1980-81 Defender

NPL    League 15(0)1   Cups 4(0)1

Debut 14 October 1980 Buxton (Away) League Cup R2

Mike, son of Liverpool's Joe Fagan, commenced his career at Liverpool before moving to Bootle.

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the early part of the 1980-81 season. He was a strong attacking full-back, at home with the ball at his feet but loved placing long probing balls into the opposition’s half of the field.

On leaving Macclesfield he moved to Prescot Town followed by Burscough, Runcorn, Altrincham (56 appearances, three goals), Southport (October 1985 to March 1986 - 29 appearances, two goals), Kirby Town, Formby, Witton Albion (August 1987 to May 1989 - 77 appearances, 16 goals), Knowsley United, Droylsden, Warrington Town, Ashton United (34 appearances, one goal), Bangor City (nine appearances) and Holywell Town (one appearance)

In May 2014 was appointed as a coach at AFC Liverpool.

1911-12 Centre-forward

ML     League 4 Apps 0 Goals

LC      League 2 Apps 4 Goals

Debut 1 January 1912 Lancaster (Home)

Scored four goals on his debut in the 7-1 home win in the Lancashire Combination match against Lancaster and featured in the next league match.  He appeared again for the Manchester League side at the beginning of February and in three end-of-season matches.  He probably found it difficult to break into both teams as Best and Butterworth were the established centre-forwards.

Would appear to have signed for Congleton Town for the 1913-14 season.

1980-81 to 1986-87 Full-back

NPL    League 251(5)10    Cups 79(3)2

Debut 2 September 1980 Lancaster City (Home)

Before moving to Macclesfield Neil had been on the books at Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool, and played for Droylsden and Chorley. 

But it was a deal involving player Neil Goodwin plus cash which brought him to Macclesfield Town early in the 1980-81 season from Stalybridge where he had spent the previous three seasons. He had the ability to control the ball well and indeed control play, creating chances for other players to score. He was a dedicated long serving player making the second highest number of appearances for Macclesfield during their time in the NPL, gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1983 and played his part in the 1986-87 NPL Championship side. Neil was given a Testimonial Match against a Manchester United Xl at the Moss Rose on Wednesday 20 August 1986. 

On leaving Macclesfield Neil was on the books of Hyde United where he made a handful of appearances in the 1987-88 and 1988-89 seasons.

Neil was a Civil Servant employed as a tax officer.

Born: 15 February 1955.

1948-49 Right-back

CL     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 26 February 1949 Port Vale (Home)

A defender in the reserve side, he played in two league matches at the end of February and the middle of March 1949.

2011-12 to 2014-15 Forward

FL     League 4(14)0     Cups 0(2)0

NC    League 64(20)23     Cups 9(3)4

Debut 6 August 2011 Dagenham & Redbridge (Home)

Waide came through the ranks at Doncaster signing his first professional contract in July 2008. He made a total of 13 appearances for the club, including two in the Carling Cup, and scored two goals. So that he could gain more first team experience, the striker spent time on loan at Shrewsbury Town from October 2009 (10 league appearances, four goals), Southend United from October 2010 (three appearances) and Hereford United from February 2011 (16 appearances, three goals).

Signed a two-year deal at Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2011, Waide made an impressive start in the first match of the 2011-12 season, but a very strong tackle injured an ankle and ended his match just before half time. This injury basically left him out of contention until November, after which he  found it difficult to get a foothold in the starting line-up, with most of his appearances coming from the substitutes' bench. Although Waide, at this time, had yet to open his account for the senior side, he scored a first half hat-trick in fifteen minutes for the reserve side in the home match against Oldham Athletic in January 2012.

At the beginning of the 2012-13 season Waide faced strong competition for a place in the strike force with Matthew Barnes-Homer in fine form together with Chris Holroyd often preferred, therefore, Waide featured from the substitutes' bench on many occasions.  However, once Holroyd had returned to Preston, Waide worked alongside Barnes-Homer and scored 10 of his goals during the second half of the season to finish as second top-scorer with 14 goals. In recognition of his performances he was presented with the Jean Ridgeway Award.

Waide signed for Lincoln City in the summer of 2013 joining former Macclesfield Manager Gary Simpson. Spent a month on loan at Macclesfield Town in February 2014 making two appearances from the substitutes' bench, and completed the 2013-14 season on loan at Whitehawk.

Returned to Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2014 appearing regularly throughout the season initially as a sole striker during the opening months, a role which he fulfilled with much energy.  He completed the season as top-scorer with 13 goals in all competitions, including two double strikes: the first in the 3-2 win at Telford in August 2014 and the second in the home league win against Chester in November 2014.  He also scored the first goal in the 3-1 win over Northwich Victoria in the final of the Cheshire Senior Cup. But it was his goal at Kidderminster on 17 January 2015, a 45-yard strike, which went viral on YouTube with over 300,000 viewings coupled with publicity in countries around the world. This goal was voted MTFC 'Goal of the Season' by the supporters, At Grimsby Town on 1 January 2015 Waide made his 100th appearance in all competitions for the Silkmen.

Without the offer of another contract at Macclesfield Town, Waide moved to Torquay United in the summer of 2015 for an undisclosed fee but could not establish himself in the Torquay side due to injury resulting in his contract being cancelled by mutual consent for personal reasons in January 2016 when he signed for FC Halifax Town. Waide moved to Boston United in the summer of 2016, Frickley Athletic in January 2017, Brighouse Town in January 2018, Sheffield FC in March 2018, Handsworth Parramore in November 2018. He then joined  Maltby Main in July 2019 returning to Handsworth FC (formerly Handsworth Parramore) in September 2019 but quickly moved on to Barton Town in October 2019. He then signed for Hallam in July 2020 where he was appointed club captain but a month later he left the club without making an appearance stating personal reasons and changes in life away from football.

Born: 7 May 1989.

Commenced his career with Penicuik juniors, moving to Berwick Rangers during the 1970-71 season but could not establish himself in the senior side and after one appearance returned to Penicuik. Moved to Hamilton Academical in 1971 (54 league appearances, 18 goals) where he made one appearance for the Scottish semi-professional team against Italy in 1974 and also spent time on loan at Alloa Athletic. He then signed for Stenhousemuir in 1973 (69 appearances, four goals).

Signed for Macclesfield Town during the second half of the 1975-76 season; it was reported that Howard was a strong tackling player who always gave 100%.

His three senior appearances came in the Staffordshire Senior Cup Competition when first team goalkeeper Alan Zelem was rested. There is no further information recorded for this player other than that he was recommended to Macclesfield by Everton FC.

Even during his schooldays John excelled at sport playing football and cricket for Sheffield Boys and cricket for Yorkshire Boys. He was so good at cricket that he might have become a professional but he chose football.

He joined Sheffield Wednesday at the age of 15 in 1955 as an amateur but after just one season he was offered the chance to as a professional in October 1956. Progressing through the youth team, reserve side and graduating to the first team when Albert Quixall moved to Manchester United. John made 435  appearances and scored 166 goals in all competitions for Sheffield Wednesday, earned international honours with England at Under-23 level and made one senior international appearance against Luxembourg in 1961.

On leaving Wednesday he signed for Rotherham United in October 1969 for a fee of £4,000 remaining there for two seasons making 51 appearances in all competitions and scoring eight goals.

He then signed for Macclesfield Town spending the 1971-72 season at the Moss Rose before retiring from playing but he continued in the game as assistant coach to former Wednesday player Jim McAnearney at Hallam FC training the first team.

Whilst at Wednesday he opened a hairdressing business and after retiring from football founded John Fantham Tools which still operates.  He was also an accomplished golfer, holding the course record at Beauchief Golf Club for some years.

Born: 6 February 1939. Died 25 June 2014.

1921-22 Defender

CL     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 26 November 1921 Crewe Alexandra Reserves  (Away)

A member of the Macclesfield reserve team called into the senior side on two occasions to deputise for established injured senior players, firstly for Enoch Collinson and secondly for Harry Pearson.

1962-63 and 1963-64 Inside-forward

CL   League 24 Apps 9 Goals    Cups 6 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 27 October 1962 Sankeys (Home)

Before moving to Macclesfield played at Ellesmere Port Town. The majority of Joey's goals came in the 1963-64 season, including a hat-trick in the away match at Buxton which he scored in four minutes, unfortunately the hosts won 4-3.

1989-90 to 1992-93 Defender/midfielder

Conf    League 68(17)2    Cups 29(4)2

Debut 28 October 1989 Kettering Town (Home)

Started his career at Preston North End moving to the professional ranks in June 1981 (82 league appearances, four goals). Mike then dropped into non-league football with Altrincham where he remained for five years, scoring the winning goal for them in the 1986 Trophy Final against Runcorn and also held the position of captain.

Mike then signed for Macclesfield Town where he appeared regularly either in defence or in midfield.

On leaving Macclesfield signed for Altrincham where he went on to make 215 appearances scoring 19 goals. Completed his career at Radcliffe Borough where he was also assistant manager to Kevin Glendon when Radcliffe were NPL Division One champions in 1977.

Mike earned three semi-pro caps plus a schoolboy cap.

Born: 30 December 1962. Died: June 2020.

1990-91 to 1994-95 Goalkeeper

Conf    League 169(0)1    Cups 76(0)0

Debut 12 February 1991 Warrington Town (Away) Cheshire Senior Cup Quarter Final

A formidable ‘keeper, Steve gave excellent service to the club for five seasons, with his fine performances attracting the attention of Football League scouts soon after his arrival. Steve signed for Macclesfield Town from Southport having started his career at Chester in November 1988, played for Knowsley and also had a loan spell at Morecambe during the 1990-91 season whilst he was at Southport.

His goal for the Silkmen came at Merthyr Tydfil when he scored with a long punt up the field on 18 December 1993, prompting the strikers to comment that it was a long way back to congratulate him.  Unfortunately the home side ran out victors 2-1. However, it was his three consecutive saves in the penalty shoot-out in the first round FA Cup replay at Chesterfield in November 1992 for which he will never be forgotten, giving the Silkmen a dramatic and memorable win against the Football League side on a cold and drizzly evening.

He was a member of the prestigious Middlesex Wanderers on their 1993 tour of Germany and Holland, earned a semi-pro cap in 1995 and was named in the Conference Team of the Year for 1994-95.

Club honours with Macclesfield saw him  gaining two Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medals in 1991 and 1992, winners' medals in the Conference League Cup and Staffordshire Senior Cup in 1994 and a member of the Conference Championship side in 1994-95.

Steve was sold to Rotherham United for a fee of £40,000 in July 1995. Steve has since played for Barrow (two spells), Kingstonian, Farnborough and Woking.

Now lives in the Manchester area and has worked in a number of factories, including one making picture frames.

Born: 27 March 1965.

A left-sided midfielder who could also play in the centre of midfield, Jassim was a regular in the Iraqi international side and was known to the owners of the Silkmen. He was first seen at the Moss Rose when playing for the Iraqi side in their 2004 close season tour, and after signing for Macclesfield he spent some time in the reserves before making his Football League debut in October 2004, thereby becoming the first-ever Iraqi national to play at this level in England. He made one further substitute appearance before he was granted compassionate leave in November 2004 so that he could return to Bagdad to be with his family and was subsequently released from his contract. Subsequently he played for Apollon Limassol and Iraqi clubs the most recent, Al-Kahraba.

Born: Baghdad, Iraq, 1 July 1975.

1938-39 Centre-half

CL     League 5 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 4 February 1939 Chester Reserves (Home)

An amateur player from Huddersfield who was given a run of five matches at centre-half, Norman Christie's usually berth, who moved to inside-right so that Feeney could be accommodated.

1953-54 Inside-right

CL    League 10 Apps 2 Goals   Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 22 August 1953 Buxton (Home)

Born in Glasgow, Joe started his career with St Teresa's signing for Sunderland in 1947 although he did not make a senior league position for the Black Cats. He then moved to Welsh side Rhyl before signing for Chester in September 1951 where he made five league appearances. At some stage he also played for Tonbridge in the Southern League.

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1953 with all his appearances coming at the beginning of the 1953-54 season after which Arthur Jones filled the inside-right position suggesting that he may well have moved to another club during the season.

Born: 21 July 1926. Died 1 December 1992.

Danny was an experienced player who had been on the books of Buckley Town, Rhyl Athletic, Manchester United (March 1927), Reading (March 1928), Accrington Stanley (June 1929), Chester (March 1932), Halifax Town (July 1933) and Stockport County (July 1935).

Signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1936. In the 1936-37 season Danny was ever-present and was reputed to have the strongest shot in the side which he made the most of scoring his fair share of goals and finished second top-scorer with 15 goals behind Ray Worswick. He started the 1937-38 season as the regular right-half, but gradually he lost his place, initially to Norman Christie and then Ron Hackney.

On leaving Macclesfield Danny moved to Hurst, however, he played in Macclesfield's 1939-40 war-time team.

Was the licensee at the Bridgewater Arms, Buxton Road.

Born: 25 January 1903. Died October 1971.

A former Swiss Under-19 and Under-21 Congo International, Enes has spent the majority of his football career in Switzerland initially at youth level with FC Lausanne-Sport.  He then moved to ES Malley LS (2005), FC La Chaux-de-Fonds (2006) and top-flight Swiss team FC Sion (January 2009).  In the early part of 2011 he spent time on loan at FC Locarno before returning to FC Sion (Under 21 side) from where the Silkmen signed him having been released by the Swiss club.

Enes made four appearances for Macclesfield as a central midfielder, three of which came when Kieran Murtagh was serving a three match suspension. Released by Macclesfield at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Signed for Droylsden in September 2013 before returning to Switzerland signing for FC Koniz in Tier 3 (2014) then Le Mont LS, Tier 4 (2015), FC Azzurri LS90, Tier 4 (September 2015), FC Fribourg, Tier 4 (2016), FC La Sarraz Eclepens, Tier 4 (January 2017) and FC Forward-Morges, Tier 5 (summer 2018).

Said to have retired from playing in January 2019.

Born: 29 May 1987.

2004-05 and 2005-06 Goalkeeper

FL    League 61(0)0    Cups 14(0)0

Debut 7 August 2004 Leyton Orient (Away)

A vastly experienced ‘keeper, with 25 Northern Ireland international appearances in addition to international appearances at schoolboy and youth levels. Alan commenced his career with Ards before signing for Hull City in August 1991 (135 league appearances, two goals) spending time on loan at West Bromwich Albion in November 1995 (three appearances). Signed for Nottingham Forest in January 1996 (four appearances) then Blackburn Rovers in September 1997 (11 appearances), York City in March 2000 (125 appearances), Hull City in January 2003 (20 appearances) going on loan to Sheffield United in December 2003 (three appearances) and a further loan to Grimsby Town in March 2004 (11 appearances).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2004. He started off both his seasons with the Silkmen as the first choice ‘keeper, but was side-lined by injury on more than one occasion and with, firstly, Steve Wilson and then Tommy Lee in good form, was kept on the substitutes’ bench on occasions.  Alan very rarely gave less than an assured performance, commanding his area well, distributing the ball thoughtfully and was good in the air. 

Moved to  Bury in July 2006 (nine appearances) after which he was goalkeeping coach at Cheltenham Town and then Sunderland. He joined Manchester United in 2011 as goalkeeping coach for the Academy teams, a role which he left in the summer of 2022 shortly after joining Middlesbrough as First Team Goalkeeping Coach.

At international level has assisted Northern Ireland at Under 18 and at B levels.

Born: Belfast, 1 February 1971.

1958-59 Goalkeeper

CL     League 3 Apps 0 Goals    Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 1 September 1958 Port Vale Reserves (Home)

The reserve team goalkeeper who was drafted into the senior side when senior side 'keeper Brian Sutton had broken his hand. Unfortunately Macclesfield lost all four matches when Few was keeping goal.

1966-67 to 1971-72.

CL      League   60(3)48     Cups 24(0)16

NPL   League 131(2)72     Cups 77(1)31

Debut 24 September 1966 Stafford Rangers (Home)

Brian moved to the Moss Rose from Heanor Town, having previously been with Rotherham United, Gainsborough Trinity and Worksop Town. He was an outstanding personality, nicknamed ‘Mr. Showman’ by the opposition as he liked to celebrate his goals with a lap of honour.  He scored many goals being one of the most gifted players in the League. One of his goals came in the 1970 FA Trophy Final at Wembley in the 2-0 victory against Telford United. He was top-scorer on three occasions, 1966-67, 1967-68 and in 1970-71 when he scored 39 goals in all competitions. From current research Brian is the third highest goalscorer for the Silkmen behind Steve Burr and Harold Kelly. Member of the Northern Premier League champions team in 1968-69 and 1969-70 as well as a holder of two Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medals in 1969, and 1971, and was a member of the team which won the North West Floodlit League in 1969-70.

When Brian left Macclesfield in 1972 he moved to Stafford Rangers. He then played for Boston United before managing Frecheville, Gainsborough Trinity, Burton Albion and Frickley Athletic.  Brian became a sales manager for Carlac motor factor company and lives in Sheffield.

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 Brian was in 75th position.

1967-68 to 1970-71 and 1972-73 Winger

CL      League   7(0)1       Cups   2(0)0

NPL   League 119(2)28  Cups 90(0)27

Debut 12 April 1968 Altrincham (Away)

Dennis started his career in the youth set up at Manchester United but signed for Manchester City in January 1957 (five league appearances, one goal) where he was used mainly in the reserve side. On leaving City he signed for Port Vale in June 1960 (38 appearances, 12 goals), then Grimsby Town in October 1961 for a fee of £2,000 (nine appearances, three goals), Halifax Town in April 1963 (142 appearances, 40 goals) and Darlington(1967-68 , 34 appearances, three goals all competitions) who had paid a fee of £3,500 for him. 

Signed for Macclesfield in April 1968, he was a penalty expert and goal scorer who as a speedy winger struck up an uncanny understanding with his namesake, Brain.  Moved to Altrincham for the 1971-72 season before a second spell with the Silkmen when he was made captain, later playing for New Mills.

Dennis was a member of the Northern Premier League championship side in 1968-69 and 1969-70, a holder of a winners' medal in the FA Trophy in 1970, won three winners' medals in the Cheshire Senior Cup, in 1969, 1971 and 1973 and was a member of the team which won the North West Floodlit League in 1969-70.

Also played squash, competing in the Greater Manchester Championships..

Ran a chain of fish and chip shops in the Stockport area, before selling up and emigrating to Italy.

Born 22 June 1928. Died: 2 June 2015 in Italy.

1983-84 to 1985-86 Defender

NPL    League 74(1)3    Cups 30(0)0

Debut 29 August 1983 Burton Albion (Away)

An apprentice at Preston North End he signed his first professional contract in November 1974 making nine league appearances. Enjoyed experience at Darwin, Luton Town and Witton Albion (October 1975 to March 1983, 272 appearances  in all competitions, five goals) when he spent time on loan at Mossley in the 1977-78 season

(12 appearances) before moving to Runcorn ((1984-85, four appearances).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1983. He was rated as one of the best full-backs in the NPL, was team captain in the 1985-86 season and played in a NPL XI in the 1984-85 season.

Moved to Stalybridge Celtic and then Chorley.

Born 10 November 1956.

1904-05 Outside-right

#ML       League 5 Apps 0 Goals      Cups 2 App 0 Goals

Debut 24 September 1904 Hyde (Home)

Hailed from Manchester but only remained at Macclesfield for a short period moving to Stretford in February 1905.

A Macclesfield Grammar School old boy, Harry was signed by Macclesfield towards the end of the 1924-25 season having distinguished himself playing for local teams. Only playing in the final six matches of the 1924-25 season and a further two matches in the following season, nevertheless he was selected for both the semi-final and the final of the Cheshire League Challenge Cup in 1925 when he gained a winners' medal.

It is reported that he did remarkably well at outside-right when he represented the Manchester and Liverpool Combined Universities team against an FA team.  He also represented the Lancashire Amateurs against Birmingham Amateurs at Old Trafford.

Graduated with a B.Sc. in chemistry and metallurgy and worked at J and T Brocklehurst and Sons Ltd as a dyeworks chemist.

Harry is related to former modern-day club director Geoff Findlow, as he was cousin to Geoff's father.  Harry's daughter, Ann, still resided in Macclesfield in 2012.

1949-50 Inside-left

CL    League 7 Apps 0 Goals   Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 20 August 1949 Buxton (Home)

An amateur who played in early season matches and a further two matches in November 1949 when Ken Pritchard was injured.

1959-60 and 1960-61 Utility

CL   League 32 Apps 8 Goals   Cups 8 Apps 2 Goals

Debut 22 August 1959 Buxton (Home)

An experienced forward who played for Crewe Alexandra as an amateur before turning professional at Stoke City in May 1949 (57 league appearances, 14 goals).  He then went on to play for Birmingham City in November 1955 (14 appearances), Queens Park Rangers in May 1957 (10 appearances, one goal), Crewe Alexandra in July 1958 (one appearance) and Rochdale in September 1958 (31 appearances, one goal). 

He joined Macclesfield in the summer of 1959 having refused the terms offered at Rochdale. Bill was another player who made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut and scored a further two goals in the next match.  He filled more than one of the forward positions, with most of his appearances coming early and late in the 1959-60 season and was only used occasionally in the 1960-61 season.

Born: 5 September 1931.

1948-49 Goalkeeper

CL    League 8 Apps 0 Goals    Cups 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 1 September 1948 Witton Albion (Home)

Deputised for Nat McKInstry, who was recovering from an appendix operation, at the beginning of the 1948-49 season when the Silkmen's form was poor. He finished on the losing side in seven of his appearances, after which he returned to the reserve side.

1975-76 Defender

NPL    League 34(0)1    Cups 14(0)0

Debut 16 August 1975 Gateshead (Home)

Signed from Fleetwood, Alan was a strong tackling player who lined up with John Collins in the back four.  He moved to Buxton in 1976.

1976-77 Midfielder

NPL     League 4(0)0     Cups 1(0)0

Debut 29 January 1977 Lancaster City (Home)

A young non-contract player who was used from time to time during the 1976-77 season.

2011-12 Forward

FL     League 0(1)0

Debut 2 January 2012 Sub Accrington Stanley (Away)

Started his career with Bolton Wanderers, he joined the Centre of Excellence at Stockport in the summer of 2007 becoming an apprentice in the summer of 2008 making his senior debut in April 2009 against Crewe Alexandra. Signed his first professional contract in April 2010 going on to make 28 appearances for Stockport, most which came from the substitutes' bench, in the 2010-11 season.

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2011 but few opportunities were available for him in the senior side at Macclesfield, consequently Tom spent a month on loan at Hyde United (November 2011) and a spell on  loan at Droylsden but returned early due to injury.

Having been released in the summer of 2012 at the end of his contract Tom signed for Droylsden but moved to FC United of Manchester in October 2012 where he remained until January 2013. Unfortunately there is no information available for 2013 and 2014 but it seems that he may have taken time out of football. He was registered with Nantwich Town in 2015-16 season where he only made three substitute appearances, moved to Mossley for the 2017-18 season and signed for Winsford United in the summer of 2018  moving to Wythenshawe Amateurs in January 2020.

Born: 28 June 1992.

1897-98, 1899-1900 and 1900-01 Trainer

#SDL     League 4 Apps 0 Goals

NSL       League 4 Apps 0 Goals

#ML      Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 18 September 1897 Stockport All Saints (Home)

Initially played for Macclesfield True Blues, St Pauls and then St Michael's Institute as left half-back and left-back. Fitchett was the team's popular trainer, but when Hallefield took over the Moss Rose for the 1897-98 season (Macclesfield FC had failed financially in 1897) with no recognised goalkeeper available initially, Fitchett signed for the Stockport and District League side playing in the early season matches.  Again helped out in goal for the Hallefield-Macclesfield side in 1899-1900 season when he also made one outfield appearance. In the 1900-01 Manchester League side, by which time Macclesfield FC had been reformed, he was the goalkeeper in the first round tie of the Cheshire Senior Cup.

On 6 September 1902, the 1901-02 season players presented him with a gold watch in recognition of his service to the club. He was still trainer for Macclesfield FC in 1920.

Away from football, in 1887 he enlisted as a private with the 5th Cheshire Volunteers and on completion of 18 years and 9 months service he had reached the rank of sergeant.

He won medals for swimming, shooting and cricket.

2015-16 to 2019-20 Defender

NC     League 115(5)1     Cups 22(0)0

FL      League 57(4)3        Cups 9(1)1

Debut 15 September 2015 Sub Cheltenham Town (Away)

Initially on the books of Stockport County where he signed his first professional contract. Has since played for Northwich Victoria, leaving them in the summer of 2012 to join New Mills for the 2012-13 season before signing for Southport where he made 85 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals over two seasons.

Unfortunately during the 2014-15 season David broke a leg and was released by Southport at the end of the 2014-15 season.

As a free agent he signed for Macclesfield Town early in September 2015 until January 2016 when his contract was extended to the end of the 2015-16 season. Went straight into the team where he remained the first choice left back for the rest of the season.

Missed the start of the 2016-17 season due to sustaining a compact injury during pre-season training but soon became the regular left back again only missing the occasional match during the remainder of the season.

In the Vanarama National League championship winning season of 2017-18, David was virtually ever-present making the left back position his own. He performed strongly throughout the season becoming an indispensable member of the team. Scoring a goal is a rarity for him, but his one goal came in the 4-1 home win against Wrexham in the 92nd minute when Danny Whitaker sent his corner kick into space in the outfield, David running in hit the ball first time to score his first goal for the Silkmen. During the season David made his 100th appearance for the Silkmen.

In the 2018-19 season David featured regularly in the side only missing seven matches and acted as captain in the opening months of the season. Again he made the left back position his own, and towards the end of the season successfully featured as a left wing-back. His goal at Port Vale, in the season penultimate match, was voted as the 'Goal of the Season' when his strike gave the Silkmen a 1-0 victory to retain 22nd position in the league.  

In May 2019 the club announced that David remained under contract for the 2019-20 season. Despite his proven ability as a defender he was rarely used in the first three months of the season but from mid-November onwards featured fairly regularly in the starting line-up at left wing-back. In the leasing.com Trophy match against Newcastle United U21s on 3 September 2019 he scored one of his rare goals with a wonder-shot from 30 yards. On 29 December 2019 at Forest Green Rovers made his 200th appearances in all competitions for the Silkmen.

Whilst offered terms for the 2020-21 season by Macclesfield elected to sign a one-year deal with Port Vale in the summer of 2020. Having been released at the end of the 2020-21 season signed for Altrincham moving to Chester FC in January 2022 until the end of the 2021-22 season, linking up with manager Steve Watson, former assistant manager at Macclesfield Town. Signed for Radcliffe in the summer of 2022 moving to NPL - Div 1 West side Avro in January 2024

Made one appearance for England C in May 2014.

Away from football, David continues to work in Human Resources.

Born: 28 February 1990.

1912-13 Centre-half

LC     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 2 September 1912 Bacup (Away)

Only appeared in the first two matches of the 1912-13.  It would appear that he was not given a contract as he did not feature in the reserve side during the season.

1936-37 Left-half

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals     Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 16 September 1936 Congleton Town (Home) Challenge Cup R1

Used in three consecutive matches, all of which were won by the Silkmen, at a time when no specific player filled the left-half position, however, John Graham had moved to the inside-right position to accommodate Flanagan.  Flanagan's contract was cancelled by the club in early January 1937.

First played for Newcastle Catholics before signing for Carlisle United in August 1908 where he only remained for a couple of months before returning 'home' to Newcastle Rangers in October 1908. Then featured for other Midlands clubs: Hanley Swifts (December 1908), Crewe Alexandra (April 1910), Audley (September 1910), Newcastle Catholics again (February 1911), and Leek United (June 1911).  He then decided to play away from the Midlands firstly at Brighton (May 1912), then Chester for (July 1913) and Reading Reserves (February 1914) before returning to Newcastle Town in June 1914.

Signed for Macclesfield in December 1914, featuring regularly firstly at inside-left and then centre-forward until the beginning of April when it is thought that he left the club to join the Army.

1908-09 Left-half

ML     League 2 Apps 0 Goals      Cups 1 App  0 Goals

Debut 5 September 1908 Northwich Victoria (Away)

Had previously had been on the books of Crewe and moved to Macclesfield from Haslingden at the recommendation of Warham, the Macclesfield captain. Fleet featured in the senior team for the first two matches of the 1908-09 season and once later in the season when Taylor was out of action with a broken cheek bone.

1959-60 and 1960-61 Wing-half

CL   League 31 Apps 0 Goals    Cups 9 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 19 December 1959 Chester Reserves (Home)

A local product who had played for Central School Old Boys and Windsmoor before joining the Silkmen reserve side as an amateur, later turning professional and graduating to the senior side with his appearances evenly divided between his two seasons as a senior player.

1957-58 Left-back

CL  League 18 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 23 September 1957 Port Vale Reserves (Away)

Previously with Stockport County.  At the Moss Rose he was almost ever-present for the last three months of 1957

1978-79 and 1979-80 Forward/Left-back

NPL    #League 60(4)8    Cups 20(0)3

Debut 19 August 1978 Scarborough (Away)

Started his playing career as a junior with Manchester City moving to Rochdale in 1966 (57 appearances, 22 goals). He then played for Grimsby Town (11 appearances, one goal), Barrow (1969-70, eight appearances, one goal), Chorley and Wigan Athletic where he was a member of their 1973 FA Trophy team before spending time in Australia playing for Sydney Hakoah returning to the UK in February 1976 when he signed for Mossley (105 appearances, 20 goals).

Joined Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1978 for a fee of £250. He was top scorer with 10 goals in the 1978-79 season and was appointed player/coach for the 1979-80 season when he moved to left-back.

Born: 25 Deptember 1946.

With Barnsley as a youth signing his first professional contract with the Tykes in April 2005 (14 appearances) moving to Crystal Palace in July 2006 (eight league appearances). However, opportunities were limited at Palace resulting in him spending much of his time out on loan initially at Gillingham from September 2006 (nine appearances), then Brighton & Hove Albion from February 2007 (12 appearances), Yeovil Town from February 2008 (nine appearances), Blackpool as cover (no appearances) and Falkirk from January 2009 (eight appearances).  Scott signed for Hartlepool United in July 2009 (252 appearances, one goal). Whilst there he became their first ever goalkeeper to score a goal from open play in April 2011 and in December 2013 he broke the club record for the most clean sheets in the league.  For the season 2012-13 he was voted Players' Player, Supporters' Player and Away Player of the Year.  His next move was to York City in 2015 but was unfortunate to be a member of the team relegated from the Football League at the end of the 2015-16 season. Due to a disciplinary matter, Scott was suspended for five matches in August 2016 following an incident in the match against AFC Wimbledon in March 2016, was also fined £1250 and ordered to attend an educational course.  Having been suspended by York City and told to stay away from the club, he lost his place in the team although the suspension was subsequently lifted.

Signed a 28-day loan deal with Macclesfield on 20 September 2016 making five appearances and was on the winning side on three occasions. Returned to York City at the end of his loan, Macclesfield stating that they did not have the finances to cover an extension.

Left York City by mutual consent on 5 January 2017 enabling him to sign for Macclesfield Town to the end of the 2016-17 season, Macclesfield's finances having improved following the sale of players. His career experience ensured that he was the first choice 'keeper for the remainder of the season at the expense of Craig Ross. Scott maintained nine clean sheets in his 29 appearances.

Having been released by Macclesfield Town at the end of the 2016-17 season, Scott signed for Football League side Cheltenham Town on August 2017 transfer deadline day. Extended his contract with Cheltenham for the 2021-22 season and on expiry was released going on to sign a one-year deal with Mansfield Town with the club triggering a one-year extension for the 2023-24 season.

On the international scene Scott made five appearances for the England Under 20 team in 2005.

Born: 12 June 1986.

David was a trainee at Preston North End where he gained his first professional contract in May1992 (eight league appearances, two goals).  After a loan spell at Lincoln City in September 1993 (two appearances), he moved to Chester City in December 1993 (167 appearances, four goals) and Rochdale (160 appearances, four goals).

Joined Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2003 when he was immediately appointed captain. Although a committed player, David found it difficult to settle to his role in the centre of midfield and his contract was cancelled by mutual consent in January 2004. 

Shortly after leaving Macclesfield David signed for Bury in January 2004 (100 appearances, four goals), and then had a short spell at Hyde United before moving back to Rochdale in January 2007 (one appearances) where he remained assistant manager to Keith Hill until the summer of 2011. 

When Hill was appointed manager of Championship side Barnsley, David moved there at the same time to take up the assistant manager's position. On the departure of Keith Hill  at the end of December 2012, David was appointed caretaker manager and shortly after was handed the manager's role but  was dismissed at the end of November 2013. Appointed manager at Bury in December 2013 but after a disappointing run of results was dismissed on 16 November 2016. Appointed manager of Swindon Town in the summer of 2017 and then moved to Mansfield Town on 1 March 2018 as manager. Was dismissed by Mansfield Town in May 2018 having failed to secure automatic promotion from Sky Bet League 2 and then losing to Newport County in the semi-final of the play-offs. In September 2019 was appointed assistant manager at Bolton Wanderers linking up again with Keith Hill newly appointed manager. With Bolton relegated to Sky Bet League Two was released in June 2020. Appointed Director of Football at Port Vale in February 2021.

Born: Bolton, 14 January 1974.

2020-21 Manager

NL   No matches (see end of profile)

As a goalkeeper started his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1984 where he made 63 league appearances and was sold to Southampton in June 1986 for £700,000 at a time when Wolves were desperate for a cash injection. Initially he was understudy to Peter Shilton, becoming first choice goalkeeper in the 1989-90 season going on to make a total of 192 league appearances Prior to his elevation as senior goalkeeper had two spells on loan at Swindon Town in March and November 1987 (seven appearances) and also made 3 appearances for the England U21 side.

Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the English League, he made the move to Blackburn Rovers in November for a fee of £2.4M making him the most expensive goalkeeper in Britain. He made 177 appearances and was a member of the team which won the Premier League title in the 1994-95 season. During his time at Rovers represented the England senior side on 11 occasions. Remained at Blackburn until they were relegated in 1999 when he signed for Leicester City where he made 54 appearances.  Gained a Football League Cup winner’s medal in his first season and had loan spells at Stockport County (four appearances), Coventry City (five appearances) and as cover at Manchester City (no league appearances). Retired from playing at the end of the 2002-03 season.

Initially had spells as a goalkeeping coach at Leicester City and Manchester City. In February 2007 was appointed assistant manager to Iain Dowie at Coventry City but left in February 2008 following the dismissal of Dowie. Joined up again with Dowie at Queens Park Rangers as his assistant but left when Dowie was dismissed again.

Appointed part-time goalkeeping coach at Northampton Town in February 2010 as well as undertaking a mentoring role at Kidderminster Harriers, but in March 2010 linked up again with Dowie as assistant manager at Premiership club Hull City.

His first full managerial appointment came at Conference North side Stafford Rangers in October 2010 but he left in January 2011 after just nine games.  Appointed caretaker manager at Northampton Town in November 2011 overseeing just one match as Aidy Boothroyd was appointed permanent manager but Flowers remained as goalkeeping coach. Left Northampton Town in January 2014 on the appointment of Chris Wilder as manager.

Appointed first-team coach at Kidderminster Harriers in Match 2014, moving to Nottingham Forrest as goalkeeping coach in July 2014 under former teammate Stuart Pearce, leaving in February 2015 on the dismissal of Pearce.

In September 2015 it was reported that he had replaced Gary Whild as manager of Kidderminster Harriers but left the club within a fortnight.

He returned to the management ranks in June 2018 when he was appointed manager at Solihull Moors replacing Mark Yates who had been appointed manager at Macclesfield Town leading the team to second place in 2019. Left Solihull Moors by mutual consent in January 2020.

In August 2020 appointed manager at Macclesfield Town on a one-year deal and had started to build a team for the 2020-21 season, however on 16 September the Winding-up Order on the club was implemented resulting in Flowers contract becoming null and void and his departure from the club.

Appointed manager at Barnet in December 2020 but left in March 2021 stating that he couold not get any more out of the team who were lying next to the bottom of the National League having only gained 12 points from 24 matches. In late November 2021 was appointed manager of SFL Premier Central side Stratford Town stepping down from this appointment in March 2022.  In his own words he joined Stratford Town to help out and as there was no chance of the team reaching the play-offs during the 2021-22 season he decided to step down allowing the club to plan for the longer term. Appointed manager of Gloucester City in May 2023 but left the club by mutual agreement in the middle of September 2023 following their home defeat by AFC Totton in the FA Cup. Appointed manager at SFL Central - Premier side Bromsgrove Sporting in February 2024.

Born: 3 February 1967.

1963-64 to 1966-67 Right-back

CL   League 112 Apps 5 Goals   Cups 30 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 24 August 1963 Buxton (Home)

Peter commenced his footballing career with Cannon Street Youth Club joining West Bromwich Albion as an amateur in 1955, signing professional forms for Stoke City in May 1956 making his first team debut against Swansea, going on to make 14 senior league appearances.  Peter joined Port Vale in September 1959 along with Harry Oscroft, in exchange Dickie Cunliffe (a future Silkman) and £2000 appearing 104 times and scored five goals.

He joined Macclesfield in 1963 where he became a regular and reliable member of the team.

On leaving Macclesfield at the end of the 1966-67 season he re-appeared for Stafford Rangers the following season. 

He was a heating engineer with a Stoke firm and when Peter eventually retired from playing he became manager of Hanley Town and later coach of Milton United.

Born: 10 August 1933. Died 17 July 2020.

1923-24 and 1924-25 Outside-left

CL     League 76 Apps 13 Goals     Cups 8 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 12 September 1923 Northwich Victoria (Away)

Started his career with Ward Street Old Boys (Stockport) before signing as an apprentice at Stockport County in 1921 after which he moved to Ashton National in the same year.

Signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1923. Throughout the two seasons he spent at Macclesfield he was almost ever-present only missing matches when recovering from an injury or  when he was ill. Gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire League Challenge Cup in 1925 against Manchester North End.

On leaving Macclesfield signed for Runcorn.

1981-82 Goalkeeper

NPL    League 9(0)0     Cups 4(0)0

Debut 15 August 1981 Gateshead (Home)

John signed from Bury where he had a distinguished career, making almost 500 appearances from 1966 to 1980 before he lost his place to Neville Southall.  During his time at Bury he spent time on loan in 1973 at Atlanta Appollos making 17 league appearances.

On signing for Macclesfield he played for the first 13 consecutive competitive matches in the 1981-82 season before the first choice ‘keeper Robin Simpson returned.

On leaving Macclesfield he returned to Gigg Lane (Bury) as a member of the coaching staff  and subsequently has been chief scout at Rochdale and Barnsley. Has also worked for a chilled foods company.

Born: 9 October 1947.

1966-67 to 1968-69 Left-back

CL      League 80(0)2    Cups 33(0)1

NPL   League 27(2)0    Cups 14(0)0

Debut 20 August 1966 Buxton (Home)

George played for several clubs before joining the Silkmen including Sunderland (1953), Raith Rovers (1954), Brechin City (1957) Dundee United (1958), and Eyemouth United (1959). He had been unable to establish himself at any of these clubs but on moving to Accrington Stanley in January 1960 he became a regular member of the senior side, in the two years he spent there he made 54 league appearances. He moved to Sankeys of Wellington in 1962 and Altrincham in 1965 where he was captain.

Signed for Macclesfield in the summer 1966 he was described as hard as nails, and was an integral part of the defence of Collins/Forrester/Sievwright/Ford/Goalen and a member of the Northern Premier League championship side in 1968-69. He retired from playing football at the end of his time with the Silkmen.

Whilst he was playing football he was a motor mechanic by trade, but in 1969 he took over the running of the club’s Moss Rose Hotel (The Silkman) from Derek Kevan.

Born: 28 August 1934. Died: 13 April 2001.

Forrester Reginald 'Reg'

Reg started his football career at Longton St Gregory's before moving to senior football at Kidsgrove Wellington in January 1912. In October 1912 he was signed by Manchester City where he remained for a season but could not break into the senior side. He moved to Stoke in September 1913 but only made a couple of appearances before the outbreak of war.

Early in 1915 he enlisted in the Motor Machine Gun Corps and was stationed at Bisley when he played for his regiment.  He saw three and a half years of active service in eight different countries including two years in Mesopotamia with the Armoured Cars Unit.

On demobilisation in August 1919 he returned to Stoke where he remained until the end of the 1921-22 season making seven further senior appearances.

He then signed for Macclesfield missing very few matches throughout his time with the Silkmen. Reg was a prolific scorer: netting six hat-tricks including one on his debut and, as far as records show, he is only one of two players, the other was Albert Valentine, who scored a hat-trick in each of three consecutive matches, scored five goals in the 6-1 home victory against Middlewich in the second round of the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1923, four goals in three separate matches and was top-scorer with 47 goals in the 1922-23 season. In November 1923 he was suspended for 14 days for insubordination and placed on the transfer list.

He played four matches at the start of the 1923-24 season before moving to Middlewich in November 1923 and later played for Congleton where he was captain during the 1925-26 season and was still there during the 1927-28 season.

Residing in Stoke-on-Trent he was a pottery salesman. 

Born: 20 March 1892. Died: 9 December 1959.

A member of the reserve side who was used to deputise for senior players on a few occasions generally in attack, but in the 1948-49 season was also used in defence.

1919-20 Left-half

CL     League 13 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 4 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 6 September 1919 Crewe Alexandra Reserves (Home)

Filled the left-half position from September to the beginning of February although he was dropped for one match in December when he was replaced by a trialist. There is no record of him playing for the reserve team, so it is a possibility that he may have left the club in February especially as there were so many charges to the team throughout the 1919-20 season.

1905-06 Goalkeeper

ML     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 17 February 1906 Heywood United (Away)

There is no information recorded about this  player, however it can be taken that he was given a two match trial as another player had been afforded the same opportunity at the start of the season. At the time John Wilkinson was the established 'keeper.

1964-65 and 1965-66 Centre or inside-forward

CL    League Apps 65 Goals 25   Cups 13 Apps 5 Goals

Debut 26 August 1964 Buxton (Away)

Previously with Northwich Victoria and Crewe Alexandra (1959 to 1961, 22 League appearances, seven goals), Runcorn (over 100 appearances) and Altrincham where he scored 26 goals. 

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1964 and was a member of the team who were runners-up in the Cheshire League in 1964-65.

 On leaving Macclesfield he returned to Runcorn.

A quantity surveyor by trade, he played cricket for Newton-le-Willows in the summer.

1919-20 Inside-left

CL     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 30 August 1919 Crichton's Athletic (Away)

From Port Vale, Foster was one of numerous players who had short trials in a season when 69 players were deployed in the season as a whole.

1946-47 Inside-right

CL    League 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 14 September 1946 Tranmere Rovers Reserves (Home)

A local player, he was one of many players given a short trial in Macclesfield's first season after the Second World War.

1924-25 Inside-right

CL     league 30 Apps 4 Goals     Cups 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 30 August 1924 Ellesmere Port Town (Home)

Played for Albert Mount (Oldham) before Army service. Signed for Crewe Alexandra in June 1919 before moving to Oldham Athletic in June 1920 (five senior appearances and one goal), then Rochdale in May 1922 (four senior appearances and one goal). He then moved to Ashton National (July 1923), Eccles United (September 1923) and Stalybridge Celtic (October 1923).

Signing for Macclesfield in May 1924 he went straight into the side and was the established inside-right until the latter stages of the season.  He was in partnership with free-scoring Kelly and Mellor, but his goals were few and far between and spent just one season at the Moss Rose.

On leaving Macclesfield he signed for Lancaster Town in August 1925.

1946-47 Goalkeeper

CL   League 9 Apps 0 Goals    Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 31 August 1946 Buxton (Home)

Before joining Macclesfield he played several games for Burnley and also appeared in their Central League side. Although he was only at Macclesfield for a short time he was described as one of the finest goalkeepers in the Cheshire League, his anticipation, judgment and handing of the ball were of the highest quality. Travelling to the match at Buxton on 11 September 1946 he boarded a train in Manchester but unfortunately it did not stop at Buxton with Foxcroft having to alight at Matlock, the next stop, missing the game with defender Burke having to play in goal, Macclesfield losing 5-1.

Early in November 1946 he moved to Canada with his Canadian born wife.  He claimed to be so happy at the club that even though he had known for a month he was moving to Canada he did not advise them of the fact until days before he was due to leave.

1926-27 Outside-right

CL     League 3 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 13 November 1926 Sandbach Ramblers (Home)

Played for Droylsden and then Ashton National before signing for Manchester City in September 1924 and then Crewe Alexandra in August 1925 (seven appearances, one goal) moving to Stalybridge Celtic before signing for Macclesfield. Despite having been connected with Football League clubs he only made three appearances, two at outside-right and one at centre-forward. His goal came in the 3-6 defeat at Middlewich at the beginning of December 1926.

He was given a trial with Witton Albion on Christmas Day 1926 and featured again for them on Boxing Day.  Whether his trial led to him being signed on a permanent basis is unknown.

1960-61 Centre-half

CL    League 13 Apps 1 Goal    Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 21 January 1961 Rhyl (Home)

Signed professionally for Stoke City in January 1939 making 142 league appearances for the club and 27 international appearances for England at centre-half. He then joined Colombian side Sante Fe of Bogata  in May 1950, but to make the move he had broken his contract with Stoke and the position was further aggravated when he refused to join the England squad for the 1950 World Cup finals in Brazil.  Neil and his family never settled in Colombia and they returned to England after only two months.

A suspension from league football followed, after which he joined Hull City in February 1951 for, at that time, a world record fee for a defender of £22,500 (95 appearances).  He moved to Crewe Alexandra in February 1956 (66 appearances, four goals) and was signed by Stockport County in October 1957 (20 appearances).  He later played for Wellington and for a short time at the Moss Rose. 

After retiring from playing he managed Greek side APOEL and then Colchester United. He was a landlord in Oswaldtwistle and then in Sandon, Staffordshire.

Born: 24 January 1922. Died: 9 February 1996.

Having been with the club for two years playing in the reserve team he was promoted to the professional ranks in 1964.  Son of Neil Franklin (see above profile)

1949-50 Centre-half

CL    League 8 Apps 0 Goals   Cups 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 20 August 1949 Buxton (Home)

Joined Blackpool at the end of the 1937-38 season, but did not make any senior appearances, before joining Crewe Alexandra after WW2 in April 1946 (28 appearances) and then moved to Kidderminster Harriers.

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1949 appearing in all the opening matches of the season until Frank Marsh returned to action.

Born: 16 September 1919, Shrewsbury. Died: July 2006, South Cheshire.

2008-09 Midfielder

FL    League 0(2)0

Debut 25 February 2009 Sub Port Vale (Home)

Kyle represented England at Under-16 level at the age of 14 and joined Tottenham Hotspur’s Academy in the 2006-07 season.  As an attacking midfielder, he moved through the Spurs ranks and was given his first professional contract in July 2008.

Spent a month on loan at the Moss Rose where he made his Football League debut, making an immediate impact with an amazing lightning run down the right flank.  He made just one more cameo appearance before returning to Tottenham.

Having been released by Tottenham he signed for Hayes & Yeading (September 2009) , Redbridge (2010), Banbury United (2013) returning to Redbridge in January 2015.

Has since moved into the finance industry initially working for Barclays Wealth Investment Management and then as a relationship  manager at Santander, Investment Product Manager at SEI and more recently as a Fund Product Analyst with Wellington Management.

Born: Wanstead, 12 February 1990.

As a native of Stockport he first played for Stockport All Saints and then Heaton Norris White Star before signing for Stockport County in August 1901 where he went on to make 26 appearances. With Stockport failing to gain re-election to the league Freeborough signed for Tottenham Hotspur in May 1904 spending most of his time in their reserve team. He then signed for Leeds City in April 1906 making only 24 first team appearances in two years although he was described as a robust and solid defender. The former Leeds City secretary-manager Gilbert Gillies as manager of Bradford Park Avenue signed Freeborough in June 1908 where he remained for a season signing for Rochdale in July 1909.

He arrived at Macclesfield in December 1911 and was one of many players in this season making only a few appearances, all coming in late December 1911 and early January 1912.

In February 1912 he signed for Denton and Darwen in December 1913 before returning to his home town Stockport during the war years where he made a single appearance for the Hatters in October 1918 against Rochdale.

Born: 13 February. Died: 1961.

A young player who was signed from Wigan the day before his debut who went on to make two further appearances.

Commenced his career at Hadley FC in the Wellington District League before signing for Wellington Town in October 1902. He then played for Glossop (February 1903) and Oswestry United (October 1903) before returning to Wellington Town in May 1904.

He was then given a one match trail at Macclesfield in February 1905.

He moved to Shrewsbury Town (June 1905), Wrexham (January 1906), Chester (July 1907) before travelling to Scotland where he joined Hamilton Academical in June 1909. He returned south in October 1910 when he signed for Shrewsbury Town for a second time after which he moved to Walsall (September 1911) and Wellington Town.

1950-51 to 1955-56 Right-half

CL    League 191 Apps 1 Goal     Cups 39 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 19 August 1950 Buxton (Home)

During the 1946-47 season played for Droylsden. Moved from Goslings (during which time he made the occasional appearance for Nelson) when the team folded to become a member of the formidable half-back (centre-back) line with Richardson and Shepherd which lasted five seasons. He was a member of the 1952-53 Cheshire League Champions side, and in 1951 and 1952 gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

1955-56 Inside-left

CL     League 3 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 14 January 1956 Stafford Rangers (Away)

Prior to joining Macclesfield played for Queen of the South, Torquay United and Bangor but only managed four senior appearances for the Silkmen.

1876-77 Full-back

Debut 28 October 1876 Stoke (Home)

Prior to the formation of Macclesfield FC in 1876, Harry was goalkeeper for the 8th Cheshire Rifle Volunteers, however, he did not fill this position for Macclesfield FC but played at full-back, captaining the side in the 1876-77 season.

On leaving Macclesfield he became a solicitor in Scarborough.

1878-79

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

There is no information recorded for this player.

Signed from Congleton, where he had been for nine years, having impressed the Directors when playing against Macclesfield.  Nevertheless he did not command a regular position in the team returning to Congleton for the 1948-49 season.

1926-27 Outside-right

CL     League 6 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 25 December 1926 Congleton Town (Home)

Played for Congleton Town during the 1925-26 season. For Macclesfield he featured in six consecutive matches at a time when there was no regular player allocated to the outside-right position.  His goal came on his third appearance in the 1-4 home defeat against Chester.

1903-04 and 1904-05 Goalkeeper

#ML     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 6 February 1904 Hooley Hill (Away)

Following  a series of poor results, F Smith the first choice 'keeper refused to travel for the fixture at Hooley Hill on 6 February 1904 resulting in Frost, Macclesfield's current reserve team 'keeper, being drafted in as a replacement until the club could recall former 'keeper W. Brocklehurst. (The team lost 4-1 but when Brocklehurst returned results improved significantly although Smith returned towards the end of the 1903-04 season.) Frost made one further senior appearance the following season on 25 February 1905 in the away match at Heywood United.

Later in life he was employed in the spinning department of GH Heath & Co Ltd.

1926-27 Inside-left

CL     League 39 Apps 29 Goals     Cups 5 Apps 2 Goals

Debut 26 August 1926 Hurst (Home)

Prior to signing for Macclesfield in the summer of 1926 he had been on the books of Port Vale scoring several goals against Macclesfield FC. Only missing three matches in the whole season, he scored in his first two matches but then went seven matches before hitting the back of the net again, but  from then onwards featured regularly on the score sheet, completing the season as top-scorer with 31 goals, two more than the prolific scorer Harold Kelly.  His single hat-trick came in the 4-4 away match with rivals Altrincham, and he scored two goals in seven matches, in addition to which he was often the team's penalty taker.

1920-21 Outside-left

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 18 December 1920 Sandbach Ramblers (Home)

A member of the Macclesfield reserve team who deputised for William Pepper for one match.

1951-52 Forward

CL    League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 13 October 1951 Altrincham (Away)

Reported in the Press as 'a new signing' but only made a single appearance.

2011-12 Defender

FL    League 10(0)0

Debut 21 February 2012 Northampton Town (Away)

Ben's career started at Oldham where he was given his first professional contact in July 1999. After making 10 league appearances for the senior side he moved into the non-League scene, firstly with Stalybridge Celtic and then Doncaster Rovers. Returned to the Football League with Lincoln City in August 2002 (121 appearances, 13 goals). Moves followed to Boston United in July 2005 (14 appearances), Grimsby Town in January 2006 (19 appearances, two goals), Peterborough United in August 2006 (25 appearances, three goals) and Bury in July 2007 (117 appearances, three goals). A spell of loan signings followed; Oxford United from November 2010 (six appearances), Mansfield Town and Telford United.

A further loan came when he signed for Macclesfield Town in February 2012 featuring at centre back for 10 matches.. 

He returned to Bury after the penultimate match of the 2011-12 season when it was announced that he would become their Development Coach whilst retaining his player registration. Signed a season long loan deal in the summer of 2012 with FC Halifax, but was quickly recalled to Bury to help with first team management until a new manager was appointed following the departure of Richie Barker to Crawley Town. He then reverted to coaching duties as the club's Development coach. Continuing his managerial career at Bury, he was appointed assistant manager to David Flitcroft in the summer of 2015. Joined up with David Flitcroft again at Swindon Town in the summer of 2017 when he was appointed assistant manager. Followed Flitcroft to Mansfield Town on 1 March 2018 as his assistant manager. In May 2019, along with manager David Flitcroft, was dismissed by Mansfield Town having failed to secure automation promotion from Sky Bet League 2, and then losing to Newport County in the semi-final of the play-offs.

In December 2019 was appointed as a Youth Coach Developer by the FA. In November 2023 was appointed interim Head Coach of England Men's Elite League Squad (previously England U20 team), subsequently in January 2024 was appointed permanent Head Coach.

Son of Paul Futcher who played for Manchester City, Oldham Athletic, Luton Town and Grimsby Town.

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.