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13th February 2026
03:31pm GMT

Brought to you by Rightmove
Macclesfield FC owner Rob Smethurst appointed to the newly created role of Chief Belief Officer
The UK’s largest property platform, Rightmove, has appointed Macclesfield FC owner and renowned entrepreneur Rob Smethurst to the newly established role of Chief Belief Officer (CBO).
This appointment is a very full-circle moment, as Smethurst actually bought Macclesfield Town stadium after seeing it listed on Rightmove in 2020.
In one of the most celebrated stories in British football, Smethurst brought the club back to life following its liquidation. Since then, he has overseen its meteoric rise which has built up to Macclesfield FC's recent historic "giant-killing" run in the world’s oldest national knockout competition, the FA Cup.
As CBO, Smethurst will set out to inspire others to consider and explore properties of all shapes and sizes, finding something for everyone.
Rightmove is making a contribution to the Macclesfield FC Youth Academy as a part of Smethurst’s new unorthodox signing. This contribution is to ensure the upcoming generation of Silkmen have the boots and the backing to carry out Smethurst’s "belief".
Speaking on his signing, Smethurst said, “I never thought a search filter would lead me to beating some of the biggest teams in England, but finding Macclesfield football stadium on Rightmove didn't just change my life; it changed the trajectory of this entire community.”

“We rebuilt this club on a foundation of hard work and an unshakable belief that
we belonged back on the big stage,” he stated, adding how he is “incredibly excited to bring that same energy to Rightmove.”
“I want to show people across the UK that whether you are looking for a first home or a commercial property, the opportunity is there if you have the confidence to click.”
Matt Bushby, Chief Marketing Officer at Rightmove, noted that “Rob’s story is the ultimate ‘Belief’ come true. He didn't just buy a property; he bought a dream and made it a reality.”
As a part of his new role, Smethurst will offer one-off email support to a limited number of property hunters who are planning their next move. He’ll share his experience and motivation to inspire their right move. Anyone looking for extra inspiration can drop him a line at belief@rightmove.co.uk for support with their search.*
For those looking to be like Smethurst and make a new property investment, tonnes of commercial properties and ready-made businesses are available for sale on
Rightmove right now. From a trampoline park in Devon and a ruined mill in Somerset that appeared in Bryan Adams’ Everything I Do music video, there are some epic property investments to explore.
For more information, or to make your next move, visit www.Rightmove.co.uk.
* Details of the Terms & Conditions can be found here: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/rightmove-rob-smethurst-terms-and-conditions/