League 1 App

Debut 22 September 1926 Eccles United (Away)

Pre-season W Brown and F Brown featured for macclesfield but it is unknown which of these two players made his one and only appearance for the senior team against Eccles United. Probably a member of the reserve team.

1947-48 Outside-left

CL     League 2 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 2 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 10 April 1948 Mossley (Home) Challenge Cup Semi-final

A member of the reserve side who was described as a good find and a good crosser of the ball. His four appearances all came towards the end of the season when he played in place of the injured Ken Speak with his goal, on his debut,  helping the Silkmen draw 3-3 in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

1925-26 Right-half

CL     League 16 Apps  0 Goals    Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 31 October 1925 Mossley (Away)

Signed from Goldenhill, Staffordshire Brown initially featured for the reserve team. He replaced the veteran Enoch Collinson and played regularly until early March when first Vigrass and then Davies took his place at a time when the team were going through a difficult time. His two Cup appearances came in the early rounds of the Cheshire Senior Cup.

1973-74 and 1974-75 Manager

Eddie was a professional footballer with Arsenal and Chesterfield and later became well known in the Cheshire League with Winsford United, Bangor City and Runcorn.

He joined Macclesfield at the start of the 1972-73 season at the same time as Billy Haydock but as Reserve team manager. On the resignation of Billy Haydock in January 1974 he was initially appointed caretaker manager because of his forward looking ideas and his impressive record with the reserves. He led the team to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy losing to Dartford and to the Cheshire Senior Cup Final losing 1-0 to Runcorn. He resigned on 2 September 1974 after the team had only won one match in the first seven outings of the 1974-75 season.

Born: 31 August 1933. Died: 28 September 2018.

1993-94 Defender

Conf    League 1(0)0

Debut 25 September 1993 Yeovil Town (Away)

Gary, son of Mick Brown one time assistant manager at Manchester United, was on trial and took the place of the injured George Shepherd in the  4-0 defeat.

Unfortunately there is no further information recorded for this player.

Signed from the Stockport District in March 1893, he appeared in the final five matches of the 1892-93 season, and then fairly regularly the following season until the end of January 1894.  All four of his cup appearances came in the FA Cup competition in  the 1893-94 season when Macclesfield were defeated in the third qualifying round by Crewe Alexandra. Described as an excellent centre-half and clever header of the ball.

1997-98 to 1999-00 Defender

FL     League 9(3)0   Cups 0(1)0

Debut 28 December 1997 Rochdale (Home)

A local lad who represented Macclesfield and District, Cheshire and the North of England at schoolboy level. Greg signed for Chester City on schoolboy forms moving through the ranks to the senior side but was released by them in December 1997 when he moved to the Moss Rose.  A solid left-back, Greg was used as cover for absent players in the senior side, however, he was a stalwart defender in the Silkmen’s Reserve side and it was surprising that he did not win a regular place in the first team.  He left the club in January 2000 signing for Morecambe and subsequently played for Abbey Hey.

Having retired from football, Greg is now an events co-ordinator.

Born: Wythenshawe, Manchester, 31 July 1978.

1982-83 Goalkeeper

NPL     League 15(0)0   Cups 1(0)0

Debut 21 August 1982 Morecambe (Away)

An apprentice at Preston North End, John joined the professional ranks in March 1965 (67 appearances) spending time on loan at Stockport County from November 1970, later signing a permanent deal in July 1975 (41 appearances).  Whilst at Preston he was also employed as a bus driver. He then moved to Wigan Athletic in July 1976 (93 appearances). During his time as a Football League player he featured eleven times in the FA Cup competition from the first round onwards. 

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1982.  It was reported that he gave some brave displays as ‘keeper, John started off the season as the first choice ‘keeper but he lost his place to Peter Eales at the end of September, only returning for the occasional match afterwards.

Away from football he was a bus driver.

Born: 30 December 1947.

1995-96

Conf     Cups 0(1)0

Debut 21 November 1995 Sub Vauxhall GM (Away) Cheshire Senior Cup R2

Formerly a Manchester United apprentice when it seems that he was part of the 'Class of '92'. On leaving United he signed for Hyde United but only made a single appearance.

Karl featured regularly for the Macclesfield Town reserves, with his one senior appearance coming in a Cheshire Senior Cup tie when he replaced Marc Coates. 

Later played for Marine, Northwich Victoria, Witton Albion (October 1996 to January 1997, eight appearances) Ramsbottom United and Salford City.

2008-09 to 2012-13 Defender

FL     League 147(2)12   Cups 18(1)2

NC    League 22(0)2     Cups 4(0)0

Debut 8 November 2008 Harlow Town (Away) FA Cup R1

Nat commenced his career as a trainee at Huddersfield who gave him his first professional contract in July 1999 where he made 84 appearances. Keith Alexander signed him at Lincoln City in the summer of 2005, making over 100 appearances there before he moved to Wrexham in June 2008. As Nat did not feature in the plans at Wrexham, he signed a three month loan deal at the Moss Rose in November 2008, which was eventually extended to the end of the season.  Initially used as a central midfielder he scored six goals, three of which came in four consecutive appearances, but gave some of his best performances when he reverted to his more accustomed role as a central defender towards the end of the season, where his height and strength came into their own.

During the summer of 2009 Nat signed permanently but a pre-season stress fracture of the shin kept him out of contention until September.  After his return, he was virtually ever-present as a reliable centre back and scored a further four goals. Almost ever-present in the 2010-11 season, Nat became one of the best central defenders in the npower League 2.

In the 2011-12 season he was appointed captain and was ever-present for the first half of the season forming an effective central defensive partnership with Shaun Brisley. The second half of the season was disrupted when he missed several matches through suspension and injury. Nat continued to wear his trademark strapping around his left wrist and hand.

Nat was again appointed captain form the 2012-13 season and was ever-present in his usual centre-back position alongside Kieran Charnock. He played regularly until the middle of October when he was side-lined by a calf strain returning to the side at the beginning of January. A further injury in the match at Ebbsfleet at the beginning of February saw him side-lined again.  In fact this was his last match of the season for the Silkmen as he moved to Lincoln City in March 2013 on loan to the end of the season on the appointment of former Macclesfield manager Gary Simpson as manager at Lincoln.

Released by Macclesfield at the end of the 2012-13 season, Nat signed a permanent contract with Lincoln City and towards the end of his time there had short loan spells at FC Halifax Town and Harrogate Town.  On leaving Lincoln City he signed for Boston United in the summer of 2016.

Nat moved into the managerial ranks in the summer of 2017 when he was appointed assistant manager at Brighouse Town in the Northern Premier League Division One, changing roles in 2018 when he was appointed Recruitment Manager.

Born: Sheffield, 15 June 1981.

2012-13 Midfielder

NC     League 0(1)0

Debut 10 August 2012 Sub Hereford United (Away)

Started his career in the Everton youth system signing for Bristol City in 2004  where he remained for three years making over 70 appearances. He then played for Cheltenham Town (Jan 2007 - Nov 2008), Port Vale (Nov 2008 - July 2009), and was unattached until March 2010 when he signed for Cheltenham Town. Scott next played for Morecambe (Sept 2010 - Aug 2011), Fleetwood (Aug 2011 - Jan 2012) before signing for and York City in August 2012 where he appeared in the victorious 2012 Conference National play-off Final at Wembley Stadium. Scott had also appeared for England at U-15, U-17, U-18 and U19 levels.

Signing non-contract forms for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2012, Scott only managed one appearance from the substitutes' bench.

With limited opportunities he left the club at the end of August 2012 when his registration was cancelled. Signed for Chester in September 2012, Southport in July 2013, Grimsby Town in July 2014, Accrington Stanley in January 2016 and Harrogate Town in May 2019 going on loan to Warrington Town in December 2019 to the end of the 2019-20 season. Re-joined Warrington Town on a season-long loan in September 2020. Having returned to Harrogate Town was released in the sumnmer of 2021.

Announced his retirement in July 2021 bringing to an end 19 years of professional football.

Following his retirement started work for the LPM Football Agents organisation.

Born: 8 May 1985.

1998-99 Forward

FL     League 1(1)0   Cups 1(1)0

Debut 29 August 1998 Millwall (Away)

An experienced striker who was a trainee at Southend United where he graduated to the professional ranks in July 1992 (10 appearances, two goals). Signed for Scunthorpe United in July 1993 but before he could make any senior appearances he moved to Colchester United in August 1993 (62 appearances, 17 goals) moving to Gillingham in March 1995 (nine appearances, two goals), and Lincoln City in October 1995 (72 appearances, eight goals).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1998 but failed to impress and after four games was consigned to the Reserve side where he was a prolific goal scorer.  He went on loan to Irish club Waterford from September 1998 to January 1999 and then Dover Athletic for three months at the end of February 1999 signing for them permanently in the summer of 1999.

Born: 6 December 1973.

2016-17 Midfielder

NC     League 13(4)2     Cups 6(1)4

Debut 14 January 2017 AFC Sudbury (Away) FA Trophy Round 2

Joined Norwich City as a youth player from Interwood in 2012 where he was a member of the squad which won the 2012-13 Youth Cup against Chelsea and the Norfolk Senior Cup. With Charlton for the 2014-15 season but was released at the end of the season without making any senior appearances. After a trial at Aldershot Town was signed by them in the summer of 2016 going on to make 41 appearances in all competitions and scoring seven goals. He then signed a two-year deal with newly promoted League Two side Grimsby Town for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2016 but only made eight substitute appearances in the first half of the season.

Signed on loan for Macclesfield in January 2017 until the end of the 2016-17 season. Rhys proved to be a good signing when he featured regularly using his pace to good advantage usually on the right wing where he often causing problems for the opposition. He played an important part in Macclesfield's march to the final of the Buildbase FA Trophy scoring on his debut in the 3-1 win, both goals in the fourth round replay against Dulwich Hamlet and opened the scoring in the final at Wembley which Macclesfield lost 2-3.

Returned to Grimsby Town at the end of his loan at Macclesfield but left Grimsby to join Yeovil Town in the summer of 2017 from where he was released in May 2019 signing for Port Vale in July 2019 to re-join manager John Askey. Signed a one year exrension to his contract with Port Vale in July 2020 but by the end of August 2020 had left the club without any explanation. In December 2020 signed for Wealdstone but signed for Sutton United in January 2021 where his father, Steve, played in the early 1990s making 84 appearances. A member of the squad which won the National League championship and promotion to the Football League, nevertheless was released by Sutton UnIted in the summer of 2021. Signed a one-year deal with Wealdstone in June 2021. Joined Woking on a two-year deal through to the end of the 2023-24 season with the club having an option to extend the contract for a further season.

Born: 16 November 1995.

1933-34 to 1935-36 Centre-half

CL     League 90 Apps 2 Goals     Cups 23 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 10 February 1934 Prescot Cables (Home)

Born in Coundon, near Bishop Auckland first played for Bishop Auckland and then Durham City Reserves. Signed for Birmingham City initially as an amateur before signing professional forms and made his First Division debut on 2 February 1925 against Burnley. Spent three and a half years providing cover before moving to Third Division South Gillingham in the summer of 1928 (30 league appearances) and then Torquay United in the summer of 1929 (28 league appearances). He then spent short intervals at several clubs: Colwyn Bay United, Bankhead Albion, Rochdale, Darlington, Bankhead Albion for a second time before signing for Third Division South Reading in 1931. Having left Reading it would appear that he returned to Colwyn Bay in September 1933.

Signed for Macclesfield in February 1934 and was the first choice centre-back throughout his time at the Moss Rose as a clever, hardworking player with good aerial ability. In the 1934-35 season he was captain, ever-present and gained a Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medal.

In the summer of 1936 was interviewed for the new position of manager/coach at Macclesfield FC but Jimmy Stevenson was preferred. It is interesting to note that he then left Macclesfield signing for Hinkley United for the 1936-37 season.

Retired from playing in 1937 when he was appointed the first non-Swedish manager of Halmstads BK, where he remained until 1939.

Born May 1905. Died in Durham.

1879-80 and 1880-81

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

There is no information recorded for this player.

1946-47 and 1947-48 Inside-right

CL     League 10 Apps 3 Goals  

Debut 19 October 1946 Runcorn (Home)

Previously with Poynton: only featured in matches in November and December 1946 scoring on his debut in the 1-1 draw and twice in matches when he was on the losing side.

Started his career at Wolverton Town before signing for Northampton Town (August 1910), Tottenham Hotspur (August 1912), Newport St Peter's in Newport Pagnell (October 1912), Maidstone United (December 1912), and Crewe Alexandra (summer 1914). He served in the Army during WWI, signing for Plymouth Argyle in May 1919 before moving to Crewe Alexandra for a second time in July 1920.

Signed for Macclesfield in August 1921 but only made one senior appearance before moving to the reserve team.

2000-01 Goalkeeper

FL      League 24(0)0   Cups 5(0)0

Debut 12 August 2000 Scunthorpe United (Home)

Tony went from Sunday League soccer straight into semi-professional football when he signed for Northwich Victoria as their ‘keeper.  He moved to Leek Town (103 appearances) and then to Barnsley for a fee of £20,000 (38 appearances), but with the arrival of Dave Bassett he lost his place. 

Signed a one-year contract with Macclesfield in the summer of 2000.  An excellent shot stopper with a huge kick and a long throw he was a popular player, but after suspension lost his place to Lee Martin.

Moved to Lincoln City in March 2001 but only made two appearances.  Subsequently he has played for a number of clubs – Ross County, Dundee United, Gillingham, St Mirren, Montrose, Dundee, Livingstone and Arbroath where he was player/coach until September 2013. In November 2013 he signed as a player for Airdrieonians but only featured in one match before retiring to become their goalkeeping coach, a position which he left in October 2014. Appointed goalkeeping coach at Montrose in the summer of 2019 having been coaching at junior side Broughty Athletic and remained at Montrose at the start of the 2020-21 season as a member of their FC Coaching & Backroom Team leaving them in July 2022 on stepping away from football for the foreseeable future due to work commitments.

Born: 18 February 1972.

1920-21 and 1923-24 Centre-forward

CL     League 32 Apps 15 Goals     Cups 9 Apps 7 Goals

Debut 11 December 1920 Runcorn (Home)

The youngest of 13 children and had suffered from deafness from a young age, Eli started playing football at the age of 13. In 1911 he was a labourer at Shelton Steelworks and voluntary reserve North Staffs Regiment at the Barracks, Newcastle-under-Lyme. It is said that he supposedly joined the army at the age of 16 with then 8th battalion North Staffs Regiment and then served in the East Yorkshire Regiment for four and a half years in World War One, in France and later in the Balkans (Salonika) as an officer's batman. During his days in the army he won a football medal (competition unknown) and spent time in the British Army Hospital at Malta suffering from malaria.

After the war he played for several teams in the Potteries including Chesterton PSA, Parkhouse Colliery and Hartshill White Star before signing professional forms with Crewe Alexandra in August 1920 where he played in their Central League and Cheshire League teams. In November 1920 signed for Silverdale St Luke's but only remained there for a very short time.

Eli signed for Macclesfield later in November 1920,  but did not make his debut until the middle of December and was then almost ever-present to the end of the season scoring 14 goals in 20 appearances. His one hat-trick came in the first round of the Cheshire Senior Cup when Tranmere were beaten 5-0 at the Moss Rose.

In the 1921-22 season he played for Exeter City scoring four goals in 27 Games but was then out of contention injured for quite some time.  Eli married whilst he was at Exeter and he and his wife returned to the Potteries at the end of the 1921-22 season.  He played local football during the 1922-23 season with Silverdale St Luke's and also CongletonTown, re-signing for Macclesfield in the summer of 1923.  Initially played in the reserve team, first appearing in the senior team  at the end of September 1923 out of position at inside-right, returning to centre-forward early in November remaining there until early March when Henry Barnett became the preferred centre-forward, although Eli played a further three matches at inside-right.

Moved to Runcorn for the 1924-25 season gaining a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup remaining with them at the start of the 1925-26 season. He then retired from playing at the age of 31 owing to increasing deafness.

Away from football, Eli worked all his life in the building industry.

He died in March 1984 at the age of 88.

2005-06 and 2006-07 Midfielder

FL     League 76(7)11   Cups 12(0)1

Debut 6 August 2005 Leyton Orient (Away)

Started his career with Eastwood Town before signing for Barnsley in September 1993 where he was a regular in the side for seven years (185 appearances, four goals) spending time on loan at Port Vale from January 2000 (six appearances, one goal). Martin moved to Blackpool in August 2001 where again he was a regular in the side (153 appearances, four goals).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in July 2005, he had an electric start, scoring six goals in his first ten appearances when he was used as a striker, but then moved to his preferred position on the right wing, although in his second season he was used on the left wing. Capable of playing enthusiastically and using his incisive runs to good effect, Martin was a regular in the starting line-up and on 9th April 2007 in the match at Boston United he made his 500th career appearance.

In July 2007 he made the move to Wycombe Wanderers (25 appearances) and announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2007-2008 season.

At international level Martin made one appearance for the Under 21 team.

From August 2008 to March 2009 Martin was a Football Pundit for Ten Sports in Dubai providing analysis on the English Premier League and the Championship League. Moving to New Zealand he became a part-time player at Waitakere United in October 2019 whilst running a lawn mowing franchise at the same time. Retired from playing again to become the Head Coach of the Waitakere United Youth team in September 2013, a position he held until April 2104.  He was Head of Football at Kristan School from March 2014 to July 2014. Appointed FSC & FTC Football Coach for the Northern Federation in June 2013, becoming the Football Development Officer (Waitakere Region) of the Northern Football Federation in July 2014, the latter two roles running concurrently according to his Linkedin entry, holding these positions until December 2017. In January 2018 he moved to Australia where he was appointed Head Coach of the Brisbane Roar Academy. Returned to New Zealand in March 2020 when he was appointed to the dual roles of Talent Pathway Manager and Men's U17 Head Coach in the national set up. His Under 17s team won the Oceania Under 17 Championship for the eighth time in 2022.

Born: Derby, 5 March 1975.

2001-02 Midfielder

FL     League 2(1)0

Debut 23 October 2001 Hartlepool United (Home)

A trainee at Stoke City he was promoted to the professional ranks in November 1997.

A right winger, Matthew spent a month on loan at Macclesfield Town from Stoke City making a promising debut against Hartlepool United, but only made two further appearances before returning to the Britannia Stadium where he was released in January 2002 having only made seven appearances when he signed for Leek Town and subsequently played for Stocksbridge Park Steels and Buxton.

Outside football Matthew has held a number of positions as recorded in his Linkedin page - Product Management at Pentland Brands (2001-04), Category Management at Nike Manchester (2004-09), Head of Buying and Merchandising at GO Outdoors Sheffield (2009-11), Head of Team Sports - B&M at JJB Sports Wigan (2011-13), Global Head of Product at New Balance Wilmslow (2013-17), Head of Commercial/Buying/Merchandising at JD Sports Bury (Feb 2017 to Mar 2019), Global Business Consultant at McKinsey (March 2019 to March 2020), Chief Executive officer at Charles Owen Wrexham (March 2020 to March 2021) and Chief Commercial Officer at NICCE Clothing Wirral/London (from April 2021).

Represented England at Youth level.

Born: Stoke, 1 November 1980

1891-92 to 1894-95, 1898-99 to 1901-02 and 1903-04 Forward

#TC     League 78 Apps 27 Goals     Cups 18 Apps  3 Goals

NSL     League 34 Apps 19 Goals     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

#ML    League 36 Apps 17 Goals     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 5 September 1891 Stockport County Reserves (Away)

A flexible forward from Sutton Rangers, who usually played at inside-right but also made some appearances at outside-right, and when he returned featured at centre-forward for the 1898-99 and 1899-1900 seasons in the Hallefield and Hallefield-Macclesfield teams, leading the team as captain for the 1900-1901 season in the newly formed Macclesfield FC side in the Manchester and District League. Small in stature he was a hard-worker, a skillful player and a good dribbler of the ball. A consistent, but not prolific, goal scorer with the number of goals scored evenly distributed over each season. Towards the end of his time with Macclesfield FC played, on at least one occasion, for Fence Sunday School.

He represented Cheshire County against Cumberland in October 1893, a match which was played at the Moss Rose, and held a Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medal for 1893-94.

Having left Macclesfield he later played for Macclesfield Wednesday.

Ran a number of pubs possibly including The Moss Rose Inn.

1992-93 Forward

Conf     League 1(0)0

Debut 27 February 1993 Welling United (Home)

Before his time at Droylsden he played for Curzon Ashton, Hyde United (1987-88, 12 appearances, five goals), Ashton UInited (April 1988, two appearances, one goal) and Buxton (1988 to 1992, 125 appearances, 44 goals) and was their Player of the Year in 1991-92.

On loan from Droylsden, Steve made his single appearance in the 1-1 draw when the Silkmen had been reduced to 10 men on the dismissal of Stuart Leicester.

1908-09 and 1909-10 Goalkeeper

ML     League 43 Apps 0 Goals       Cups 6 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 7 November 1908 Altrincham (Home)

In junior football he played as a full back and it is said that it was by pure accident that it was discovered that his true vocation was as a goalkeeper. The first team he played for was Hullark Park Board School and whilst still in his teens he was attached to a Manchester Sunday school team. he then joined Newton Heath subsequently signing for Macclesfield when he replaced Joe Wilkinson who had probably left the club to concentrate on his business commitments. 

In the 1908-09 season Burbidge helped the team reach the semi-final of the Cheshire Senior Cup and was a member of the Manchester League Championship side when, from his debut to the end of the season, he only missed one match due to injury. In the 1909-10 season he was the first choice 'keeper and ever-present until the middle of November when he was taken ill during the match at Witton Albion resulting in him missing the next two matches. He returned and was ever-present again until the beginning of March when it was said that he had 'flu.  The 6-0 win against Newton Heath on 26 February at the Moss Rose was to be last appearance for Macclesfield. Unfortunately only months later he died in June 1910 and is buried in Bradford Cemetery in Manchester.

It was reported that he was speedy in action, yet cool in judgment, cheerful in defeat, yet taciturn in victory and was well respected not only at Macclesfield but also with other Manchester League teams. He was also a musician of exceptional ability.

Died: 30 June 1910 (aged 22), Miles Platting, with the club paying tribute to him before the opening match of the 1910-11 season at Altrincham.

Note: His name is reported as Burbidge, Burbage and Burbridge at various times.

1897-98 Forward

MC     League 2 Apps

Debut 26 September 1986 Barton Rovers (Away)

There is no information recorded for this player.

1951-52 Forward

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 9 April 1952 South Liverpool (Away)

A member of the Macclesfield Colts team who was given a one match trial.

1928-29 and 1929-30, 1934-35 to 1936-37 Forward

CL     League 30 Apps 8 Goals    Cups 6 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 21 April 1929 Tranmere Rovers Reserves(Away)

Having been with Stockport County from the 1925-26 season he played for Wilmslow Albion in the 1928-29 season where he scored 30 goals, however, was given a trial with Macclesfield in the penultimate match of the season  signing permanently in the summer of 1929. Cyril was a clever, enthusiastic footballer with the majority of his appearances coming in the 1929-30 season. During his first spell with the Silkmen he represented the Cheshire League team against the Welsh League team at Bangor.

Leaving Macclesfield he played for Altrincham (1930-31) and then Northwich Victoria and Runcorn.  He returned to Macclesfield in the 1934-35 season when he was playing for the Macclesfield Wednesdays club. In his second spell he spent most of his time as a member of the reserve side, with his senior appearances restricted to occasions when senior players were unavailable.

Brother of Harry Burgess who also played for Stockport County before moving to Chelsea in 1935. He represented England on four occasions.

Cyril was a window cleaner by trade and was a keen cricketer.

1923-24 and 1924-25 Right-back

CL     League 69 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 2 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 29 December 1923 Middlewich (Home)

Talke born, George started his career at Port Vale where he did not reach senior team level. Having signed for Macclesfield he was promoted from the reserve team in December 1923 to replace Rose. He was virtually ever-present from his introduction to the senior side until the end of the 1924-25 season giving excellent service to the club.  He gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire League Challenge Cup competition against Manchester North End in 1925 scoring his one and only goal from the penalty spot in the final.

On leaving Macclesfield signed for Stockport County in May 1925 (18 appearances)  and then Caernarfon Town (August 1928), Rhyl Athletic (May 1929), Wellington Town (summer 1930) and Runcorn (summer 1931).

(The 'transfer fee' from Stockport County for Burgess and Benjamin Boardman was by way of a friendly match played at Macclesfield who were allowed to retain the gate receipts.)

1913-14 Left-back

LC     League 11 Apps 0 Goals      Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 6 September 1913 Crewe Alexandra Reserves (Home)

Signed from Atherton, he featured in the opening matches of the season until the introduction of the formidable Harry Pearson after which he made no further appearances and may well have left the club.

2012-13 and 2013-14 Defender

NC     League 1(0)1

Debut 11 April 2013 Newport County (Away)

Having progressed through the youth ranks at Macclesfield, Jay was awarded his first professional contract in the summer of 2012. He had to wait until the third last match of the season before making his debut which he made the most of scoring Macclesfield's only goal in the 1-4 defeat. Unable to break into the senior side during the first half of the 2013-14 season Jay was released by Macclesfield at the end of December 2013.

Played for Cheshire League side AFC Macclesfield during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. Following the demise of AFC Macclesfield, Jay signed for Poynton FC for the 2018-19 season.

 Returned to Macclesfield in the summer of 2021 when he signed for the reserve team of the newly formed Macclesfield FC.

Born: 2 September 1993.

2017-18 midfielder

NC     League 20(11)0     Cups 2(0)1

Debut 5 August 2017 Wrexham (Away)

Progressed through the youth system at Bury and made his professional debut for Bury in May 2014. In 2016 he enjoyed loan spells at Stalybridge Celtic in the National league North and Norwegian side Bergsoy IL.

Signed by Macclesfield in the summer of 2017 on a season long loan from Bury, he featured fairly regularly in the midfield adding a valuable contribution to the team who were champions of the Vanarama National League for the 2017-18 season. His single goal came in the fourth qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup at Stourbridge.

Returned to Bury at the end of his loan at Macclesfield signing a loan deal with Wrexham in August 2018 returning to Bury in November 2018 at the end of the loan. In January 2019 he moved on loan to York City where Steve Watson is manager. In May 2019 signed a permanent deal with Port Vale joining up again with former Silkmen manager John Askey, remaining under contract for the 2021-22 season. His contract at Port Vale was cancelled by mutual consent in January 2022 subsequently signing for National League side Grimsby Town until the end of the 2021-22 season. Having been released by Port Vale in the summer of 2022 joined up with manager John Askey again, on this occasion at newly promoted National League side York City, going out on loan at the end of September 2022 to Kidderminster Harriers (six appearances) initially until January 2023 but was recalled by York City in November when they sent their player, Paddy McLaughlin, to Kidderminster on loan. Remained with York City for the 2022-23 season.

Date of Birth: 12 August 1997.

1888-89 to 1894-95 Forward/defender

#TC      League 49 Apps 5 Goals     Cups 16 Apps 2 Goals

Debut 22 September 1888 Davenham (Home)

Promoted from the juniors, Tom served the club for seven seasons initially in the forward line dropping back to defence in the 1891-92 season. Featured in the pre-league days in the 1888-89 and 1889-90 seasons and was a member of Macclesfield's first competitive league side in The Combination for the 1890-91 season when the team finished as runners-up. 

Gained three Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medals for the seasons 1889-90 (the first occasion Macclesfield won the cup), 1890-91 and 1893-94.  Represented Cheshire County against Cumberland in October 1893, a match played at the Moss Rose.

Left Macclesfield in 1900 to live in (Great) Yarmouth where he was known as ' the grand old man of football'.

1901-02 Inside-left

#ML     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 30 November 1901 Heywood (Away)

A member of Macclesfield's reserve team.  Only one senior appearances has been identified although there remains missing match information for the 1901-02 season.

1946-47 Outside-left/goalkeeper

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 4 September 1946 Congleton T (Home) Challenge Cup Round 1

One of many players who appears to have been given a two match trial during Macclesfield's first season after the Second World War. His second appearance came in the away match at Buxton on 11 September 1946 when he was asked to play in goal, the regular 'keeper in the first half of the season, Foxcroft, having failed to arrive for the match when he  boarded a train in Manchester which went straight through to Matlock without stopping at Buxton.

1984-85 to 1990-91 and 1995-96 Forward

NPL     League 115(0)68    Cups 41(1)14

Conf    League  137(5)67    Cups 53(1)33

Debut 18 August 1984 Marine (Home)

Steve signed for the Silkmen from Stafford having previously played for Atherstone and Lichfield. He was much admired and known as ‘The Legend’ and is one of the best remembered and respected players in the history of the Silkmen based on his achievements whilst at the club. A superb finisher and prolific goal scorer:  Steve has scored more goals than other player in the history of the club, was top scorer in six of his seven seasons, scoring 35 goals in all competitions in 1987-88, the Silkmen’s first season in the Conference. Steve made club history when he scored the Silkmen’s first goal in the Conference in the opening match against Maidstone at the Moss Rose. He was a FA XI representative in 1986-87, Macclesfield’s Player of the Year in the same season and received the Individual Merit Award in 1987-88. In addition, Steve was a member of the NPL treble winning side (NPL Championship, League Cup and Presidents Cup) in 1986-87 and gained a Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medal in 1991. Steve attracted many League scouts and had a trial with Everton.

In 1991 he was sold to Hednesford Town for a fee of £12,000 where he had two spells, played for Stafford Rangers and then went on loan at Halifax Town before returning to Macclesfield in 1995-96 as Commercial manager and later as a player before joining Winsford United on loan in the 1996-97 season.

Steve then moved into the managerial ranks firstly at Nuneaton, Hucknall Town, Northwich Victoria, Stalybridge Celtic and more recently at Kidderminster Harriers. Appointed manager at Chester in January 2014, less than a fortnight after leaving Kidderminster, but was dismissed by Chester on 7 April 2016. In September 2016 Steve was appointed manager at Vanarama National League side Southport, the club's ninth manager since April 2013, but was dismissed towards the end of January 2017. Returned to Stalybridge Celtic as manager on 8 February 2017 and was then appointed manager at Stafford Rangers in May 2018 but resigned following the Boxing Day match in 2018 stating that it had been a tough year on a personal note. In January 2019 Steve announced that he was hanging up his managerial boots but would be open to a coaching role in the future. Having been approached by several clubs in May 2019 Steve was appointed assistant manager at Long Eaton United. In July 2019 Steve was appointed Senior Club Scout at Fleetwood Town, a full-time position, which meant that he had to resign as assistant manager at Long Eaton United. No longer with Fleetwood Town, in January 2020 was appointed interim assistant manager to interim player/manager Josh Gowling at Hereford. Position of assistant manager at Hereford made permanent for the 2020-21 season. In May 2021, along with manager Josh Gowling, signed a two year extension to his contract. Rerturned to Hednesford Town in September 2022 when he was appointed Head Coach, but left of his own accord in December 2022 after a disappointiong set of results three momnths to the day of his appoontment.

Has acted as assistant manager to the England C team.

In 2018 as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the formation of the Northern Premier League (now the Evo-Stik League) a vote was held to find the top 100 NPL players in which Steve was in 53rd position.

Born: 12 January 1961.

1931-32 and 1932-33   Centre-half

CL      League 51 Apps 1 Goal    Cups 14 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 29 August 1931 Hyde United (Away)

Initially played for Oxhill Villa then Craghead United, Houghton Rovers and Annfield Plain. At the age of 18 he signed for Darlington (92 league appearances, seven goals) helping them to win promotion to the Second Division when he received a presentation watch as his award. He then moved to Sheffield Wednesday (26 league appearances) for a fee of £1,000 where he remained for four seasons appearing in both the first and second teams. Next stop was Oldham Athletic where he made six first team league appearances. 

Moving to Macclesfield in the summer of 1931 he was almost ever-present during the 1931-32 season as part of the Cheshire League Championship side and winners of the Challenge Cup under his captaincy. In his second season at the Moss Rose he made 17 appearances in all competitions.

Having left Macclesfield he signed for Hyde United (40 appearances, two goals) in June 1933 and then Hurst in June 1934 where he was a member of the playing staff in the 1934-35 season before being appoionted manager for 1935-36. Then spent time at Ashton National before returnuing to Hurst, also acting as Club Secretary in 1937, where he continued playing until his final match against Audenshaw in the Manchester Challenge Shield on 25 February 1940.

His honours also included winners' medals for the Durham Cup and the Sheffield Cup

Born: 11 March 1898, Beamish. Died: 22 December1977.

1892-93 Right-half

TC     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 1 October 1892 Chester (Home)

There is no information recorded about this player, but as he only featured in one match it is assumed that he was on trial. Possibly on the books of Northwich Victoria during the 1891-92 and 1892-93 seasons.

1925-26 Right-back

CL     League 14 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 29 August 1925 Chester (Away)

With Stockport County (four appearances) before signing for Mossley (125 appearances) in the summer of 1922 and was captain for the 1923-24 and 1924-25 seasons.  He went straight into the senior side at Macclesfield at the start of the 1925-26 season featuring regularly in the first half of the season until Green was signed from Stoke City.

On leaving Macclesfield he  was on the books of Buxton, Silverdale St Lukes and Runcorn.

Born: Q3 1896, Stockport.

2016-17 Defender

NC     Cups 1(0)0

Debut 1 November 2016 Winsford United (Away) Cheshire Senior Cup Preliminary Round

A former Chesterfield player, Burrows was one of 11 players signed on non-contract terms for Macclesfield Town at the end of October 2016 prior to the Cheshire Senior Cup Preliminary Round match in which he made his sole appearance for the club. Released in November 2016.

1891-92 to 1895-96 Forward

#TC     League 11 Apps 1 Goal     Cups 6 Apps 3 Goals

Debut 17 October 1891 Leek (Away)

Initially a member of the Macclesfield Swifts (reserve team) who appears to have been used to deputise for other players throughout his time at the club.  Nevertheless he must have made a good impression as he was described as a clever, hard working and skillful player as well as being a good dribbler of the ball. During his time at Macclesfield he was at Berry's in October 1895 which may well have been a trial.

He was also on the books at Berry's in December 1896 and January 1898.

1919-20 Centre-forward

CL     League 5 Apps 2 Goals     Cups 3 Apps

Debut 30 August 1919 Crichton's Athletic (Home)

From Stockport, most of his appearances were made in early season matches including goals in both the home and away matches against Crewe Alexandra.  He re-appeared later in the season, but it is not surprising that he only made a few appearances as he was  one of 11 different players tried out in the  centre-forward position in the 1919-20 season.

Macclesfield born, from the age of 14 Howard represented the Grammar School initially at centre-forward and then outside-right. At 16 he joined the Parish Church Football Club.

In 1918 he was with the Artists Rifles O.T.C and was then transferred to the 8th O.C.B at Litchfield.  During his time there he featured with the Battalion Team who were semi-finalists in the Birmingham Cup.

He left the Army in 1919 and played for Stockport County reserves before signing for Macclesfield in the summer of 1919,  going straight into the team for the first match of the season in the newly formed Cheshire League. He was well built, but a speedy and fearless player who was one of only 13 players whose appearances in the 1919-20 season reached double figures in a season when 69 different players were used. He gained a winners' medal in May in the Altrincham Cup. In the 1920-21 season he made 19 appearances which were spread throughout the season.

On leaving Macclesfield he signed for Sandbach Ramblers playing for them from 1921-22 to 1923-24. Signed amateur forms for Manchester United for the 1924-25 season and also assisted Winsford in the Cheshire League but had left Manchester United by November 1924 playing only for Winsford United. Featured for Whitchurch in the 1927-28 season.

Away from football, Howard was good at athletics and whilst at school won cups for both the 100 and 200 yards sprint races.  He also enjoyed playing cricket for Macclesfield CC and represented the Cheshire County Criket team.

1988-89 Goalkeeper

Conf     Cups 3(0)0

Debut 14 February 1989 Vauxhall GM (Away) Cheshire Senior Cup R3

Started his career at Blackburn Rovers signing as a professional in March 1976 making 104 league appearances during his six years at senior level. In July 1982 John, a 6' 3" goalkeeper, moved to Oxford United (16 league appearances) going on loan to Halifax Town in September 1982 (five appearances) and then Bury in December 1983 (11 appearances), before signing for Chester City in August 1984 (84 league appearances in three years).  Whilst at Chester he returned to Bury for a short loan spell in October 1985 (five appearances). Having lost his place, John was released by Chester in the summer of 1987 when he joined non-league Altrincham appearing in 43 league matches over two years.

He signed for Macclesfield as cover for Alan Zelem, with his three appearances all coming in the Cheshire Senior Cup competition.

Since leaving Macclesfield he has worked as a warehouse manager and has played amateur football for Chester based side Upton AA. In early 2014 joined the coaching staff at the then West Midlands League Division One side St Martins having been brought in by his son Ryan who was in charge of the team.

In 2017 it was reported that he was living in Chester and running a gardening buisiness.

Born: 27 May 1956.

2009-10 and 2010-11 Midfielder

FL     League 13(2)3    Cups 1(1)0

Debut 9 February 2010 Bury (Away)

Started his career as an apprentice at Northampton signing for Rushton & Diamonds in November 1999 but did not make a senior appearance there. Following a spell at Kettering Town he signed for Lincoln City in November 2002 (104 appearances, 11 goals), then Oldham Athletic in July 2005 (36 appearances, four goals) returning to Lincoln City on loan in October 2005 (four appearances 1 goal), Peterborough United in June 2006 (43 appearances four goals), Notts County in July 2007 (80 appearances 18 goals) before returning again to Lincoln City in June 2009 (15 appearances).

Richard spent a month on loan from Lincoln in February/March 2010, making an immediate impact scoring on his debut in the defeat at Bury.  He was recalled to Lincoln, but signed permanently for the Silkmen in the summer of 2010. Richard only made a few appearances as knee injuries kept him out of contention until he returned  as a late substitute in the home match against Gillingham in December 2010.  He then played against Oxford United and in the first two matches of the New Year, at Bury where he scored a brilliant goal, and in the home match against Rotherham United.

Tragically he died in his sleep in the night of 9-10 January 2011 at the age of 29. ‘Butch’ was recognised by fans and fellow players as a model professional, a well-liked person, and a role model for younger players. He was an extremely capable central midfielder who scored some spectacular goals and will be sadly missed.  The club ‘retired’ his number 21 shirt as a mark of respect.

Before the home match on 22 January 2011 tributes were paid to Richard, wreaths were laid on the pitch by representatives of the clubs Richard had played for, 31 doves were released and there was a  minute's applause.

The Blues Bar at the Moss Rose Stadium was renamed 'Butch's Bar' in his memory.

Born: Peterborough, 22 January 1981. Died 10 January 2011 aged 29.

(For photographs remembering Richard please go to Photo Archives)

Joe was already an established goalkeeper when he signed for Macclesfield.  Initially he played for Dawley Town signing for them in August 1897. He played for Stockport on three occasions, from 1898 to 1905, 1906 to 1908 and in their war-time side from 1916 to 1919 making over 175 appearances for them.  He moved to Clapton Orient in  May 1905 playing in their first season making 20 league and four FA Cup appearances.  After leaving Stockport for a second time he was signed by Glossop where he made 161 league appearances from 1908 to 1912. Joe then  moved to Sunderland in 1912 remaining their until 1914  helping them to win the First Division title in 1912-13 and played in the losing side in the 1913 FA Cup Final.  He then spent the 1914-15 season at Lincoln City making 37 league appearances. The following season he featured at Rochdale before moving to Stockport (see above).

At Macclesfield Joe replaced Adams as the senior 'keeper in the middle of October 1919 featuring regularly until William Osbaldeston was installed towards the end of the season.  Nevertheless Butler was one of only 13 players whose appearances reached double figures in the 1919-20 season when a total of 69 different players were used. Most of his 'Cup' appearances came in the Cheshire League Subsidiary Competition which was succeeded by the Challenge Cup competition. In the second half of the season he was made captain.

In November 1922 he registered as an amateur for Vernon Park Amateurs.

Joe died in August 1941.

Born: 1879. Died August 1941.

Thanks go to Neilson Kaufman and Martin O'Connor for providing additional information.

1989-90 Forward

Conf     Cups 1(0)1

Debut 22 January 1990 Darlington (Away) Bob Lord Trophy Round 2

Was an apprentice with York City joining their professional ranks in October 1984 (65 appearances, nine goals). Whilst at York City he spent time on loan at Aldershot Town from December 1985 (two appearances, 1 goal), Exeter City from February 1987 (four appearances, 1 goal) and Carlisle United from December 1988 (one appearance). On leaving York City  he moved to Scarborough in August 1989 (two appearances).

He signed non-contract forms for Macclesfield in January 1990, but only made one appearance in which he scored the second Silkmen goal in the 5-2 defeat.

He returned to Scarborough when he was given the opportunity for regular first team football but only made six appearances.

Born: 3 May 1966.

Tommy, a clever inside forward,  commenced his football career at Astley & Tyldesley Collieries before signing for Bolton Wanderers in September 1936.

He signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1937 but only remained for part of the 1937-38 season. 

He moved back into the Football League with Oldham Athletic in February 1938 when it is believed that Macclesfield received  a fee of £100, before signing for Middlesbrough in March 1939 where he made two appearances prior to the outbreak of WW2.  After the War he returned to Oldham Athletic for the 1946-47 season, scoring nine goals in 45 league appearances, before moving to Accrington Stanley where he scored 26 goals in 218 league appearances between 1947 and 1953.  Even in his last season as a footballer at Wigan Athletic in 1953-54, he was still amongst the goals scoring on six occasions in 32 league matches.

His brother Billy was also a professional footballer graduating to the managerial ranks at Reading.

Born 28 April 1918 and died in Wigan on 11 September 2009 at the age of 91.

1934-35 Inside-right

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 24 April 1935 Altrincham (Away)

Brother of Len and Ray and a member of Prestbury FC, his debut came at the end of the season when three senior players were unavailable through injury.

1931-32 to 1934-35 Inside-right

CL     League 150 Apps  84 Goals    Cups 39 Apps 22 Goals

Debut 29 August 1931 Hyde United (Away)

First played for Mill Brow Mission, Wilmslow before moving to Morley Rovers in the Stockport Combination at the age of 15, and represented the Combination against an Irish League side. In the 1927-28 season at Ashton National he scored an average of one goal per match.

In the summer of 1928 he moved to Stockport County where he made eight first team  league appearances in their Third Division side, joining Macclesfield at the start of the 1931-32 season when he replaced Billy Johnston who had returned to Manchester United.

During his time at the Moss Rose, Len became one of the most respected players in the history of the club, was an excellent dribbler of the ball and had an explosive shot which enabled him to become one of the club's top scorers. A valuable member of the double Cheshire League Championship sides in 1931-32 and 1932-33, he also won a winners' medal in the Challenge Cup competition in 1931-32 and a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup competition in 1934-35. He was employed by G & N Mills, Monumental Masons.

On leaving Macclesfield, Len moved to Huddersfield Town in the summer of 1935 where he made 67 league appearances scoring 11 goals. It would appear that at this time Stockport County held Len's registration, receiving the fee for his transfer. As Macclesfield did not benefit from the transfer, after representations to Huddersfield Town they agreed to play a friendly match at the Moss Rose with all the proceeds going to Macclesfield in view of their current embarrassing financial position. Signed for Blackburn Rovers in January 1937 where he made 110 league appearances and scored 44 Goals (excluding appearances during WW2).

 During the War he was a sergeant, and from a gun position in France in 1944 he reported that when an enemy aircraft was shot down the cheering was just like that at the Moss Rose after the Silk Lads had beaten Congleton! In the War, between his army service, he guested for Manchester United, Huddersfield Town, Wrexham, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aldershot and Stockport County.  He was a runner-up with Blackburn Rovers in the 1940 Football League War Cup Final. In addition, on Boxing Day 1939 at Molineux there was a match between a Football League XI and an All British XI in which Len scored two of the Football League goals in a 3-2 victory.

He signed for York City in January 1947 and then Mansfield Town in October 1947, after which he was player/manager at Mossley (1948-50, 87 appearances, 37 goals) and the manager at Wilmslow Albion before returning to Macclesfield to manage the reserve team.

Saga of the Silkmen recalls that Len was also a good crown green bowler in 1936 reaching the quarter-final of the Victory Bowling handicap competition which had been introduced in Macclesfield in 1919.

Born: 26 August 1910. Died: 16 June 1994.

Younger brother of Len, Raymond made one appearance in the 1933-34 season scoring a goal in the 3-0 Home victory and two appearances in the 1936-37 season.

Later played for Wilmslow Albion but dates are unknown although he was in their team for the 2nd Round of the Cheshire Senior Cup played under wartime conditions in November 1939.

1911-12 Centre-forward

ML     League 8 Apps 7 Goals     Cups 2 Apps

LC      League 7 Apps 3 Goals

Debut 23 December 1911 Hooley Hill (Home)

Came on the scene in late December making his debut in the Manchester League side. Described as a bustling type of player he was soon on the score-sheet scoring a hat-trick in his second match in the 5-0 home win against Rochdale. He was also one of the players who helped to complete the Lancashire Combination side's fixtures when the Manchester League team had finished their commitments.

The fifth different player used in the inside-right position from the start of the 1949-50 season, he lasted only two matches with his goal coming in his second appearance in the 1-2 loss at Wellington Town.

1898-99 and 1900-01 to 1908-09 Left-half

NSL       League 3 Apps 1 Goal

#ML      League 120 Apps 6 Goals    Cups 10 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 3 September 1898 Stone Town (Home)

Byrne first featured in the opening three matches of the 1898-99 season for the Hallefield North Staffordshire and District League side (Macclesfield FC having failed financially in 1897) when he was probably on trial.

Macclesfield FC reformed for the 1900-01 season joining the Manchester and District League, Byrne signing for Macclesfield FC from Poynton at this time and remained an important player for several years. Said to be a clever tackler, a skillful and energetic player with cool judgement.  He featured regularly each season with the majority of his appearances coming from  1902-03 to 1905-06, was vice-captain for the 1903-04 season and captain for the 1904-05 and 1905-06 seasons. He also captained the Cheshire County team against Lancashire.

Remained captain at the start of the 1906-07 season but was injured on 22 September 1906 when Warham took over the captaincy.  The injury seems to have virtually ended his first team career as he only made four more appearances that season dropping to the reserves for the 1907-08 season, and only made five senior appearances throughout the 1907-08 and 1908-09 seasons.

At a dinner In April 1906, as captain of Macclesfield FC, was presented with the runners up medals for the Macclesfield reserve team who had been beaten by St Michael's Institute in the final of the Macclesfield Association Cup. At a furher dinner he was presented with a gold medal from the die of Macclesfield and District Football Association to recognise his contribution to football in Macclesfield. Joined the Committee of Macclesfield FC in April 1924.

1996-97, 1999-2000 and 2001-02 Midfielder

Conf    League 18(0)10  Cups 8(1)6

Debut 18 January 1997 Kidderminster Harriers (Away)

FL        League 33(7)7   Cups 6(0)2

Debut 28 August 1999 Hull City (Home)

Before signing for Macclesfield Town Chris had played for Flixton, Witton Albion (August 1995, one appearance) and Droylsden.

He was a valuable member of the Conference Championship side which won promotion to the Football League in 1997 and his overall contribution will never be forgotten, nor will his hat-trick at Kettering Town on the Silkmen’s last day in the Conference first time round. Until September 2011 when Ben Tomlinson scored a goal in seven seconds, he held the club's record for scoring the fastest goal when he netted after just 13 seconds in the match at Welling United on 8 March 1997. Gained a winners' medal in the Staffordshire Senior Cup in 1997.

Chris moved to Sunderland in the summer of 1997 for an undisclosed fee (10 appearances), and then to Stockport County in November 1997 for a fee of £200,000 (61 appearances, 12 goals) where he incurred a cruciate ligament injury which required surgery.  As part of his recuperation he spent a month on loan with the Silkmen before returning to Stockport, and then moved back to the Moss Rose permanently in the summer of 2001. 

Troubled by injury on three occasions Chris, nevertheless, continued to display his ability as an attacking midfielder and the scorer of spectacular goals.  Whilst recovering from a medial knee ligament injury, Chris was shot in the leg in November 2002, an injury which required more than one operation and, unfortunately, prematurely ended his professional football career.

At international level played one match for the England C team against the Netherlands on 8 April 1997.

Born: Manchester, 9 February 1975.

2015-16 and 2016-17 Defender

NC     League 51(8)4    Cups 14(2)1  

Debut 8 August 2015 Torquay United (Away)

An Irishman by birth Byrne started his career with Irish sides Portmarnock and Belvedere before joining the Nottingham Forest Youth Academy at the age of 14 in 2007. In 2009 he signed apprentice forms until 2011 and was awarded his first professional contract with Forest in the summer of 2011. Without having made a senior appearance he was released in December 2011. He joined Rochdale on trial and having impressed signed an 18-month contract in January 2012 but only went on to make three Football League appearances. Whilst at Rochdale he spent time on loan at Barrow and Southport.  He signed for AFC Telford United in the summer of 2013 and was a member of the team which won promotion to the Conference Premier League in the 2014-14 season.

Moved to Macclesfield on a permanent deal in the summer of 2015 and went straight into the team for the first match of the season becoming the regular first choice left back. However, Neill missed a series of matches on two occasions due to injury and served a three match suspension in December 2015. Scored in both league matches against Woking and in the third round FA Trophy tie at Torquay United.

For the first half of the 2016-17 season Neill made appearances from the substitutes' bench and was often an unused substitute.  However, the second half of the season was a complete contrast when he was virtually ever-present in the starting line-up as a centre back although he occasionally filled in as a full back.

Out of contract at Macclesfield, Neill elected to sign for Gateshead in the summer of 2017 but after one season signed for AFC Fylde in May 2018 leaving them in September 2020 when he signed for National League side FC Halifax Town. Moved to Hartlepool United in the summer of 2021 on their promotion back to the EFL, remaining on contract for the 2022-23 season. Signed for Tranmere Rovers on a one-year deal in the summer of 2022. Moved to Stockport County in January 2023 for an undisclosed fee initially as cover for the injured Fraser Horsfall.

Born: 2 February 1993.

From 1965 statistics are shown - Appearances(Substitutes)Goals

#Known appearances and goals.    Due to the style of reporting there is no information for teams/goal scorers for some matches and in other cases it has only been possible to extract part teams from match reports. Also, some matches over the Christmas and Easter holiday periods, together with end of season matches, have not been reported.