“Did that just really happen?”
Two days on from Macclesfield’s stunning FA Cup third-round win over Crystal Palace, the heroics are still sinking in for manager John Rooney.
The Silkmen – who play in the sixth tier of English football – produced the greatest shock in the competition’s history with a 2-1 victory over their Premier League opponents and the current holders.
“Did I ever think we would get the win and through to the next round? No, I probably didn’t,” Rooney told BBC Breakfast.
“There was always that bit of hope and, as it’s the FA Cup, it throws up mad moments. I thought we were the well-deserved winners and credit to the lads. They were absolutely outstanding.”
Rooney celebrated in the bar after the game before leaving his players to celebrate long into the night.
He was brought back down to earth with an early wake-up from his children.
“I woke up on Sunday to the kids waking me up to take them to the football,” he said. “You also think ‘did that just really happen?’ but then you’re watching videos back and stuff and it was fantastic.
“The scenes and the fans were absolutely incredible – to see them on the pitch after the game, that’s how much it means to them.”
Rooney was a Macclesfield player before replacing Robbie Savage as manager in July 2024.
He is the younger brother of England and Manchester United great Wayne Rooney, who was part of BBC’s coverage at the Moss Rose on Saturday and was visibly emotional at the full-time whistle.
“It was a special day, especially to have him doing the game,” John Rooney said. “To speak to him before and after the game means a lot.
“To have my family there as well, my wife and kids, my little lad was actually on the pitch after the second goal. He was the kid on the pitch with the players. I didn’t know until I got home and watched it back. It was a surreal day.”
There could be more special moments to come for Macclesfield in this cup run.
“Fingers crossed we get a good draw tonight and get another Premier League side,” Rooney said.
#Macclesfield #John #Rooney #savours #Cup #heroics #Premier #League #side #fourth #draw