Rooney “couldn’t be prouder” of his giant-killers after FA Cup exit for Macclesfield against Brentford | OneFootball

Macclesfield Town manager John Rooney couldn’t quite measure the pride he felt for his players as their FA Cup fairytale came to an end in their 1-0 defeat to Brentford.

The Premier League side got over the line courtesy of an unfortunate own-goal from centre-back Sam Heathcote in the 70th minute, after a resistant display from the Silkmen.

Rooney, the brother of Manchester United’s all-time record goal-scorer Wayne, oversaw the biggest shock in the competition’s history in the previous round against Crystal Palace and wasn’t far from creating more history.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “To put this club on the journey it’s been on and to lose the game the way we did, for me I couldn’t be any prouder of them.

“The lads were outstanding, the shape was really good. For them to go and put that effort in when they train two days a week… credit to the lads.”

The rookie manager lauded Brentford boss Keith Andrews for taking the time to speak to him and his players in the home dressing room after full-time, no doubt in praise of a performance that was nothing short of FA Cup magic incarnate.

Rooney Said: “[It was] an unbelievable touch. I spoke to him before the game and he came in and said a few words and he spoke really highly of us. That’s a Premier League manager coming and saying that to you.

“They took us really seriously and prepared like they would for the Premier League.”

Macclesfield earned an estimated £400,000 in revenue from their clash with high-flyers Brentford, in turning a significant corner since their liquidation in 2020 and three promotions over the past four seasons.

While the short-term ambition for Macclesfield is a strong finish to the season and to end it in the playoffs after one of the most memorable cup runs to date, Rooney’s eyes are ultimately on a job at a higher level.

He said: “I’d want to manage as high as possible. I’m learning on the job, but if my thing wasn’t to go and manage as high as I can then I’m in the wrong sport.

“To bring Macclesfield into the fourth round of the FA Cup, you know, [is] something I never would have dreamed of at the beginning of the season.

“I’m brand new in the job and days like this are what you’re involved in football for.”