John Rooney is determined to pursue a managerial career at the highest level, but he aims to embark on that journey with Macclesfield.
Rooney, the brother of former England captain Wayne, made headlines with the Silkmen’s remarkable FA Cup third-round victory over Crystal Palace last month, and he will face another Premier League team when Brentford comes to Moss Rose on Monday night.
It has been a rapid beginning to his managerial career for the 35-year-old, who took over from Robbie Savage in the Macclesfield dugout during the summer after being part of the squad that secured the Northern Premier League title last season.
“I’m just starting out in management and I have aspirations to coach at the highest level possible,” Rooney stated.
“If that weren’t my goal, I would be in the wrong position, but I hope to elevate Macclesfield to where we believe we can reach.”
“We have a long road ahead of us, and this club is heading in the right direction. I want to manage at the highest level, and I hope that can be with this club.”
Rooney joined the former Macclesfield Town academy after being released by Everton and began a playing career that included stints with New York Red Bulls, Orlando City, Chester, Wrexham, Barrow, and Stockport, before returning to Moss Rose in 2023.
He expressed interest in the managerial position in the summer of 2024 when Savage was appointed instead, and seized the opportunity that arose when the Welshman departed for Forest Green at the beginning of July.
“Did I expect it to happen this quickly?” Rooney remarked. “Probably not, but once the chance presented itself, I wanted to take it because you never know what lies ahead or when a position will become available.”
While the FA Cup has garnered international attention for the Silkmen, Rooney’s primary objective is to ensure Macclesfield continues to advance up the football pyramid. Following the victory over Palace, they have won five of their six National League North matches, placing them in the play-off positions.
“We’ve handled everything well, and I haven’t taken a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished because we have other goals to focus on and need to keep moving forward,” he stated.
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Rooney’s managerial journey is still in its early stages, but it has already included a challenge no manager should ever have to confront. Forward Ethan McLeod, just 21, tragically lost his life in a car accident while returning from a match in December, and Rooney personally informed every player in the squad of the news.
The majority of those players were Rooney’s teammates last season, and he has expressed gratitude for how they have adapted to his role as their manager.
“Managing players I played alongside last year and shared a locker room with can sometimes be quite challenging, but the lads have supported me in that regard and have had my back during minor dips in our performances,” he said.
“Kudos to the lads; they have been remarkable for me.”
