A Scots footballer accused of assaulting a woman in a chip shop has signed a short-term deal with Fleetwood Town.
Defender Shaun Rooney has been without a club since leaving St Mirren in October 2024 after being charged with assaulting an 18-year-old woman and a breach of the peace offence against a man in a Glasgow takeaway. The former Inverness and St Johnstone star pleaded not guilty to both charges at Glasgow Sheriff Court last month and a trial has been set for April.
Now, the full-back has found himself a new club by returning to EFL League Two strugglers Fleetwood Town. Rooney spent two years with the Fisherman after leaving McDiarmid Park in 2022 – racking up 80 appearances and eight goals – before moving back north of the border with St Mirren last summer.
A Fleetwood statement confirmed: “Fleetwood Town can confirm defender Shaun Rooney has rejoined the club on a short-term deal subject to international clearance. The 28-year-old heads back down south of the border after a spell at Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren – who Town played in pre-season – which ended in a 2-2 draw in Paisley. Rooney moved to Fleetwood Town in 2022, becoming then-manager Scott Brown’s first signing at the club.
“That brace away at Bristol Rovers certainly cemented him as a fans’ favourite with the Cod Army. The defender’s move back to the Fylde Coast is subject to international clearance.” Rooney could make his second debut for the club in next week’s clash away at Gillingham.