Latics swoop to sign Rooney

New signing John Rooney. Images courtesy of OAFC

Latics have signed attacking midfielder John Rooney from League Two high fliers Barrow.

The 31-year-old brother of former Manchester United and England international Wayne, joins Latics on a two-year deal, with the option of a third.

Rooney is an experienced player with over 300 National League appearances to his name, winning promotion with Barrow in 2019/20.

Speaking on his first Latics signing, manager David Unsworth had nothing but praise for his new capture.

“John’s a great signing for us, he’s got bags of experience and he’s scored a lot of goals in the National League and League Two,” the Latics gaffer said.

“We’re delighted to add someone of his calibre and quality to the squad, he’s a leader on the pitch, and he’s telling lads what he wants them to do, which is great.

“He ticks the box for the type of player we want to bring in, he’ll link up our attacking play, which is a top part of his game.”

Rooney started out in the Everton youth set-up, before being released and joining Macclesfield’s youth team.

He made his professional debut for the Silkmen in 2008, before swapping Cheshire for the States, as he had two brief spells with New York Red Bulls and Orlando City.

The then 22-year-old returned to England, spending time with Barnsley and Bury, but he couldn't nail down a first-team spot.

His big break came with Chester in 2013, and eventually he was hitting double figures for the Seals, before departing for Wrexham in 2016.

Rooney joined Barrow after a season each with Wrexham and Guiseley, helping the Bluebirds finish tenth, before scoring 17 goals as the Cumbrian-based side won the National League title. 

Rooney then joined Stockport County, having another prolific season with 16 goals to his name, winning back-to-back National League Player of the Season awards in 2019/20 and 2020/21 before returning to Barrow in January.

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