Silkmen considered boycotting final match

Macclesfield Town players say they have still not been paid their wages for April and considered boycotting the club’s final game of the season.

The financially-troubled Silkmen, who preserved their League Two status, had a High Court winding-up petition adjourned until 26 June on Wednesday.

Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) claims the club owe it £73,000.

“We are extremely disappointed and angry with how the club has conducted itself,” said a players’ statement.

A 1-1 draw with Cambridge United last Saturday, coupled with Notts County’s 3-1 loss at Swindon Town, saw Macclesfield end the season three points and one place above the League Two relegation zone.

Majority shareholder Amar Alkadhi, who has owned the club since the summer of 2014, says the sum owed to HMRC has already been paid.

“We have had continued issues since January 2019 in regards to being paid on time but testament to the squad and staff we have, we have remained focused and professional at all times in helping this club achieve its Football League status for next season,” the players’ statement added.

“Last month we decided not to fulfil the Cambridge fixture if we had not received our wages, but due to the nature and importance of the game we felt we had a duty to the loyal supporters who have continued to support us through the good and bad since the first game of the season.”

The statement concluded: “We feel we have no choice but to express our sincere concerns about when we will be expecting our April salary and also our concerns about how we will be paid throughout the off-season.”