Two days after Macclesfield’s sensational FA Cup third-round victory over Crystal Palace, manager John Rooney is still struggling to believe what his team achieved.
The sixth-tier side produced one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history, beating the Premier League holders 2-1 at Moss Rose.
Rooney admitted the reality is still sinking in. “Did I ever think we would get the win? Probably not,” he told BBC Breakfast. “But the FA Cup throws up mad moments. The lads were outstanding and fully deserved it.”
Celebrations and reality check
After the final whistle, Rooney joined fans in the bar, where captain Paul Dawson was pulling pints. Celebrations went late into the night before normal life returned the next morning.
“I woke up to the kids asking me to take them to football,” Rooney said. “Then you start thinking, ‘did that really happen?’ But watching it back, it was just incredible.”
He praised the supporters who invaded the pitch after full-time. “That’s how much it means to them. The scenes were unbelievable.”
Wayne Rooney’s emotional reaction
John Rooney, who replaced Robbie Savage as Macclesfield manager in July 2024, is the younger brother of England legend Wayne Rooney.
Wayne was part of the BBC’s coverage and was visibly emotional at full-time. John laughed about it later. “He gets choked up watching films – he’s a softie,” he said.
“It meant a lot having him there. My family were also in the stands, and I didn’t even realise my little lad ran on the pitch after the second goal until I watched it back. It was surreal.”
Hoping for another big draw
Macclesfield are the only non-league side left in the FA Cup. They will discover their fourth-round opponents in Monday’s draw.
Rooney is already dreaming. “Fingers crossed we get another Premier League side,” he said.
However, there is little time to celebrate as they return to FA Trophy action against Woking on Tuesday.
Busy schedule ahead
With games postponed due to their cup run, bad weather and the recent death of forward Ethan McLeod, the Silkmen face a packed fixture list.
“We are Saturday-Tuesday now until the end of the season,” Rooney explained. “It’s going to be hectic.”
From cup hero to school teacher
Defender Sam Heathcote enjoyed his moment in the spotlight on Saturday – but by Monday, he was back at work as a PE teacher.
The 28-year-old teaches at Stamford Park Primary School in Altrincham. “Straight back to reality,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the kids.”
He joked that pupils might remember his yellow card more than the famous win.
Inspiring the next generation
Heathcote hopes the result inspires his students. “It shows you can be an underdog and still achieve anything,” he said.
“I never imagined coming into school after beating a Premier League team. It still feels unreal.”
Despite the celebrations, he knows the focus will quickly shift back to football. “The gaffer won’t let us relax for long,” he added. “We’re straight back to work tomorrow night.”
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