John Rooney “Couldn’t Be Prouder” Despite Macclesfield Town F.C. FA Cup Exit to Brentford F.C.

Macclesfield Town manager John Rooney admitted he “couldn’t be prouder” of his side after their remarkable FA Cup journey came to an end with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Premier League outfit Brentford.

The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute when centre-back Sam Heathcote inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, handing Brentford the advantage following an otherwise resolute defensive display from the non-league Silkmen.

Rooney, brother of former Manchester United F.C. captain and record goalscorer Wayne Rooney, had overseen one of the competition’s great shocks in the previous round by eliminating Crystal Palace F.C.. On this occasion, however, the fairytale fell just short of another historic chapter.

“Outstanding Effort” from Part-Time Squad

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Rooney reflected on the club’s extraordinary progress.

“To put this club on the journey it’s been on and to lose the game the way we did — I couldn’t be any prouder of them,” he said.

“The lads were outstanding. The shape was excellent. For them to put in that level of effort when they only train two days a week — full credit to them.”

Macclesfield’s disciplined structure and work rate frustrated Brentford for long periods, with the Premier League side forced to work tirelessly to break down their determined opponents.

Premier League Respect

Rooney also praised Brentford head coach Keith Andrews for visiting the home dressing room after the final whistle to commend the hosts’ performance.

“It was an unbelievable touch,” Rooney revealed. “I spoke to him before the match and he came in afterwards and said a few words. He spoke very highly of us.

“That’s a Premier League manager coming in and saying that to you.

“They took us extremely seriously and prepared exactly as they would for a Premier League fixture.”

A Club Rebuilt

The tie is estimated to have generated around £400,000 in revenue for Macclesfield — a significant milestone in the club’s resurgence following liquidation in 2020. Since reforming, the Silkmen have secured three promotions in four seasons, restoring pride and ambition to the Cheshire outfit.

In the immediate term, Macclesfield’s focus returns to the league campaign, where they aim to secure a strong finish and a play-off place after one of the most memorable cup runs in the club’s modern history.

Yet Rooney’s personal ambitions extend further.

“I want to manage as high as possible,” he said. “I’m learning on the job, but if my ambition wasn’t to manage at the highest level I can, then I would be in the wrong profession.

“To take Macclesfield into the fourth round of the FA Cup is something I could never have imagined at the start of the season.

“I’m brand new in the role, and days like this are exactly why you work in football.”

Despite the narrow defeat, Macclesfield departed the competition with heads held high — their reputation enhanced and their upward trajectory firmly intact.