View from the Opposition: Macclesfield boss Rooney on chance to meet Cup holders

Match previews

9 Jan 2026

Crystal Palace will enter the third-round of the FA Cup as holders on Saturday (12:15 GMT) for the first time in our history, as the Eagles face a trip to Macclesfield

Factfile

Manager: John Rooney
League Position: 14th (National League North)
Nickname: The Silkmen
Ground: Leasing.com Stadium
Founded: 2020 (Macclesfield Town formed in 1874)

In their manager's words...

Macclesfield warmed up for Saturday's tie with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Radcliffe on Tuesday night, after they had ended 2025 with back-to-back league defeats.

In his post-match interview following that game manager John Rooney said it was a brilliant achievement for his side to reach this stage of the cup and that they wouldn't let the opportunity pass them by.

"Welcoming the FA Cup holders here," he said. "It's going to be a brilliant occasion for the fans and for everyone involved and for myself and for the players.

"It's going to be a special day and I think the fans deserve it as well, for everything they've given us.

Quote Icons

It's going to be a special day and I think the fans deserve it
—John Rooney

"They've gone home and away every week, whatever the weather, spending their hard-earned money around Christmas.

"We don't take that for granted. The lads know and we always touch on it.

"Since the club reformed, I don't think we've really been on that much of a run in the FA Cup. So to get the club to the third-round is a great achievement.

"It's a great achievement for me in my first role as manager. But for the players as well, I don't think many of them will have played in the third-round before.

"So it'll be a great occasion for them as well, one we're all looking forward to."

Macclesfield 'keeper Max Dearnley added: "I think all the boys are buzzing [for the game against Palace].

"I can't wait for Saturday now and hopefully we'll give the fans a performance that the deserve. That win [against Radcliffe] should give us some belief that we can go and possibly get something from the game.

"I think the gaffer will tell us to enjoy it. A lot of the lads might not get this opportunity again. So everyone needs to grasp it, give it their all and see what we can do.

"A lot of the lads have never played in the third-round. So let's all go and enjoy it and see what we can do."

Macclesfield Team News

Macclesfield are still without full-back Brandon Lee, who sustained a leg injury in the previous round against Slough last month.

Former Man United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson made his debut for the Silkmen as a substitute in midweek and could behanded his first start for the club on Saturday. Midfielder and fellow new recruit Mikey Stone, who recently joined from Altrincham is another pushing to be involved.

Their Season So Far...

Macclesfield have adapted well to their first season in the sixth-tier at the halfway point. After 22 league games they sit 14th in the table, but just three points off seventh place, the final play-off spot at this level.

A healthy 11 points clear of Alfreton Town, who lie in the final relegation zone spot, Macclesfield can enter the second-half of the campaign free from any relegation fears.

They did suffer back-to-back defeats to against Buxton and Chester after Christmas, without scoring. But they hit back with the aforementioned 2-1 win over Radcliffe in their final league game before the visit of Palace.

The Silkmen defeated a team currently lying the in the play-off place courtesy of goals from Isaac Buckley-Ricketts and Paul Dawson.

In the FA Cup they have already made it through five ties to reach this stage, having seen off Atherton Laburnum Rovers, Nantwich Town, Stamford AFC, AFC Totton and Slough Town.

Macclesfield are not the only side from the sixth tier to reach this stage, with National League South outfit Weston-Super-Mare also involved and handed an away tie against Grimsby Town.

The Silkmen also have a stake in the FA Trophy ahead of the fourth-round. They travel to Woking on Tuesday for a place in the last 16.

The Boss: John Rooney

Rooney took the Macclesfield job last summer, following Robbie Savage's sudden departure to Forest Green Rovers.

The younger brother of England legend Wayne, John enjoyed a successful 17-year playing career, which both started and ended at Macclesfield.

However between his two spells as a player, he also turned out for the likes of Wrexham, Stockport County – and even New York Red Bulls.

Rooney retired at the end of the 2024/25 season having helped the Silkmen to promotion from the Northern Premier League as champions. He then became manager at Moss Rose just over a month later.

Both sides of the fence

Neil Danns ended his 23-playing career at Macclesfield with a two season stay between 2021 and 2023.

Initially signing as a player on non-contract terms, he was made interim player-manager the following year. Danns helped the Silkmen rise from the ninth to seventh tier during his time at the club as they achieved back-to-back promotions.

Danns made over a century of league appearances for the Eagles between 2008 and 2011, scoring 21 goals for the club.

Match Details

Macclesfield v Crystal Palace

Saturday, 10th January
12:15 GMT
FA Cup third-round
Leasing.com Stadium
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.

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