Heaven’s lucky to have you and so was I. The captain has called Dad in on 88. An amazing Dad and Grandad. The man who escaped from his care home, respect!! Reunited with his wife Shirley. Another star is shining down on us tonight.
At this precise moment, our team should be walking out onto the pitch to the deafening noise of the Silkmen supporters before hearing the Referee’s first whistle.
There will instead, be a pause.
No game. No scoreline. Just reflection.
Ethan McLeod was not just our teammate, he was a wonderful human being and someone who inspired us all, with the weight of his indescribable loss remaining surreal in the extreme.
Football teaches us how to move tactically, how to react, and how to keep going when faced with adversity for the benefit of everyone associated with the team.
But today, it teaches us something infinitely more important: how to stand still together.
Ethan passionately wore our badge with pride. He trained with purpose, played with heart, and carried himself with a quiet strength that didn’t need to be loud to be felt.
Whether it was in the dressing room, on the training pitch, or under the floodlights, Ethan effortlessly gave every ounce of his being for the game he loved and the devoted people around him.
At this poignant time, we remember Ethan not only for his undeniable talent, but for the memories he created - so many of which didn’t make the highlights, yet will live in the hearts and minds of all those who loved him so unconditionally forevermore.
We remember all the laughter, Ethan’s infectious smile, and the unspoken understanding that binds our entire Club together.
Our beloved Club is built on that togetherness and the devastating sense of loss that we all are feeling reminds us just how deep those bonds run.
Today, there is no opposition, no points to play for.
What there is an abundance of however, is a deeply held gratitude for having known Ethan, and for having been able to share a short part of his journey with him.
There is heartbreak, and there is love - from teammates, staff, supporters, and everyone whose life Ethan touched so evocatively.
Ethan’s story doesn’t end here though.
It lives on in the values he embodied, in the wonderful memories he did so much to create, and in the way he made all those around him strive to be the best version of themselves.
In the fullness of time, Ethan’s legacy will help shape who we are and who we become. It will make us stronger and more determined to honour him not just with words, but in everything we do.
Because no matter how our journey evolves, Ethan will be right there beside us - guiding us every step of the way.
Ethan - we know you’re watching over us now, and will truly never leave us.
We will be devoted to you for all eternity.
You will forever be a Silkman.
A candle burning for Ethan.
We were never blessed to meet him, but everything we hear about him wished we had.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ethan’s family
Love
Roz and Rob Matheson
With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.
Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with.
In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be - both on and off the pitch.
Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces - even on the darkest of days.
News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal - but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it.
May you rest in peace Ethan - you will forever be a Silkman.
Ethan mate where to begin. We had the pleasure of getting to know each over the years and unfortunately for us a lot of our time together was spent rehabbing in the gym. During that time I got to know a lot about the type of person you were away from the pitch. You were someone who had been through the struggles I was going through and to possess the maturity you did at your age is truly something special. You pushed me everyday to be a better person and athlete. The first thing every day you said to me without fail was “how is it”, while going through your own tough times but always caring for others. I wanted to use a photo of us on the pitch together knowing that was a goal we both strived for each and every day. We did it bud. We got to share that pitch one last time on Saturday and I’ll go on with fulfilment knowing just how much we both gave to make thaut a possibility. You had so much more to give and it breaks me knowing how you were just coming to fruition out there. I’ll miss that smile walking into the physio room every day, brightening up some of the darkest days I have had to endure in my career and life. You gave such a genuine piece of yourself to so many people across the footballing world and while you watch us from above, I know each person will continue to play the game you loved with that piece inside of us and let you watch the game through our eyes.
I love you mate and rest in peace up there bud. ❤️🤍
With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.
Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with.
In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be - both on and off the pitch.
Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces - even on the darkest of days.
News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal - but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it.
May you rest in peace Ethan - you will forever be a Silkman.
💬 “To be back involved in a winning side is a testament to everyone involved!”
🗣️ Luke Matheson pays tribute to everyone in the dressing room after his long-awaited return to the side from injury and a 1-0 win in the Isuzu FA Trophy at South Shields yesterday afternoon
🎥 Watch here: https://t.co/HSxEQiPbql
Sponsored by @GazelleRisk
😍 | How good was it to see this man back out there today?
👊 A solid performance from Luke Matheson after 140 days out of the side due to injury
🤝 Great to have you back, Luke! 💙
🏃 | A chilly morning well spent at the https://t.co/fL99QEEJ4D Stadium 🥶
💪 Great to see Luke Matheson back in full training too! 🤩
⏭️ Next stop: Kings Lynn Town 🅰️
#AgainstAllOdds 💙
Very proud Mum and Dad!!Congratulations Luke on your graduation, all your hard work has paid off. Thank you to @thepfabusiness school for organising a wonderful event and all the staff @Arsenal for making it such a special occasion.👨🎓
but also my personal development and growth. A special day organised by the @PFA at The Emirates to celebrate all my fellow students was made even more special being accompanied by my parents and Meg. I’m officially a Graduate! 🎓
I was honoured to be a part of the first cohort of graduates from the @thepfabusiness school. A couple of tough years back in the classroom finally paid off! A huge thank you to my group members, Adam, Andriy, Sam and Tim, who not only were pivotal in my completion of the course
If you can help or know others who can, please get in touch with any questions. We've got a whatsapp group for volunteers and they're a great bunch of Blues!
Thank you all in advance for anything you can do, or for sharing this far and wide! 💙