Macclesfield FC: John Rooney is enjoying the FA Cup and wants another Premier League team in the fourth round draw

“Did this really happen?”

Two days after Macclesfield’s stunning FA Cup third round win over Crystal Palace, trophies are still fresh in manager John Rooney’s mind.

The Silkmen – who play in the sixth tier of English football – pulled off the biggest shock in the history of the competition with a 2-1 win over their Premier League rivals and the current defending champions.

Rooney told the BBC: “Did I ever think we would win and qualify for the next round? No, maybe I didn’t think so.”

“There was always a bit of hope, and since it’s the FA Cup, it brings up crazy moments. I thought we deservedly won and credit to the players. They were absolutely fantastic.”

Rooney celebrated in the pub after the match before leaving his players to celebrate long into the night.

He was brought back to earth by an early awakening from his children.

“I woke up on Sunday to the kids waking me up to take them to soccer,” he said. “You also think ‘Did this really happen?’ But then you watch the videos and stuff and it was great.

He added: “The spectators and the fans were absolutely amazing. Seeing them on the field after the match, that’s what it means to them.”

Rooney was a Macclesfield player before replacing Robbie Savage as coach in July 2024.

He is the younger brother of England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, who was part of the BBC’s coverage at Moss Rose on Saturday and was visibly emotional at the final whistle.

John Rooney said: “It was a special day, especially since he played in the match.” “It means a lot to talk to him before and after the match.

“For my family to be there too, my wife and my kids, my little boy was on the pitch after the second goal. The kid was on the pitch with the players. I didn’t know that until I got home and watched it again. It was a surreal day.”

There could be more special moments to come for Macclesfield in this cup run.

“We had a good draw tonight and we will get another team in the Premier League,” Rooney said.