St Johnstone cup hero Shaun Rooney leaves club for Fleetwood Town

Shaun Rooney has left St Johnstone after two dramatic seasons at the club, joining Fleetwood Town under freedom of contract.

Rooney leaves St Johnstone as a club legend, having scored in both finals as the club won the League Cup and Scottish Cup last season.

The defender signed off in style, scoring the last goal of a 6-2 aggregate win over Inverness in the Premiership play-off as the club kept their top flight status.

The Perth club had made an offer for Rooney to extend his stay at McDiarmid Park but he said that he was keen to play in England, where he becomes former Celtic captain Scott Brown’s first signing at Fleetwood.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my two seasons at St Johnstone,” Rooney said. “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 (Callum Davidson), the coaching staff, Liam Gordon and the squad, the Board and the supporters all the very best for the future.”

St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson said: “We wish Shaun all the best at Fleetwood Town.

“He has played a huge part in what has happened at this football club the last two seasons and he gave his all in every game. As a manager, we can’t ask for any more than that.”