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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Shaun Rooney leaves St Johnstone as defender joins Fleetwood Town

Shaun Rooney leaves St Johnstone as defender's next club is confirmed

SHAUN ROONEY has officially departed St Johnstone. 

The right-back will become Scott Brown's first signing as Fleetwood Town boss, it has been confirmed. 

Saints have taken to social media this afternoon to confirm that Rooney, 25, will be leaving McDiarmid Park upon the expiry of his contract this summer. 

The Perth outfit also revealed that the athletic defender will be heading down south to League One where he will team up with Brown. 

Rooney became a St Johnstone legend during his two seasons at the club, as he scored both goals in their cup finals against Livingston and Hibs respectively to become double-cup winning champions.

He also scored in Monday night's second-leg play-off tie against Inverness, to help secure Callum Davidson's side's place in the top flight. 

A Saints statement reads: "The club can confirm today that Saints legend Shaun Rooney will leave the club after his contract expires.

"St Johnstone can confirm that Shaun Rooney will leave the club at the end of his contract to sign for Fleetwood Town. Shaun wanted to further his career in English football and we thank him for his time and brilliant service.

"He played a pivotal role in our Double Cup win scoring both goals in each final and played a significant part in securing our Premiership status in a 6-2 win over Inverness."

The player himself commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed my two seasons at St Johnstone. They have been the happiest and most successful of my career.

"The memories of scoring in both cup finals will never leave me. The pleasure it gave the St Johnstone supporters was an absolute privilege and an honour for me.

“To round it off by scoring our fourth goal on Monday night will be unforgettable. Getting the chance to celebrate in front of a jumping McDiarmid Park will never leave me.

“However, I want to try my luck down South once again and Fleetwood Town are giving me the opportunity to do so.

“I would like to wish the gaffer, the coaching staff, Liam Gordon and the squad, the Board and the supporters all the very best for the future.”

Kilmarnock were said to be keen to take Rooney off St Johnstone this summer, but Fleetwood have obtained his services instead.

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