Rob Smethurst, a successful entrepreneur from Australia, made headlines when it was revealed that he bought the Macclesfield Town football club while heavily intoxicated. This unusual event occurred during a four-day drinking bender, culminating in a night where a friend called him to inform him that the club was up for sale after its liquidation. The club, once a cherished community hub and amateur league competitor, was in dire financial straits due to unpaid taxes and had a dilapidated stadium. Smethurst’s friend inclined him to make the purchase without fully considering the implications.

Upon waking the next day, Smethurst had no recollection of his actions, expressing humorous regret that he hadn't opted for a late-night kebab instead. Macclesfield Town, based in a small town near Manchester, holds historical significance as it was founded in the 1870s. The club's plight after its liquidation reflects broader issues within lower-tier sports organizations struggling in financial crises. Smethurst’s story draws attention to the challenges faced by such clubs and raises questions about responsibility, local ownership, and the sometimes absurd situations that can arise in sporting culture.

As news of the purchase was made public, it sparked discussions among football fans and commentators alike, emphasizing the strange and often unpredictable nature of club ownership. While Smethurst's story carries elements of humor, it also sheds light on the seriousness of financial management in sports and the potential for unintended consequences when decisions are made in altered states of mind. The episode serves as a reminder of the passionate and sometimes reckless nature of fandom in football, where the balance between love for the game and due diligence can sometimes become unsteady.