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Macclesfield FCUniversity of Lancashire

Macclesfield FC Staff

The International Football Group in partnership with Macclesfield FC & University of Lancashire.

The people behind IFG

Excellence through expertise

Our success is driven by the dedicated and highly qualified coaching and staff team we've assembled. Deeply experienced in the world of football, they bring a wealth of knowledge to our programmes — and their commitment to educating and mentoring our squads is second to none.

Leadership

Robert Smethurst

Robert Smethurst

Director / Chairman

Robert, an accomplished entrepreneur, started in the motor trade and ran his car sales garage for a decade. He ventured into technology, creating an award-winning logistics website, earning Gold & Bronze in the 2016 NEBC Awards. A finalist in the 2015 Digital Entrepreneur Awards, he later sold his logistics company to AutoTrader in 2017. In 2022 he won the North-East Cheshire 'Business of the Year' Gold Award, and earned Lloyds Bank Business of the Year in 2019 running the Pro Football Academy. Owner of The International Football Group, Rob collaborates with UCLan and Juventus, offering football residency programmes, university degree courses, and gap-year opportunities in the UK and Italy.

Robert Smethurst

Director / Chairman

Robert, an accomplished entrepreneur, started in the motor trade and ran his car sales garage for a decade. He ventured into technology, creating an award-winning logistics website, earning Gold & Bronze in the 2016 NEBC Awards. A finalist in the 2015 Digital Entrepreneur Awards, he later sold his logistics company to AutoTrader in 2017. In 2022 he won the North-East Cheshire 'Business of the Year' Gold Award, and earned Lloyds Bank Business of the Year in 2019 running the Pro Football Academy. Owner of The International Football Group, Rob collaborates with UCLan and Juventus, offering football residency programmes, university degree courses, and gap-year opportunities in the UK and Italy.

Robbie Savage

Robbie Savage

Director of Football

Robbie, a renowned former Premier League and international footballer, transitioned into an award-winning pundit. Starting as a youth player with Manchester United in the Class of '92, he later played for Crewe Alexandra, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County. Captaining four Premier League clubs and his country, he played 350 Premier League games — 631 in all competitions — and represented Wales 39 times under managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Martin O'Neill. Now a TV pundit, he presents 606 on BBC Radio 5 Live, writes for the Daily Mirror, and actively contributes to grassroots and academy football.

Robbie Savage

Director of Football

Robbie, a renowned former Premier League and international footballer, transitioned into an award-winning pundit. Starting as a youth player with Manchester United in the Class of '92, he later played for Crewe Alexandra, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County. Captaining four Premier League clubs and his country, he played 350 Premier League games — 631 in all competitions — and represented Wales 39 times under managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Martin O'Neill. Now a TV pundit, he presents 606 on BBC Radio 5 Live, writes for the Daily Mirror, and actively contributes to grassroots and academy football.

Paul Prescott

Paul Prescott

Chief Executive Officer

Recruiters

Nathan Bibby

Nathan Bibby

Head of International Recruitment & Head Coach

Nathan Bibby, a dedicated sports professional with a BA Honours in Physical Education and Sports Coaching, combines academic knowledge with practical coaching skills. Holding UEFA and USSF licenses, he pursued certifications at prestigious institutions like Juventus FC and MLS clubs. His coaching journey spans the US & UK, and he leads recruitment projects for the Academy while fostering relationships with clubs like Juventus FC. Nathan's leadership shines through coaching the U21s across the 21/22 and 22/23 seasons, demonstrating hands-on expertise in player development and team management.

Nathan Bibby

Head of International Recruitment & Head Coach

Nathan Bibby, a dedicated sports professional with a BA Honours in Physical Education and Sports Coaching, combines academic knowledge with practical coaching skills. Holding UEFA and USSF licenses, he pursued certifications at prestigious institutions like Juventus FC and MLS clubs. His coaching journey spans the US & UK, and he leads recruitment projects for the Academy while fostering relationships with clubs like Juventus FC. Nathan's leadership shines through coaching the U21s across the 21/22 and 22/23 seasons, demonstrating hands-on expertise in player development and team management.

Tom Wilkinson

Tom Wilkinson

Recruitment Executive

Tom Wilkinson, a proud Mancunian and lifelong Manchester City fan, played football at amateur level in Manchester for as long as he can remember. In 2020 he graduated with a degree in Football Business and Media from UCFB Etihad. Taking his love for the sport to the next level, Tom joined Macclesfield FC in November 2022 — his journey enriched by experiences like the Gap Year, Summer Residency, and a special residency with Juventus, showcasing his commitment to furthering his career in the football industry.

Tom Wilkinson

Recruitment Executive

Tom Wilkinson, a proud Mancunian and lifelong Manchester City fan, played football at amateur level in Manchester for as long as he can remember. In 2020 he graduated with a degree in Football Business and Media from UCFB Etihad. Taking his love for the sport to the next level, Tom joined Macclesfield FC in November 2022 — his journey enriched by experiences like the Gap Year, Summer Residency, and a special residency with Juventus, showcasing his commitment to furthering his career in the football industry.

Max Knight-Surie

Max Knight-Surie

Recruitment Executive

Max, originally from Brighton, immersed himself in football during his 10-year stint in Philadelphia, USA, contributing to player development as a coach for the Philadelphia Union Academy in MLS. He furthered his knowledge with a Master's degree in Football Business from the Football Business Academy. Eager to expand his horizons, he completed a 3-month internship with Mazatlán FC in Liga MX as a First Team scout & analyst. Max has now embraced a new challenge with Macclesfield FC International, bringing a wealth of experience and a global perspective to his role.

Max Knight-Surie

Recruitment Executive

Max, originally from Brighton, immersed himself in football during his 10-year stint in Philadelphia, USA, contributing to player development as a coach for the Philadelphia Union Academy in MLS. He furthered his knowledge with a Master's degree in Football Business from the Football Business Academy. Eager to expand his horizons, he completed a 3-month internship with Mazatlán FC in Liga MX as a First Team scout & analyst. Max has now embraced a new challenge with Macclesfield FC International, bringing a wealth of experience and a global perspective to his role.

Physios

Merrisa Heraldson

Merrisa Heraldson

First Team Physio

Merrisa Heraldson, a dedicated professional in sports medicine and physiotherapy, holds a BSc in Sports Medicine from the United States with a certified athletic training qualification, and an MSc in Physiotherapy from Keele University. She serves as the full-time physio for the men's first team, extending her impact part-time to the BTEC team, academy and women's games, and holds EMFAIF Level 3 certification. She is also Head Physio for the England Box Lacrosse Team and contributes her expertise to G4 Physio and Fitness Clinic — a fusion of academic prowess, hands-on experience and a passion for athlete well-being.

Merrisa Heraldson

First Team Physio

Merrisa Heraldson, a dedicated professional in sports medicine and physiotherapy, holds a BSc in Sports Medicine from the United States with a certified athletic training qualification, and an MSc in Physiotherapy from Keele University. She serves as the full-time physio for the men's first team, extending her impact part-time to the BTEC team, academy and women's games, and holds EMFAIF Level 3 certification. She is also Head Physio for the England Box Lacrosse Team and contributes her expertise to G4 Physio and Fitness Clinic — a fusion of academic prowess, hands-on experience and a passion for athlete well-being.

Coaches

Matthew Morgan

Matthew Morgan

Academy Director & U23 SYT Head Coach

With a UEFA A License in Coaching Football, a UEFA B License in Coaching Futsal, and an FA Youth Award, Matthew is a seasoned sports professional. He holds an MA in Sports Coaching and a BA in Sports, Society & Development. Having contributed to football development globally with organisations such as The FA and Juventus, his coaching journey spans England, USA, Brazil, Argentina, Hungary and Kuwait — a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Matthew Morgan

Academy Director & U23 SYT Head Coach

With a UEFA A License in Coaching Football, a UEFA B License in Coaching Futsal, and an FA Youth Award, Matthew is a seasoned sports professional. He holds an MA in Sports Coaching and a BA in Sports, Society & Development. Having contributed to football development globally with organisations such as The FA and Juventus, his coaching journey spans England, USA, Brazil, Argentina, Hungary and Kuwait — a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Gareth Gray

Gareth Gray

Head Goalkeeper Coach

Gareth Gray brings a diverse football background, excelling in both playing and coaching. With professional stints at Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale and semi-professional spells at Morecambe, Hyde, Great Harwood and Squires Gate, his versatility spans different tiers. As a goalkeeping coach he has been recognised at institutions like the Manchester City Development Centre and Preston North End Academy. Holding UEFA C qualifications for outfield and goalkeeping, his dual expertise makes him a valuable asset in player development.

Gareth Gray

Head Goalkeeper Coach

Gareth Gray brings a diverse football background, excelling in both playing and coaching. With professional stints at Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale and semi-professional spells at Morecambe, Hyde, Great Harwood and Squires Gate, his versatility spans different tiers. As a goalkeeping coach he has been recognised at institutions like the Manchester City Development Centre and Preston North End Academy. Holding UEFA C qualifications for outfield and goalkeeping, his dual expertise makes him a valuable asset in player development.

Francesco Landucci

Francesco Landucci

U19 Head Coach

Hailing from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Francesco Landucci has 12+ years of coaching experience, a Football Management degree from Instituto Tecnológico de Fútbol and a National Ecuadorian Pro Licence. Fluent in Spanish, English and Italian, his journey spans grassroots to professional tiers — Barcelona Ecuador U16, Emelec Reserves, CS Patria, Atletico Porteño, Assistant Manager at Guayaquil City and Ecuador's U20 National Team. He became Head of Women's Football at Macclesfield FC, works with the U23 & Reserve teams, and contributes to the Juventus Academy in Italy.

Francesco Landucci

U19 Head Coach

Hailing from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Francesco Landucci has 12+ years of coaching experience, a Football Management degree from Instituto Tecnológico de Fútbol and a National Ecuadorian Pro Licence. Fluent in Spanish, English and Italian, his journey spans grassroots to professional tiers — Barcelona Ecuador U16, Emelec Reserves, CS Patria, Atletico Porteño, Assistant Manager at Guayaquil City and Ecuador's U20 National Team. He became Head of Women's Football at Macclesfield FC, works with the U23 & Reserve teams, and contributes to the Juventus Academy in Italy.

Danny Whittaker

Danny Whittaker

Academy Manager / U23 SYT Head Coach

With over a decade in professional football, Danny showcased his talent at Stockport County, Morecambe, Scunthorpe United and Ayr United, and previously played for Chester. Alongside playing, he pursued coaching — earning a UEFA B license and progressing through the UEFA A course. His coaching journey began with Morecambe U15/16s, and he has assisted the U18s at Chester, balancing roles as a player and mentor while shaping the next generation at the Academy.

Danny Whittaker

Academy Manager / U23 SYT Head Coach

With over a decade in professional football, Danny showcased his talent at Stockport County, Morecambe, Scunthorpe United and Ayr United, and previously played for Chester. Alongside playing, he pursued coaching — earning a UEFA B license and progressing through the UEFA A course. His coaching journey began with Morecambe U15/16s, and he has assisted the U18s at Chester, balancing roles as a player and mentor while shaping the next generation at the Academy.

Alex Marr

Alex Marr

U20 Head Coach

UEFA B qualified coach Alex Marr brings a unique blend of education and experience to football. His MSc in Football Coaching and Analysis, coupled with a BSc in Physics with Astrophysics, highlights analytical thinking and scientific acumen. Alex has coached Chorley Women, Fylde Women and Skelmersdale United Men, and took a leadership role as Head of Junior Academy at Fylde — a dedicated professional shaping football's future through a diverse skill set.

Alex Marr

U20 Head Coach

UEFA B qualified coach Alex Marr brings a unique blend of education and experience to football. His MSc in Football Coaching and Analysis, coupled with a BSc in Physics with Astrophysics, highlights analytical thinking and scientific acumen. Alex has coached Chorley Women, Fylde Women and Skelmersdale United Men, and took a leadership role as Head of Junior Academy at Fylde — a dedicated professional shaping football's future through a diverse skill set.

Ewan Gunter

Ewan Gunter

U23 White Squad Head Coach

UEFA A Licensed coach Ewan Gunter holds a BSc in Football Coaching & Performance and an MSc in Advanced Performance Football Coaching from the University of South Wales. With experience at elite professional clubs like Swansea City AFC and Newport County AFC, plus semi-professional first-team roles in Wales and England, Ewan has a proven track record in player development — with his methods helping numerous academy players progress to professional contracts or age-group international honours.

Ewan Gunter

U23 White Squad Head Coach

UEFA A Licensed coach Ewan Gunter holds a BSc in Football Coaching & Performance and an MSc in Advanced Performance Football Coaching from the University of South Wales. With experience at elite professional clubs like Swansea City AFC and Newport County AFC, plus semi-professional first-team roles in Wales and England, Ewan has a proven track record in player development — with his methods helping numerous academy players progress to professional contracts or age-group international honours.

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