In a deeply emotional FA Cup tie, Macclesfield FC manager John Rooney dedicated his team's remarkable victory over holders Crystal Palace to the memory of young player Ethan McLeod, who tragically died just 25 days before the match.
A Victory Forged in Grief
Ethan McLeod, aged 21, was killed in a car accident on the M1 on December 16. The tragedy occurred as he drove back from a National League North game at Bedford Town, having chosen not to travel on the team bus. The club has since retired his No.20 shirt as a permanent tribute.
Ahead of the third-round clash at the Leasing.com Stadium, a special banner honouring McLeod hung between the two dugouts. Macclesfield, a team sitting 117 places below Premier League Crystal Palace in the football pyramid, went on to secure a stunning 2-1 win against the cup holders.
"Ethan Was Definitely Looking Down On Us"
Rooney, who quit playing at Macclesfield to take his first managerial job in the summer, spoke movingly about the occasion. "We spoke about Ethan being here with us," he said. "I didn't want to say too much to the lads before the game because I didn't want to put any extra pressure on them."
The manager's emotions overflowed after the final whistle. "When we finished the game, I walked into the office and saw Ethan's mum and dad in there, and that was very special to me knowing they were here with us," Rooney revealed. "It's something I'll hold with me forever, and I'm sure Ethan was definitely looking down on us today."
He described the profound personal impact of McLeod's death, having been the one to bring the player to the club. "To find out that news and have to phone the players individually and give them the news was something that you can't prepare for," Rooney stated. "It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do... It ripped through the club, me, the staff, the players. Ethan was a special lad and a special talent."
A Dressing Room United in Memory
The significance of the victory was immediately clear to the players. Defender Sam Heathcote grew visibly emotional as he paid tribute to his teammate. "At the full-time whistle when we managed to find each other, the lads said that was for him," Heathcote explained.
He described how McLeod's memory has galvanised the entire club. "Every time we step on to that field, we try to do our best for him. It has been such a difficult time. I can't really put into words how everyone has felt. Everyone has come together so much; from his family to the staff, to the players, to everyone. And that just shows you what a special football club this is."
McLeod's parents were invited into the dressing room to celebrate the historic victory with the team, a poignant moment that underscored the collective spirit driving Macclesfield's incredible cup run. A picture of the young player was also present in the dressing room throughout the match.
