Rob Smethurst has resigned as director of Macclesfield FC, two months after being suspended following his arrest in May.
Smethurst was arrested in Wilmslow, Cheshire on 19 May on suspicion of a coercive control offence. He was bailed pending further inquiries by Cheshire Constabulary. In June, he was suspended and temporarily relieved of all duties associated with the club while legal guidance was sought.
At the time of his arrest, Smethurst dismissed the allegations as "an absolute load of rubbish".
Smethurst's role at the club
The local businessman stepped in to buy the assets of the defunct Macclesfield Town in 2020 and oversaw the club's rise from the ninth tier of English football to the National League. Under his leadership, Macclesfield FC defeated FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in what was described as the greatest upset in the competition's history.
Smethurst has spoken publicly about how founding the football club "saved his life" from addiction, with the role key to rebuilding his life alongside his partnership with long-term friend Robbie Savage.
Next steps
In a statement, Macclesfield FC said: "With the consent of Robert Smethurst, Macclesfield FC can confirm that Rob has formally decided to resign as a director. We respect the fact that Rob has other personal interests away from the football club, and by accepting his resignation, he is able to spend more time pursuing these."
The club clarified that while Smethurst steps down from his day-to-day governance on the board of directors, he will remain a shareholder. The club said it looks forward to his continued backing as it prepares for the upcoming season.
Smethurst declined to comment.
