Grounded in the realm of non-league football, Macclesfield’s recent FA Cup run did more than just bring together those on the pitch—it united an entire community.
As Macclesfield was pitted against Crystal Palace, an established Premier League team and the reigning FA Cup champions, many beyond the town doubted their odds. Crystal Palace boasted international players, a worldwide fanbase, and the financial backing that distinguishes top-tier teams from the rest. In contrast, Macclesfield operates in the mid-seventh tier of the English football hierarchy.
However, an electrifying FA Cup evening unfolded, demonstrating why the Cup competition is so captivating. Macclesfield triumphed over a team ranked 116 places above them and was rewarded with another home match against Brentford, a multimillion-pound Premier League side, which concluded their cup run on Monday.
The impact on the town transcends gate receipts or pub earnings—though both experienced a surge. Local pubs were bustling, shop windows were adorned with blue, and children who had previously been drawn to ‘superclubs’ now had local heroes. Amid economic uncertainties and the dissolution of its former club, this FA Cup run breathed new life into the community.
Photographer Orlando Gili was dispatched to meet the locals who serve the community, the volunteers who maintain the stands, the staff who balance day jobs with match day duties, and the players who train at night due to daytime work commitments.
“This is the biggest deal we’ve had here for a long time,” says Nick Carter, a Macclesfield butcher and former pie supplier to the club. The cup run, he says, is a “great promotion of the town and great for the younger sports enthusiasts.”
Local supporters gather outside a popular pub, the Lord Byron, bubbling with excitement before making their way to the stadium for the 4th round FA Cup match against Brentford.
Outside Macclesfield’s stadium, a merchandise seller has set up shop before kick-off, offering commemorative scarfs and other items.
“It’s a big thing. It’s part of your life when you work here for as long as I have,” says Groundsman Jim, who has served as the groundsman for over four decades. “Like most of the people that work here, I work here because I am a fan.”
John Rooney, manager of Macclesfield FC, anxiously awaits in the dressing room before the game. His children had been posing with the FA Cup in the changing room just moments before. Rooney, brother of England international Wayne Rooney, started his footballing career at Macclesfield as a youth in 2002 before moving to the US in 2011.
Rob Smethurst, owner and Chairman of Macclesfield FC, bought the club’s Moss Rose ground while battling alcohol addiction. Now, more than five years later, he has not only transformed his own life, but also significantly impacted the lives of many players, volunteers, and fans in the community.
“It’s a huge deal for the town, for the local businesses in general – the pie shops, the chippies,” says Ged the kitman. “The fans deserve this because of what they’ve been through. In a town as small as Macclesfield, this coming together is imperative, it sums up the state of the town.”
Richard, a club commentator, recalls the team’s humble beginnings. “We started in the 9th tier of the football pyramid – in the North West Counties League Premiere,” he says. “We did the commentary in a cow field. We brought our own power, table, light, and umbrella. And here we are today.”
Tom Clare, a Macclesfield striker who was part of the team that defeated Crystal Palace, watches on during the second half of the game against Brentford. Clare, a familiar face in the media, was given permission by Macclesfield to temporarily leave mid-season to appear on the TV show Love Island in 2023.
Macclesfield defender Sam Heathcote greets friends and family at half-time, outside the changing rooms beside the London Road Stand.
As the match remains 0-0 during the first half at the Moss Rose stadium, a tense mood permeates the venue.
Young Macclesfield fans congregate behind the goal in the WRS Star Lane End.
Before the game begins, a Macclesfield fan nervously holds up a homemade FA Cup made from kitchen foil. He stands at the WRS Star Lane End, embodying the anxious anticipation that fills the stadium.
