The Saints Cup double-winning hero has signed a contract with Stephen Robinson’s Buddies, who are headed to Europe.
Shaun Rooney, a legend of St Johnstone, has signed a contract with St Mirren to ensure his return to Scotland.
When Saints completed a historic cup double in 2021, Rooney scored the game-winning goal in both finals, cementing his place in McDiarmid Park folklore.
The talismanic right-back departed Perth a hero to join with Fleetwood Town after vital goals in both legs of Saints’ 2022 play-off final against Inverness helped the team secure their Premiership status.
Saints supporters begged club management to “bring him home” after learning that the English team would be making him a free agent this summer.
However, Rooney has signed a two-year contract in Paisley after spending two years with the English team, which is currently led by former Dundee player Charlie Adam.
It’s unclear if that means McDiarmid will rejoin St. Mirren for the upcoming year, as the Perth Saints will once more be fighting to miss the playoffs.
Rooney disclosed that the Buddies, who are headed for Europe, had made an attempt to sign him when his St Johnstone contract expired in 2022.
“Two years ago, before I went to Fleetwood, I had a nice conversation with the manager at St Mirren, but I just wanted to try new things,” he stated.
The fact that the club is once again considering me is undoubtedly encouraging. I’ve been to this club a lot and it’s close to home. When I was younger, I was also on trial.
“I’m a forward-oriented right wing-back who enjoys playing defence.”I enjoy crossing the ball, getting to the back stick, and scoring goals.
“For the last two months at Fleetwood, I played right center-back, and I enjoyed it.” I liked the one-on-one fights, the air combat, and the urge to maintain a clean sheet.
