St Mirren announce signing of Shaun Rooney on two-year contract

St Mirren have announced the signing of versatile defender Shaun Rooney, with manager Stephen Robinson saying the club has added a player of proven quality to their squad.

Rooney has agreed a two-year deal with the Paisley side after ending his time at Fleetwood Town, and joins a team that has secured qualification for European football for the first time in 37 years.

The 27-year-old expressed his delight at the move and said he is looking forward to getting started at the club.

“I’m thrilled to be joining a team like St Mirren that has just confirmed European football,” Rooney said.

“It’s good to be coming back home.

“St Mirren wanted to sign me two years ago before I went to Fleetwood and I had a good chat with the manager, but I just wanted to try new things.

“The club being interested in me again is obviously a positive sign. It’s a club that’s close to home and one I know a lot about it. I was on trial when I was younger as well.

“Things just seem right for me at St Mirren and I’m delighted to sign.

“I spoke to Marcus Fraser and he gave high reviews. I asked what the team was looking like for next season and he only said positive things so I can’t wait to get started and meet the boys.”

“I’m a right-back, right wing-back who likes to get forward. I like to put crosses in, get to the back stick and score goals. I played at right centre-back for the last two months at Fleetwood and enjoyed it. I enjoyed the one-to-one duels, aerial battles and desire to keep clean sheets.”

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson is a long-time admirer of Rooney and has no doubt that he has added a player who can bring something valuable to his team.

“We’re delighted to get Shaun in early,” Robinson said.

“He’s a player that I have chased for a number of years. He can play in a number of different positions and has proved his quality in the Scottish Premiership.

“I think he brings real athleticism, quality and strength and can also add goals to the team.

“We’ve started our signings early. We’re delighted to get him in and we look forward to welcoming Shaun to the club.”

Rooney began his career at Queen’s Park and had spells at Dunfermline, York City, Queen of the South and Inverness but is best known for his time in Perth.

The defender was a key player in the St Johnstone side that secured a cup double, scoring the winner in both the League Cup and Scottish Cup final triumphs.

Rooney moved to Fleetwood Town in 2022, becoming then-manager Scott Brown’s first signing at the club. He played 80 games across two seasons, scoring eight times and providing seven assists.