"It's Just Surreal": jubilant Macclesfield fans reflect on FA Cup heroics
Lifelong fan Richard Snape still hasn't processed the extraordinary feat achieved by Macclesfield FC last weekend, sending shockwaves throughout the football world. The 146-year-old club, once on the brink of collapse, has done the unthinkable – beating Premier League giants Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
Snape's emotional reaction is not unique to him; fans from across the town are still reeling from the news. "Last night I kept thinking I'm just going to wake up and it's all a dream," he confessed, still grappling with the reality of his beloved Silkmen's historic win. The euphoria on display has been palpable, with many taking to social media to share their excitement.
Macclesfield Town FC was on the verge of extinction in 2020 when its debts exceeded £500,000, prompting a winding-up order and eventual sale on Rightmove. Yet, under the guidance of manager John Rooney – Wayne Rooney's brother – the team has undergone a remarkable resurgence, culminating in this jaw-dropping victory.
"It was another level," said Bob Trafford, head of sponsorships at Macclesfield FC. "I can't remember it. The politically correct answer is: we celebrated." Trafford acknowledged that this triumph is more than just a win for the team; it's a testament to their resilience and determination.
Captain Paul Dawson, who scored the decisive goal after being substituted due to injury, has become an unlikely hero for the club. His impressive performance not only sealed the victory but also captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
The celebrations extended well into the night, with players mingling with fans and enjoying the adoration of the crowd. Local businessman Rob Smethurst reflected on the significance of this achievement: "What we did will outlive us all." The FA Cup win has left an indelible mark on the town's collective consciousness, inspiring a sense of pride and unity among its residents.
As pubs throughout Macclesfield were packed with revelers from all walks of life, even Crystal Palace fans couldn't resist joining in. Tom Broadhead, 35, exclaimed, "It's about the art of the possible. The fact that we can strive and achieve great things with a positive attitude, even in very adverse circumstances – that goes further than just the football club."
Lifelong fan Richard Snape still hasn't processed the extraordinary feat achieved by Macclesfield FC last weekend, sending shockwaves throughout the football world. The 146-year-old club, once on the brink of collapse, has done the unthinkable – beating Premier League giants Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
Snape's emotional reaction is not unique to him; fans from across the town are still reeling from the news. "Last night I kept thinking I'm just going to wake up and it's all a dream," he confessed, still grappling with the reality of his beloved Silkmen's historic win. The euphoria on display has been palpable, with many taking to social media to share their excitement.
Macclesfield Town FC was on the verge of extinction in 2020 when its debts exceeded £500,000, prompting a winding-up order and eventual sale on Rightmove. Yet, under the guidance of manager John Rooney – Wayne Rooney's brother – the team has undergone a remarkable resurgence, culminating in this jaw-dropping victory.
"It was another level," said Bob Trafford, head of sponsorships at Macclesfield FC. "I can't remember it. The politically correct answer is: we celebrated." Trafford acknowledged that this triumph is more than just a win for the team; it's a testament to their resilience and determination.
Captain Paul Dawson, who scored the decisive goal after being substituted due to injury, has become an unlikely hero for the club. His impressive performance not only sealed the victory but also captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
The celebrations extended well into the night, with players mingling with fans and enjoying the adoration of the crowd. Local businessman Rob Smethurst reflected on the significance of this achievement: "What we did will outlive us all." The FA Cup win has left an indelible mark on the town's collective consciousness, inspiring a sense of pride and unity among its residents.
As pubs throughout Macclesfield were packed with revelers from all walks of life, even Crystal Palace fans couldn't resist joining in. Tom Broadhead, 35, exclaimed, "It's about the art of the possible. The fact that we can strive and achieve great things with a positive attitude, even in very adverse circumstances – that goes further than just the football club."
they went from almost dying as a team to beating a premier league giant crystal palace. it's crazy to think about how far they've come under john rooney's leadership. the fact that fans are still on cloud nine and taking to social media to share their excitement is just amazing 
and i love what bob trafford said "we celebrated" because let's be real, that's all any of us would've done in their shoes 
Macclesfield FC just beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup 1st time ever lol those fans are still on cloud nine their team was like on the brink of collapse in 2020 but now they're all loved up 
manager John Rooney is doing a sick job and players like Paul Dawson r becoming heroes 
the whole town's got that football fever 
what a surreal moment!
they literally went from dying to alive under john rooney 
their fans r over the moon and it's not hard 2 see why, this team of misfits pulled off the impossible! 
but seriously, it's a testament to the power of determination & community 
. The fact that they got a second chance is amazing but also super scary what if it all falls apart next season? 
They've been through some tough times and for them to come out on top is just insane 
. I'm not gonna lie, it's kinda inspiring but also makes me think about how much work went into getting there 
. All the players who came back from injury, the manager who's Wayne Rooney's bro... it's a miracle story 
.
It's like a big ol' party and everyone's invited. I've been seeing all these amazing reactions on social media from fans, and it's clear that this win has brought the community together. 
What an incredible moment for Macclesfield FC and its fans! 
that Macclesfield FC actually won against Crystal Palace... but at the same time, I kinda think it's all been overblown 
. I mean, they were basically given a second chance by their new owners and manager, so they had to pull off some serious magic 
just to stay in the competition.
.
️, though... I mean, the guy scored the winning goal after coming off the bench because he was injured? That's just insane! 
. But let's keep things in perspective here, folks 
u gotta believe this!! 
They went from near extinction to crushing it in the FA Cup 
that's what it's all about, fam! Macclesfield FC has won our hearts 
. This is one for the history books! 
I love how this win is about more than just football; it's about perseverance and unity. And can you blame the Crystal Palace fans for being impressed? 
The fact that players like Paul Dawson are becoming heroes not just for their skills but also for their character is truly inspiring.
it's insane! I love how the whole town came together to celebrate, it's so heartwarming 
. Macclesfield FC has become a symbol of pride and unity for its residents, inspiring a sense of hope and optimism for the future 
. For fans like Richard Snape, who's still trying to process their emotions 
.