Macclesfield Town's stunning FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace is set to be immortalised on the silver screen, with a Hollywood producer reportedly developing a film about the non-league club's remarkable journey. The Silkmen, now in the sixth tier after three promotions in four years, defeated the Premier League side 2-1 in the third round earlier this season, marking the first time since 1908-09 that a non-league team knocked out the FA Cup holders.
According to reports, a major Hollywood producer flew from the United States to watch Macclesfield's subsequent fourth-round tie against Brentford, which they lost 1-0, to learn more about the club's phoenix-like rise. He has hired two writers to work on a script and is pitching the project to several big-name studios.
The film will explore owner Rob Smethurst's unconventional acquisition of the club in 2020, when he bought the defunct side off property website Rightmove while on a four-day alcohol and substance binge. Despite having no football management experience, Smethurst has invested £4 million of his own money and spends £400,000 annually to keep the club afloat.
The story also includes a tragic chapter: 21-year-old striker Ethan McLeod died in a car crash just weeks before the Palace match. Smethurst, recently awarded the honorary freedom of Macclesfield, described the FA Cup win as 'absolutely incredible' and said the scenes in the town were unforgettable.
Managed by John Rooney, brother of Manchester United legend Wayne, Macclesfield are already guaranteed a place in the National League North play-offs. Former manager Robbie Savage led them to the Northern Premier League Premier Division title last season.
