Macclesfield FC Faces Crystal Palace Amid Mourning for Ethan McLeod
For the lowest-ranked team remaining in the FA Cup, facing the defending champions in the third round is a dream come true. When Macclesfield FC hosts Crystal Palace on Saturday, it promises to be a significant day in the club's recent history, albeit one marked by sorrow.
On December 16, Ethan McLeod, a forward for the Silkmen, tragically lost his life in a car accident while returning from a National League North match against Bedford Town.
Instead of traveling back to Cheshire with the team, McLeod drove himself home after the 2-1 victory, in which he did not play. The rest of the squad was delayed due to traffic congestion caused by the accident on the M1, but they only learned about their teammate's involvement the following day.
Macclesfield's first match after McLeod's passing was postponed, but the team has since played three league games. The upcoming FA Cup fixture is particularly momentous for a club that was reestablished in 2020 after the original Macclesfield Town was dissolved in the High Court. Manager John Rooney acknowledged that recent events have provided a sobering perspective.
Rooney took it upon himself to inform each player individually of the devastating news. "Nothing can prepare you for that," he told BBC Sport. "Having to call every player and deliver that news is indescribable. I felt it was my responsibility to be the one to share it rather than have others relay the information. It was the right thing to do at that moment. I don’t think many managers will ever have to go through that. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and will ever have to do."
A flag bearing McLeod's photo hangs between the dugouts where Rooney and Crystal Palace's manager, Oliver Glasner, will stand on Saturday, accompanied by the words 'Forever a Silkman.' Additionally, a book of condolence is available for fans to sign in the club bar.
Rooney began his playing career with Macclesfield Town as a scholar, making his senior debut in 2008, and rejoined Macclesfield FC in 2023. Just a year ago, he was still actively playing for the Silkmen, but now he is navigating his former teammates through an incredibly challenging time.
After transitioning from player to manager in July 2025, Rooney signed McLeod, who was among his first recruits. "I brought him in and took a liking to him immediately during his trial," Rooney recalled. "He was a wonderful young man, the life of the locker room, always smiling. It puts everything into perspective; just a week before, he scored a goal for us, and now he’s gone. It’s the saddest thing I’ve ever experienced."
"While facing Crystal Palace is a monumental occasion, at the end of the day, it’s just a football match. We want to perform well, but there are far greater matters than just the game itself," he added.
McLeod faced several injury setbacks during his time at Macclesfield but managed to score three goals in seven appearances. Forward Danny Elliott described him as "an incredibly talented footballer" who was strong, athletic, and capable of scoring great goals. "But more importantly, he was a fantastic person—gentle, caring, and always took time for others. He was a joy to be around."
Elliott, along with other teammates, participates in Bible study sessions and prayer meetings before matches. Following the tragic news about McLeod, the entire squad gathered at the stadium, where Elliott led a group prayer. "Nothing can alleviate the pain and suffering, but I’ve tried to support the other players as best I can," he noted.
"Many younger players reached out to me in tears. It’s an honor to be a source of comfort for them, but it’s also an emotionally taxing experience. Ethan used to pray with us and would join us for coffee after training. I hope he found stronger faith in the months leading up to his passing."
Saturday's match will take place 25 days after McLeod's death, and Macclesfield remains in mourning.
"We were with him just hours before," Elliott reflected. "It’s such a surreal situation because life doesn’t just stop. The beauty and sadness of football is that you must keep moving forward, but Ethan’s memory will never fade."
At just 21 years old, McLeod had the potential for many more FA Cup runs ahead of him. "It’s a reminder to cherish every moment," Elliott said. "On Saturday, we will savor every second and take it all in."
In McLeod's honor, Macclesfield has retired the number 20 shirt. A JustGiving page established to support his family has exceeded its initial target of £25,000.
Elliott vowed that the team would play for McLeod in every match, carrying his legacy forward. "Ethan’s passing was so shocking and unexpected that it’s hard to put into words. It will continue to affect the players in various ways for a long time to come. It has brought us closer together as individuals and serves as a reminder that there are more important things in life than football."
"Saturday is a reminder that nothing is guaranteed. We will enjoy every moment, striving to perform our best and hoping to achieve a positive result, as we never know how many opportunities like this we will have in the future."