What Is Robert Smethurst's Net Worth In 2022?

Car tycoon Robert Smethurst made headlines in 2020 when it was announced he would be reviving the liquidated Macclesfield Town FC, with the help of British Football players Robbie Savage and Danny Whitaker. 

In the 2021-22 season, the newly titled ‘Macclesfield FC’ found success in the North West Counties Football League, when they secured the North West Counties Premier Division title and were promoted to the Northern Premier League Division One West. 

Despite the club's successful revival, little is known of its owner beyond his time in the car industry and other investments in minor-league football. As of 2022, what is Robert Smethurst’s net worth?

What is Robert Smethurst’s net worth?

Whilst his current net worth is unknown, Smethurst’s portfolio indicates considerable wealth following a successful career in both cars and football. 

He is the managing director of Motor Trade Delivery, a delivery vehicle marketplace which was acquired by Auto Trader Group in 2017.

Smethurst has also invested in five other football-related companies – Pro Football Academy International, The International Academy Of Football, Pro Football Academy Sports Management, Pro Football Academy Franchises, and Pro Football Academy All-Stars.

Already the owner of Stockport Town, a semi-professional club in Stockport, Greater Manchester, Smethurst acquired Macclesfield FC following its liquidation in October 2020. The club, previously Macclesfield Town FC, received a winding-up order from the High Court in September of that year following a series of unpaid taxes, with debts of over £500,000. Moss Rose, the club’s stadium, was put up for sale on property website Rightmove.

Soon after his purchase, Smethurst appointed British Football players Robbie Savage and Danny Whitaker as as a member of the board and manager respectively to help rebuild the phoenix club and bring it back into the league. 

The club debuted in the North West Counties Football League, winning its first competitive game against Burscough, in July 2021. After missing out on the FA Vase with a loss to Winterton Rangers in the First Qualifying Round in September, they received the North West Counties Premier Division title and were promoted to Northern Premier League Division One West, finishing the season at a respectable third place. 

Robbie Savage: Making Macclesfield FC, a BBC Sport documentary aired in November 2021, follows the pair as they worked to rebuild the club for its reintroduction into football.