Men In Blazers F.A. Cup Recap - Macclesfield Makes History, Rosenior's Chelsea Debut, and Wrexham's first PL test: Men in Blazers 01/12/26
Jan 12, 2026
A whirlwind recap of FA Cup drama kicks off with Macclesfield's stunning upset over defending champions Crystal Palace. Liam Rosenior makes a splash in his debut at Chelsea, while Wrexham shines with a thrilling penalty shootout victory against Nottingham Forest. The hosts dive into broader themes, discussing the significance of minority representation in management and the cultural magic of the Cup. Arsenal's growing pains and Tottenham's struggles add to the mix, along with heartfelt tales from fandom that resonate with listeners.
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Macclesfield's Phoenix Rise
- Macclesfield rose from bankruptcy and the ninth tier to face Crystal Palace after three promotions in four seasons.
- The club plays on a 4G pitch with part-time players including a podcast host and a Love Island winner.
Intensity Trumps Tactics In Lower Leagues
- Lower-league football wins through intensity, physicality and duel-winning rather than tactical nuance.
- That extra edge from it being 'the biggest game' for players can overcome technical and conditioning gaps.
A Team Playing For A Teammate
- Macclesfield honoured teammate Ethan McLeod, who died 21 days earlier, and his memory permeated the day.
- Captain Paul Dawson debated whether to tell teammates about a message from McLeod's father, then kept it private to avoid pressure.
