Jon McClure of Reverend And The Makers Named New Chairman of Sheffield FC

Sheffield FC welcomes Reverend And The Makers frontman Jon McClure as chairman, aiming to honor football’s roots and revive the club’s legacy.

A New Chapter Kicks Off at Sheffield FC

When the name Jon McClure pops up, most of us immediately think of the infectious indie beats and sharp lyrics of Reverend And The Makers. But now, McClure is stepping off the stage and into the boardroom as the freshly announced chairman of Sheffield FC — the world’s oldest football club, founded way back in 1857. This isn’t just any football club; it’s the very cradle of modern football, where the sport’s story began. And with such history comes both pride and responsibility.

McClure, alongside performing arts firm IAV Holdings Limited, has acquired a stake in Sheffield FC. The club's men’s team currently competes in the ninth tier of English football, but the vision here is crystal clear: to climb the ranks and restore the historic club to its former glory.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

Jon McClure passionately expressed the weight of his new role, saying, “Sheffield is where modern football was born. This club carries the origin story of the world’s greatest game, and with that comes a fair amount of responsibility.”

“What am I doing at the world’s oldest football club, you ask? Well, meet the new chairman of Sheffield FC 💪. Our vision is that we honour the club’s roots and pay homage to its incredible history, whilst restoring it to its former glory. There’s a lot to be done but we’re ready…” — Reverend & The Makers Twitter, March 9, 2026

This isn’t just a managerial gig for McClure. “We are stepping forward not just to run a football club, but to take charge of a global cultural institution rooted in South Yorkshire,” he said. The ambition extends beyond football to embrace the community and the broader cultural significance of Sheffield FC.

In his words, “Our ambition is to breathe life into this club in a way that respects its heritage. But at the same time, we’d like to build something future-facing and inclusive. We want to create something that everyone in this region, and football fans everywhere, can get behind.”

A Club That Belongs to Its Community and the World

Sheffield FC’s legacy is not just local; it’s a cornerstone in the global story of football. McClure recognizes this deeply, remarking, “Sheffield FC belongs to its community, but it also belongs to the story of world football. It’s time that story was told properly.”

The club’s journey hasn’t been smooth though. Since 2001, Sheffield FC has played its home games outside its namesake city, in Dronfield, North East Derbyshire. Multiple attempts to bring the club back to Sheffield have been made over the years, the latest being a joint venture with Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Club announced in November 2023.

McClure shared their ongoing efforts to find a new stadium: “We’re looking at a bunch of places for a new stadium, with a potential move to the former Sheffield Transport Sports Club site at Meadowhead still on the table.”

He added with a hopeful note, “Everybody has an ambition to return the club to the city, inside the city limits, because obviously the game of football, loved by billions around the world, is effectively being played from a B&Q car park. We would like to return it to the city.”

From Music to Football: McClure’s Longstanding Connection

Interestingly, this isn’t McClure’s first attempt at getting involved with Sheffield FC. Back in 2018, he had tried to buy the club alongside his manager David Bianchi, a co-founder of Various Artists Management, known for launching careers like Charli XCX and La Roux.

This new partnership with IAV Holdings signals a renewed commitment to the club’s future and community. It’s exciting to see a figure from the world of music and culture so invested in the heritage and future of a football club that means so much to Sheffield and the wider football world.

Still Rocking the Stage, Supporting Independent Venues

While taking on this major role in football, McClure hasn’t stepped away from music. Recently, Reverend And The Makers performed at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club as part of Independent Venue Week 2026. This annual event helps support small live music venues across the UK and continues to grow, with this year seeing a 10% increase in participating venues and over 700 events nationwide.

It’s a beautiful synergy — supporting grassroots music venues while backing grassroots football. Both worlds thrive on community spirit and passion, values McClure clearly champions.

A Personal Triumph: Understanding ADHD

On a more personal note, McClure has also opened up about his mental health journey, revealing his ADHD diagnosis. Reflecting on his life, he admitted that for much of his career, he struggled without understanding why. He said:

“I understand myself better. When I was 24, I thought I knew everything and I’d gob off about everything. I knew nothing. Looking back, I was probably quite poorly for most of my career. I wasn’t well mentally. Add drugs to the mix and feeling jealous of my best mate Alex Turner being in the biggest band in the world—it was a bad combo.”

He now views ADHD as a “special power” he hadn’t learned to harness before. At 42, McClure feels like he has finally grown into responsibility and possibility: “Now I have, I feel I can do anything.”

A New Dawn for Sheffield FC

With Jon McClure at the helm, Sheffield FC is poised for a fresh start that respects its legendary past while sparking a new future. This blend of cultural pride, sporting passion, and community focus could be just what the club needs to reclaim its rightful place in football history.

FAQ

• Who is Jon McClure?
  Jon McClure is the frontman of the British indie band Reverend And The Makers, known for their catchy melodies and sharp lyrics.
• What is Sheffield FC?
  Sheffield FC is the world’s oldest football club, established in 1857, and currently competes in the ninth tier of English football.
• What are Jon McClure’s plans for Sheffield FC?
  He aims to honor the club’s historic roots, restore its legacy, build an inclusive future, and bring the club back within Sheffield city limits.
• Where has Sheffield FC been playing recently?
  Since 2001, Sheffield FC has played its home games in Dronfield, North East Derbyshire, outside of Sheffield.
• Has McClure been involved in football before this?
  Yes, he previously tried to buy Sheffield FC in 2018 alongside his manager but is now successfully leading the club as chairman.

Celebrate the spirit of music and football by shopping your favorite album cover posters at our store. Dive into the vibe and bring home a piece of your passion today at Architeg Prints.