Teams, tales and tips – a guide to the local game
Home of Hovis and half of Joy Division, Macclesfield is an affluent Cheshire town whose football team and stadium date back to the classic mill-town era of the 1800s.
The collapse and revival of the Silkmen, however, occurred during the pandemic of 2020, three subsequent promotions taking the phoenix club up to the sixth tier five years later.
‘Since 1874’ says the badge sported by Macclesfield FC as they take on the likes of Chorley and Chester in the National League North – and, indeed, Crystal Palace in the Third Round of the FA Cup in January 2026.
Their blue shirts were almost given an airing at Wembley in 2024, Macclesfield losing out to eventual FA Trophy winners Gateshead by the odd goal in three in the semi-final.
Odd, then, that MFC’s predecessors, Macclesfield Town, stayed out of the limelight until gaining league status in 1996-97, 120 years after their formation, two after previously being denied entry due to the low capacity of their venerable ground, Moss Rose. In between, the stadium was used as a training base by Germany’s winning squad at Euro 96.
After relegation back to the Conference in 2012, the Silkmen won the Fifth Division by ten clear points in 2018, so reviving the Cheshire derby with Crewe Alexandra in League Two in 2018-19.
For well over a century, however, football here meant the Combination League, the Manchester & District League, the Cheshire County League and, as founder members, the Northern Premier League.
Everything changed with the appointment of former Manchester United star Sammy McIlroy whose achievements – those two Conference title wins – catapulted him to the national job at Northern Ireland.
The club’s highest league attendance records, both home and away, were set during McIlroy’s last season with the Silkmen, 1998-99, when Macclesfield briefly shared second-tier status with another of his former clubs, Manchester City. The Moss Rose capacity of 6,300 has hardly been tested since. Even when winning the National League in 2017-18 and earning a return to The 92 after six years, average home gates failed to break the 2,000 mark.
With Manchester 20 minutes away by train, many locals prefer to head to Old Trafford of a Saturday. Those who opt for Moss Rose, however, do so passionately – the Star Lane End may be an unusual combination of seating and standing but is usually vociferous enough.
Getting Around
Arriving in town and local transport
Manchester Airport is only 25.5km (16 miles) from Macclesfield. There’s no direct public transport – take the train to Manchester Piccadilly (20mins), then change for the 20-25min journey to Macclesfield, overall journey time 45min-1hr including waiting for the connection, single £17.
From Birmingham New Street, it’s a direct 1hr journey to Macclesfield (£20 single), from London Euston, it’s 1hr 45mins direct or change at Stoke (2hrs), cheapest advance single £25.
Adding a £3 PlusBus supplement to your ticket allows you to use local services run by the two main companies – D&G and High Peak – once you arrive.
Macclesfield train station is on the eastern edge of the town centre, a short but steep walk away. As the crow flies, the bus station is also close, but it’s all uphill, nearer to the centre. Services to the ground at Moss Rose run from the bus station, calling in at the train station on the way back. The ground is otherwise a 30min walk south of town.
Streetcars Manchester quotes £25 from Manchester Airport to Macclesfield. Macclesfield Cabs (07444 199127) are your best bet for local hops.
Where to Drink
The best pubs and bars for football fans
The main local brewery, Stockport-based Robinsons, runs 250-plus pubs in the region, including the George & Dragon near Macclesfield station, a credible candidate for the best hostelry in town. Leading off from the cosy main bar, a pool room features a big screen for match action and a framed photo of Macclesfield Town from the radio era. There’s a beer garden, too.
Further along Sunderland Street, The Jolly Sailor dates back to the 1830s and exudes tradition. There’s a beer garden as well. A few houses along at 36-38, a former owner has since taken over G&J Muckers, with its roaring fire, quality Thai kitchen.
Right opposite the station, the Queens Hotel is a old-school pit stop offering cheap beer five days a week, while guarding the entrance to the town centre, the CAMRA-awarded Waters Green Tavern is known for its popular pies and warming fire in winter. Matches screened, too.
Also here, the six-screen Nags Head appeals to the older rock fraternity with tribute acts at weekends. Alongside, the Old Millstone provides live action on nine TVs and music nights at weekends.
Slightly more upscale on Market Place, Fiveclouds Tap & Bottle regularly rotates its beer offer chalked on a league ladder-type board, and screens major games and big tournaments. Open from mid-afternoon. Nearby on Chestergate, you’ll find plenty of cask ales, pool and darts at the Bate Hall Hotel.
Other pubs in the small town centre are clustered on the south side, around Park Green/Mill Street, where you’ll find The White Lion, a favoured haunt for football watching, and the local Wetherspoons, The Society Rooms, with opening times at 8am.
Where to stay
The best hotels for the ground and city centre
Visit Macclesfield has details of the limited local accommodation options.
There is only one main hotel within the town centre, and one just outside. Near the train station, the Travelodge Macclesfield Central is set in a classic red-brick building, where breakfast is served. Early check-in and late check-outs available as extras.
For something more unique and boutique, both right in town, Sleep Eat Repeat is as comfortable and hospitable as it gets, a godsend in a town so bereft of lodging – look out for the Barbers Lounge sign – while BoHotel on Chestergate comprises six stylish rooms, an in-house restaurant and bar.
All other choices are a fair drive away – the Premier Inn Macclesfield South West by Danes Moss Nature Preserve sits on the same side of town as the stadium, about 2km away by taxi. There’s free on-site parking and a restaurant where a full English is served.
