John Rooney reveals what Keith Andrews told his players after FA Cup heartbreak
Macclesfield FC boss John Rooney has revealed what Brentford head coach Keith Andrews told his players after their FA Cup defeat.
On Monday night, all eyes were on the Leasing.com Stadium as giant killers Macclesfield took on Premier League side Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
In the previous round, National League side Macclesfield dispatched the FA Cup holders Crystal Palace after a stunning 2-1 victory.
Up against another Premier League team and with a fifth-round meeting against West Ham United at stake, Macclesfield produced yet another heroic performance.
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Rooney's men frustrated the top flight team and were looking to potentially take the tie to extra time and beyond.
However, in the 70th minute, disaster struck as Sam Heathcote directed Aaron Hickey's cross into the back of his own net.
As a result, Brentford sneaked through to the fifth round with a narrow 1-0 win.
After the match, it was spotted that Brentford boss Andrews was inside the Macclesfield dressing room.
The Irishman was seen addressing the Macclesfield players before receiving a round of applause.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Macclesfield boss Rooney revealed what Andrews said to his players.
He said: "Unbelievable touch, I spoke to him before the game. And, he's just come in and said a few words then.
"He spoke really highly of us and the club, said that they've taken us really seriously, and they've prepared for this game like they would for a Premier League side."
"I couldn't be any more proud of them"
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 16, 2026
Macclesfield manager John Rooney was full of praise for his players after narrowly losing against Brentford 👏
🎙@Becky_Ives_ | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/eqSPbK4Z6i
Rooney added: "I just touched on it with the lads when he left, that's a Premier League manager saying that to you. That shows what you've done in this last couple of months."
Meanwhile, Andrews said to BBC Radio 5 Live: "That was always going to be a real test. They have a great spirit in the way they play. It was never going to be easy. I don't think we did the basics well enough in the first half and then in the second half we did it very well.
"I am a big fan of the football pyramid and these are always going to be difficult places to come. Tough test to navigate but we came through it."
FA Cup fifth round draw in full
Fulham vs Southampton
Port Vale or Bristol City vs Sunderland
Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Leeds United vs Norwich City
Mansfield Town vs Arsenal
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Liverpool
Wrexham vs Chelsea
West Ham United vs Brentford
Marcus Chan