FA Cup preview: John Rooney’s Macclesfield prepare for clash against Premier League Crystal Palace

By Tony Bugby

Rookie boss John Rooney believes home advantage on Macclesfield’s 3G pitch can prove to be a leveller as they prepare to take on FA Cup holders Crystal Palace at Moss Rose.

“They are a Premier League side, and the whole world knows we will be massive underdogs, but this is the FA Cup,” Rooney beamed.

“We have seen strange things happen before, so why could it not be us?

“When it comes to the magic of the cup, you have to be in it and try to be that team which causes an upset.

Atmosphere

“It is also about the fans enjoying the day, the atmosphere it will create and it being live on television.” Rooney, in his first season as a manager, is relishing coming up against Palace boss Oliver Glasner, a manager whose stock has risen after taking Palace into Europe with last season’s surprise FA Cup Final victory over Manchester City.

“As much as it will be a great experience for the players, it will be a great challenge for me,” adds Rooney, who reached the third round before as a player with Macclesfield Town and Stockport County, playing Everton and West Ham respectively.

“It is one we are looking forward to, not just the players, but myself.”

Palace boast the likes of England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton in their ranks, and Rooney expects the Eagles to go strong in front of a 5,300 sellout.

Perspective

“I should imagine it will be a strong side as they are the holders and will want to try and win it again,” he said. “They have top-quality players who are not just footballers, but real athletes as well.

“At the time, because of the excitement, I didn’t realise straightaway we were playing the current holders. It is a great one for the club and one we are looking forward to.”

The Silkmen are mourning the tragic loss of player Ethan McLeod, who was killed in a car crash returning from the away win at Bedford Town last month.

Rooney says his death has put everything into perspective.

“I don’t think I will ever get over it as I had a great relationship with Ethan, who I signed and brought to the club,” he said.

“You learn things about yourself and what you are about, and I don’t think many managers have faced that situation before.

“It puts life into perspective. It is a game of football we like playing, but there are bigger things in life than football.”