Luke Rooney; set to leave Kent and move to the County Ground
Having seen his club accept a latest cash offer from Swindon Town Gills wideboy Luke Rooney is on his way to becoming another piece in the rebuilding of the Wiltshire side by former Hamster Paolo Di Canio, which has seen the club beaten only once in the last 21 games.
21-year-old Rooney had been offered an extended contract by the Gills back in November but refused to sign which led to his exclusion from manager Andy Hessenthaler's starting eleven, only recently being seen again but on the subs bench.
This caused Hess to have a go at Di Canio's method of opening his mouth at inappropriate moments and telling everybody he was interested in the player before talking to Gillingham, no surprise there!
A former Gills youth, and because of his age they would be entitled to some dosh in the summer, the club have decided to cash in before his present deal ends.
However, both teams remain a threat to the Shrimpers promotion hopes with Gillingham to be faced in front of the Sky cameras on Monday, January 13th, while the Robins will visit Roots Hall on the now rearranged date of Tuesday, January 31st.
Rooney has made 61 appearances for the Kent based side, scoring six goals, and has been a target for the tempremental Italian after he had a storming game against Swindon at the end of last October even though the Robins won 2-0.
He should have put pen to paper in time to join the suad in time for Saturday's League Two clash at home to Macclesfield Town.
And with the two sides meeting again on April 21 at Priestfield, it should be quite a welcome home for the lad if he plays on the day!
The Rooney Files
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Luke William Rooney | ||
| Date of birth | 28 December 1990 | ||
| Place of birth | Bermondsey, England | ||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Gillingham | ||
| Number | 14 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2007–2009 | Gillingham | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2009– | Gillingham | 52 | (5) |
| 2009 | → Lewes (loan) | 6 | (0) |
| 2010 | → Eastbourne Borough (loan) | 4 | (2) |
| 2010 | → Eastbourne Borough (loan) | 4 | (1) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 26 December 2011 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). |
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(For full player info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Rooney_(footballer)
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