Macclesfield FC Staff

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, staying as a Consultant for 12 months. In 2022, he won the North-East Cheshire ‘Business of the Year’ Gold Award. Running the Pro Football Academy, he earned Lloyds Bank Business of the Year in 2019. Owner of The International Football Group, Rob collaborates with UCLAN and Juventus, offering football residency programs, university degree courses, and Gap year opportunities in the UK and Italy.

Director Of Football

Academy Manager

Technical Lead

With a UEFA A License in Coaching Football, UEFA B License in Coaching Futsal, and an FA Youth Award, Matthew is a seasoned sports professional. Holding a Master of Arts (MA) in Sports Coaching and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sports, Society & Development, Matthew has a comprehensive academic background.

Having contributed to football development globally, Matthew has worked with prestigious organisations such as The FA and Juventus. His coaching journey has taken him across diverse soccer landscapes, including England, USA, Brazil, Argentina, Hungary, and Kuwait. With a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, Matthew continues to make a significant impact in the world of sports coaching.

Head Goalkeeper Coach

Gareth Gray, excelling in both playing and coaching, brings a diverse football background. With professional stints at Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale, he showcased skill and dedication. Transitioning to semi-professional clubs like Morecambe, Hyde, Great Harwood, and Squires Gate, Gareth’s versatility spans different tiers.

In coaching, he’s a notable Goalkeeping Coach, recognised at institutions like the Manchester City Development Centre and Preston North End Academy. Holding UEFA C qualifications for outfield and goalkeeping, Gareth’s dual expertise positions him as a valuable asset in player development and football program success.

Team: U23 Shadow Youth Squad

Hailing from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Francesco Landucci, with 12+ years of coaching experience, holds a Football Management degree from Instituto Tecnológico de Fútbol and a National Ecuadorian Pro Licence. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian, his global journey spans grassroots to professional tiers. Managing roles at Barcelona – Ecuador U16, Emelec Reserves, CS Patria (third division), and Atletico Porteño (second division), Francesco later served as Assistant Manager at Guayaquil City and contributed to Ecuador’s U20 National Team.

He then became Head of Women’s Football at Macclesfield FC and works with U23 & Reserve teams, also contributing to the Juventus Academy in Italy. His impact includes guiding teams in Ecuador’s first division survival and winning championships, shaping players into professionals and youth national squad members, showcasing Francesco Landucci’s diverse influence on football development.

Team: U23 Blue Squad

Alex Kenyon, with over a decade in professional football, showcased his talent at Stockport County, Morecambe, Scunthorpe United, and Ayr United. Currently a part-time player for Curzon Ashton, he previously played for Chester. Actively playing, Alex pursued coaching, earning a UEFA B license and progressing through the UEFA A course.

Off the pitch, Alex’s coaching journey began with Morecambe Under 15/16s in 2019/20. Last year, he assisted the U18s at Chester, balancing roles as a first-team player and mentor. Committed to improvement, Alex aims to complete his UEFA A course, solidifying his role in shaping football’s future through playing and coaching.

Team: Women’s First Team

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 coached Chorley Women, Fylde Women, and Skelmersdale United Men, taking a leadership role as the Head of Junior Academy at Fylde. Committed to player development at grassroots and competitive levels, Alex Marr stands as a dedicated professional, shaping football’s future through his diverse skill set and coaching expertise.

Team: U23 White Squad

UEFA A Licensed Coach Ewan Gunter, a dedicated figure in football coaching, holds a BSc in Football Coaching & Performance and an MSc in Advanced Performance Football Coaching from the University of South Wales.

With experience in elite professional clubs like Swansea City AFC and Newport County AFC, Ewan has also contributed to semi-professional clubs in Wales and England at the first-team level. His coaching career showcases a proven track record in player development, with his methods leading to numerous Academy players progressing to professional contracts or representing their countries at age-group levels.

Team: U19 Squad

Ryan McNally, holding a UEFA B License and pursuing the Advanced Youth Award, demonstrates a commitment to coaching excellence. His academic journey includes a Masters in Football Coaching from Madrid University, showcasing a dedication to diverse perspectives in knowledge. With coaching experience at Accrington Stanley’s first-team level and six impactful years in Preston North End’s academy, Ryan’s international coaching in Spain adds a unique dimension.

This diverse background highlights his adaptability and proficiency in shaping player development across various football environments. Combining academic expertise with practical know-how, Ryan McNally stands out as a promising figure in the realm of football coaching.

Womens Coach

Antonia Dearden, a dynamic coach with six years of experience, holds a UEFA B License, showcasing her commitment to professional development. She played significant roles at the Regional Talent Centre level for Blackburn Rovers and Chorley Women Development Squad. Antonia’s influence reached international levels, coaching in Abu Dhabi with Manchester City. Currently, she serves as assistant manager for Lancashire Girls and coaches on the Lancashire Player Development Programme.

With a diverse coaching background and a UEFA B License, Antonia stands as a valuable contributor to player development, demonstrating her commitment to fostering talent both locally and internationally.

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, showcasing a commitment to diverse coaching methodologies. Nathan’s coaching journey spans the US & UK, reflecting a nuanced understanding of soccer landscapes.

Leading Recruitment projects for the Academy and fostering relationships with clubs like Juventus FC, he actively contributes to football development. Nathan’s leadership shines through coaching the U21’s in the 21/22 and 22/23 seasons, demonstrating hands-on expertise in player development and team management.

Recruitment Executive

Tom Wilkinson, a proud Mancunian, hails from Manchester and has been a devoted Manchester City fan throughout his life. He passionately played football at the amateur level in Manchester for as long as he can remember. In 2020, Tom 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 with the club has been 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.

Recruitment Executive

Max, originally from Brighton, immersed himself in the world of football during his 10-year stint in Philadelphia, USA. As a coach for the Philadelphia Union Academy in MLS, he contributed to player development. Max furthered his knowledge by obtaining a Master’s degree in Football Business from the prestigious Football Business Academy.

Eager to expand his horizons, he embarked on a 3-month internship with Mazatlán FC in Liga MX, where he served as a First Team scout & analyst, refining his analytical skills. Now, Max has embraced a new challenge with Macclesfield FC International, bringing a wealth of experience and a global perspective to his role.

International Head Physio

Jodie Wardley, armed with a BSc Hons in Sports Therapy from Uclan, is a dedicated professional in the field of sports medicine. Her expertise extends to a VTCT Level 4 in Sports Massage, showcasing a comprehensive skill set in therapeutic practices.

Jodie’s journey in sports therapy includes valuable experience gained during a placement with the international academy, paving the way for subsequent professional opportunities. She has actively contributed to women’s first-team games, demonstrating her proficiency in managing athletes at a competitive level.

With a Level 2 First Aid certification under her belt and an ongoing commitment to Level 3 First Aid training, Jodie prioritizes the safety and well-being of athletes. Her dedication extends beyond traditional therapy, with ongoing pursuits in personal training to complement her holistic approach.

Notably, Jodie serves as a physio for SRUSA events, adding another dimension to her versatile skill set. Her commitment to ongoing education and diverse experiences establishes Jodie Wardley as a trusted and well-rounded professional in the realm of sports therapy.

First Team Physio

Merrisa Heraldson, a dedicated professional in the realm of sports medicine and physiotherapy, holds a BSc in Sports Medicine from the United States, accompanied by a certified athletic training qualification. Building on her expertise, she furthered her education with an MSc in Physiotherapy from Keele University.

Currently serving as the full-time physio for the men’s first team, Merrisa extends her impact part-time to include responsibilities as a physio for both the BTECH team and academy, with additional involvement in women’s games. Her commitment to excellence is underscored by her attainment of EMFAIF Level 3 certification.

At the helm of sports medicine, Merrisa proudly serves as the Head Physio for the England Box Lacrosse Team, showcasing her proficiency in managing the well-being of elite athletes. In addition to her team roles, she contributes her expertise to G4 Physio and Fitness Clinic, enriching her practice in a clinical setting.

Merrisa Heraldson’s journey exemplifies a fusion of academic prowess, hands-on experience, and a passion for enhancing athlete performance and well-being across diverse sports platforms.