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Entrepreneur Rob Smethurst never planned to become the owner of a football club. In the grip of alcohol addiction, and on a four-day drinking binge, he bought Macclesfield FC, a small-town club, way down in the rankings with a crumbling football stadium.

When Rob arrived at the grounds he was given an enormous bunch of keys, it took him an hour just to work out how to get in. Rob focused on building up the club and himself from a place of ruin, and what followed was one of English football’s great modern fairy tales. Macclesfield’s stunning FA Cup giant-killing of holders Crystal Palace, was a result that sent shockwaves through the competition and briefly put a small, struggling club at the centre of the football world.

This is Rob’s remarkable personal story about addiction, self-destruction, and the moment he realised he was losing control of his life. But buying Macclesfield was not just a reckless act – it became a strange kind of lifeline, giving him purpose, responsibility, and a reason to start facing his demons and ultimately recover.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by addiction, there is help available, speak to a health professional, or search online for an organisation that offers support.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Rachel Oakes and Edgar Maddicott
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(Photo: Macclesfield FC owner, Robert Smethurst smiles after the team's victory following the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Macclesfield and Crystal Palace at Moss Rose Ground. Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)