Macclesfield FC: The Phoenix Club’s Historic FA Cup Journey Continues
Introduction: A Remarkable Football Resurrection
Macclesfield FC has captured the hearts of football fans across England with an extraordinary story of revival and ambition. The phoenix club of former Macclesfield Town F.C., which was wound-up after a High Court ruling on 16 September 2020, has risen from the ashes to become one of non-league football’s most exciting success stories. This weekend, the Silkmen face a pivotal moment as a win on Sunday, December 7, would see them progress to the third round of the FA Cup, at which point the giants of the Premier League enter the fray.
Recent Success and Rapid Promotion
Macclesfield’s promotion to the National League North was confirmed with six matches still to play after defeating Bamber Bridge 2–1 on 22 March 2025, becoming 2024–25 Northern Premier League Premier Division champions. This remarkable achievement capped off an incredible season that saw 35 league goals from golden boot winner Danny Elliott and 23 clean sheets from Max Dearnley, helped the team to 109 points – a division and club record. The club’s rapid ascent through the football pyramid has been nothing short of sensational, with three promotions in the four subsequent seasons, winning the North West Counties Premier Division in 2022, the NPL Division One West in 2023, and the NPL Premier Division in 2025.
FA Cup Dreams and Current Season
Under manager John Rooney, appointed after Robbie Savage’s departure to Forest Green Rovers in July 2025, Macclesfield now finds itself on the brink of FA Cup history. Macclesfield’s FA Cup journey continues as they travel to Slough Town this weekend, with the club focused on the immediate challenge. Speaking about the upcoming match, manager John Rooney stated: “I’m not thinking that far ahead, my focus is on Sunday”. The team’s current form in the National League North has been solid, though recent results have been mixed, including being held by Scarborough Athletic on Saturday at the Leasing.com Stadium, with the afternoon ending in a one all draw.
Conclusion: A Community United Behind The Silkmen
Macclesfield FC represents more than just football success; it symbolises community resilience and determination. From starting in the ninth tier just four years ago to now competing in the National League North and challenging for FA Cup glory, the club’s trajectory has been remarkable. With strong fan support, including selling out their away allocation for the Slough Town clash, and continued investment in youth development, Macclesfield FC has established itself as a model for phoenix clubs nationwide. Whatever the outcome this weekend, the Silkmen have already proven that with passion, planning, and community backing, football clubs can rise again stronger than before.