Keith Andrews showed his class by going into the Macclesfield dressing room after Brentford beat them in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Bees boss then revealed to talkSPORT exactly what he said following the 1-0 win after behind-the-scenes cameras captured the moment.
John Ronney thanking Macclesfield fans
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John Rooney became the manager of Macclesfield last summer after the departure of Robbie SavageCredit: AFP
The Bees booked their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup and will have a fifth round fixture against fellow London club West Ham United.
This was due to an own goal in the 70th minute with Silkmen defender Sam Heathcote turning the ball into his own net.
Despite the goal, Macclesfield managed to not concede another despite the 116 position difference between them in the football pyramid.
Andrews went into the Macclesfield changing room after the game to congratulate the lower league opposition in a moment that was caught by the TV cameras.
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He told talkSPORT what he said to the players and coaching staff.
Andrews revealed: "I have a lot of respect for what they've achieved and the journey they've been on.
"I love the English football pyramid, I've said this pretty consistently, I've played in a lot of it, I've coached in a lot of it.
"And I love what it stands for and the structure of it, and there's always journeys that clubs are on, and this club are on a really good journey.
"I think they've got a lot of spirit, a lot of character and a lot of talent. I just told them you gave us a real test tonight and we were concerned if we could get through it.
"I like stories like that, it actually fills my heart, so I thought they were immense tonight. I thought they were absolutely immense right to the end.
"They gave us a proper, proper cup tie that most people would have really enjoyed. I can't say I did, but again, a lot of respect for who they are and what they stand for.
A flag stall with Macclesfield scarfs
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The lower league sides win over Crystal Palace was one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in historyCredit: Getty
If John Rooney's side had won, it would have been another huge FA Cup upset, with the team beating the cup holders Crystal Palace in the previous round.
There have only been nine non-league wins against top-flight opponents in the past 100 years of the FA Cup.
Brentford are also an in form Premier League club, who currently sit seventh, just two points behind last year's champions Liverpool.
It was an uncomfortable night for the top flight manager after Macclesfield had the Bees goalkeeper concerned, with shots stopped from Luke Duffy and Paul Dawson.
Rooney, the younger brother of former England captain Wayne, has been able to give the club a staggering financial return with the cup run, as the club look for another promotion.
The two brothers were on the pitch after the game versus the Eagles, where they both got quite emotional.
Jensen vs Macclesfield
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Brentford will be playing West Ham United in the FA Cup quarter finals over the weekend of 7 MarchCredit: Getty
After last night's game, John said: "I told the lads I couldn't be any prouder and they should be proud of themselves.
"Keith Andrews came into the changing room after the game and said a few kind words about what a group of lads we've got in our changing room.
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"As I said to them after when Keith left the changing room, that's a Premier League manager saying this to you, you should be proud of what you've achieved."