MACCLESFIELD goal hero Isaac Buckley-Ricketts was set for a move away from the club just days before the giant-killing of Crystal Palace.
Buckley-Ricketts, 27, who started his career at Manchester City’s academy, grabbed the second goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win over the FA Cup holders.
Yet SunSport understands the forward was being made available for loan to other National League North clubs for £500 a week.
Because he currently banks about £900 a week, Macclesfield would have continued to pay some of his wages.
Buckley-Ricketts, who joined in the summer from Curzon Ashton, then scored for Macclesfield in their 2-1 win over Radcliffe in National League North on the Tuesday so manager John Rooney decided to keep him for the FA Cup tie – and he stuck out a leg to get the second goal in the 61st minute.
The competition is also proving to be money-spinning for the club which reformed in 2020.
Macclesfield banked £121,500 in FA prize money for beating Palace which, adding to the wins over Stamford, AFC Totton and Slough, means the club has collected £258,125 in total.
And then add in £80,000 TV cash from the BBC who screened Saturday’s match live.
Also, their fourth-round clash is certain to be televised live. If Macclesfield win the next game, they will earn another £127,000 in prize money.
Silkmen owner Rob Smethurst told TNT Sports: “It’s unbelievable scenes. I have no words. It’s the stuff of dreams!
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
“To see everyone run out onto the pitch shows how much it means to everyone.
“When I bought the club five years ago I never never would have imagined this could happen.
“I bought it from Rightmove after four days drinking, and look where we are now.
“I’ve already planned the Ibiza trip already with the boys. Not right now, but definitely (at the end of the season).”
