Robbie Savage is part of a group led by local businessman Robert Smethurst who has acquired the assets of Macclesfield Town, with a new club being relaunched as Macclesfield FC.

Rovers favourite Savage is an associate of Smethurst and will be involved on the board, as well as in a head of football role.

The Silkmen were wound up in the High Court and expelled from the National League last month, following unpaid debts of more than £500,000.

Savage, aged 45, is back in football after hanging up his boots in 2008. His time at Ewood spanned three years and 100 appearances, and since hanging up his boots has become a broadcaster on both television and radio.

On his involvement as head of football, Savage said: "I was devastated to see what happened here at Macclesfield, a club steeped in history and worth more than any value in money to locals.

"I am privileged to be asked to take up a role and I was genuinely surprised to get the call. I live within a stones throw from the ground and have integral links with the club as a local grassroots coach and father who brings his kids here to spectate."

Players and staff were made redundant in the wake of the ruling but Smethurst plans to rebuild a new club at Moss Rose after acquiring the assets of the old club.

Danny Whitaker will remain as manager of Macclesfield FC, who aim to compete in the North West Counties Football League next season.

On September 16 the Insolvency and Companies Court wound up the club over unpaid debts of more than £500,000.

The National League announced its board had passed a resolution to expel Macclesfield with effect from October 12. The club was suspended from the league, with all scheduled fixtures before the expulsion date postponed.

Macclesfield were relegated from League Two in August when the EFL successfully appealed against a points deduction it said was too lenient.