By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
In what could become one of the most remarkable upsets in European football history, Nathan Rooney's FCB Magpies are set to face off against 15 time Danish champions FC Copenhagen. This David vs. Goliath match up marks the first leg of their Europa Conference League second round qualifying tie, scheduled for Thursday. The Magpies, a team humorously dubbed a "pub team" for their humble beginnings at Bruno's bar in Gibraltar in 2013, have risen through the ranks with a modest initial investment of just £500. Now, they find themselves in the company of Europe's elite.
FC Copenhagen, a team that bested Manchester United at home in the Champions League group stage last season, will now confront a club from a nation with a population smaller than that of the Faroe Islands. The entire population of Gibraltar, just under 33,000, could fit comfortably within Copenhagen’s 38,000 capacity Parken Stadium. Despite the daunting odds, Rooney and his squad remain undeterred, aiming to elevate their game and continue their remarkable journey.
Rooney embraces the "pub team" moniker as a badge of honor and a point of intrigue. Speaking ahead of the game at Europa Point Stadium, with its modest 875 seat capacity, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining this narrative while simultaneously striving for professional growth. Under Rooney's leadership since 2022, the Magpies have achieved significant milestones, including winning the Rock Cup and Super Cup, and securing three consecutive European qualifications. These achievements have paved the way for signing high caliber players like former Aberdeen defender Ashton Taylor and transitioning towards a full time professional model within the next 18 months.
The Vision and Drive of Nathan Rooney
Nathan Rooney's journey to Gibraltar is a testament to his dedication and strategic vision in football coaching. Starting his career in his late teens with Blackburn's youth setup, Rooney quickly advanced, obtaining his UEFA A licence by the age of 22. His tenure at Fleetwood as head of youth, working alongside notable managers like Steven Pressley, Graham Alexander, and Uwe Rosler, further honed his skills. A subsequent role at Crawley as assistant to Italian manager Gabriele Cioffi, who later managed in Serie A, broadened his experience. Despite his youth, Rooney brings 16-17 years of coaching expertise to the table, underscoring his capability to lead the Magpies on this ambitious path.
Rooney's first stint with the Magpies led them to the Conference League qualifiers, where they narrowly missed out on a meeting with FC Basel. After stepping down in May 2023 following their Rock Cup victory, he returned last September to continue building on their success. His wife, Wales defender Rhiannon Roberts, also supports his journey as she plays for Real Betis Women in nearby Seville, allowing the couple to settle and thrive in the region.
The upcoming match against FC Copenhagen is more than just a game; it represents the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and strategic planning. As Rooney and his team prepare for this historic encounter, they draw inspiration from the past, particularly the Red Imps' famous 1-0 victory over Celtic in 2016. Despite the formidable challenge posed by Copenhagen, who reached the last 16 of the Champions League last season, the Magpies are determined to seize this opportunity to make history. Win or lose, the journey itself is a victory for FCB Magpies, highlighting the incredible potential of determination and teamwork in the world of football.
