Macclesfield's Rooney: 'Did that really happen?' | OneFootball

The scale of Macclesfield's monumental achievement in the FA Cup is still being processed, according to their manager John Rooney. 

Forty-eight hours after the Silkmen stunned holders Crystal Palace in the third round, Rooney admitted the magnitude of the moment is only just sinking in.

Macclesfield, who compete in the sixth tier of English football, pulled off one of the greatest shocks in the competition’s history with a 2-1 victory over their Premier League opponents.

“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.” 'Did that just really happen?'

Celebrations continued long into the night at Moss Rose, with captain Paul Dawson even found pulling pints behind the bar. Reality returned quickly for Rooney the following morning.

“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, who played for the club before replacing Robbie Savage as manager in July 2024, also shared the moment with his family — including his brother Wayne Rooney, who was part of the BBC’s coverage and was visibly emotional at full time.

Reflecting on his brother’s reaction on BBC Radio 5 Live, John said: “That's the first time I've heard that back. He gets choked up watching films. He's a bit of a softie."

Macclesfield will discover their next opponents when the FA Cup fourth-round draw takes place on Monday night at 6:35pm.