While the Wayne Rooney transfer saga has dominated this summer’s football headlines, Oldham Athletic have concluded their own by securing his unrelated namesake Adam – for free.
The 25-year-old used much of the pre-season to train with the Latics and has finally put pen to paper to become their ninth summer signing.
Rooney, who scored 10 goals while on-loan at Swindon Town last season, had plenty of offers on the table but was keen to move to Boundary Park.
He’s now signed a two-year contract with the option of extending it to a third.
“I came in and trained and found they are a great bunch of lads. And for a new team, everybody has gelled quickly whereas sometimes it can takes months,” he told the club’s website.
“There is unbelievable talent in the squad which probably wasn’t reflected in where the team finished last season. I am sure we are capable of pushing at the top of the league.”
Despite Oldham’s poor league form last season, Rooney was impressed by the cup run which included defeating Liverpool and wants his new team can build on it this season.
“It is a massive club and when they had the cup run last season people all over the country were supporting Oldham. Hopefully we can take that into the league this season,” he added.
“There is a lot of creativity in the side when you look at Jose Baxter, James Dayton, Sidney Schmeltz and Cristian Montano. We also have good options up front which we will need throughout the season.
“Hopefully we can at least make the play offs, but let’s see how we go. We simply want to get off to a good start and give the fans something to cheer.”
The Irishman moves to Boundary Park from Birmingham City but still has an on-going contractual dispute with Swindon which is due be resolved through Rooney’s legal team, the PFA, the FA and Town.
Nevertheless, Athletic boss Lee Johnson is delighted to have completed the signing of the former Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker before Saturday’s opener against Stevenage – where Rooney scored last season.
“It took a big effort to get him so well done to everyone involved as they all deserve a pat on the back,” Johnson told the club’s website.
“And a special thank you to Simon Corney who went the extra mile as this signing was one over and above the call of duty.”
Having scored a spectacular overhead kick against Oldham on Good Friday while playing for Swindon, Rooney is aiming to pull off more magic for his new team.
“I like to score a lot of tap ins and headers, but it would be nice to get a few more like the one I scored against Oldham,” he added.
“I hit the bar with a similar effort a couple of years ago and it was nice to see that one go in.
“Any goal is a goal, but I have to admit that one was special.”
Picture courtesy of Will Viles, with thanks.
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