ADAM ROONEY admits that his decision to sign for Stratford Town this week was more to do with family than finance and the chance to fly the flag as the club's community champion.
The former Aberdeen, Birmingham City and Salford City striker has been a free agent since leaving Solihull Moors at the end of last season and turned down more lucrative offers to stay close to home and his young family.
The 34-year-old explained: “I spoke to a number of clubs – some in the National League and others in Scotland – but all the full-time offers would have meant either moving the family, staying in a hotel or sitting in a car for two hours each way and I didn't want that at my age. It was really nice to know that there was still interest in me but once I'd made the decision to go part-time, it was clear that Stratford Town was the best option for me.
“I knew the chairman Jed [McCrory] from when I was at Swindon Town and he invited me down to have a look around. He is very ambitious, wanting to take Stratford up a few levels, and I know that he has a history of getting things done. He sold the club to me and now I just can't wait to get started.
“It is amazing the work he has already done around the ground and I'm looking forward to helping the club try and achieve their aims.”
Community
Rooney admitted that his knowledge of the Southern League Premier Central was limited but added that he knew about the quality of some of the players.
“I don't know too much about the league but I'm sure I'll soon figure it out. I've spoken to [Stratford midfielder] Josh Hawker who told me about some of the lads here at the club and some of the other teams and I know it's not going to be a walk in the park but hopefully I'll be able to bang in a few goals.
“But it is about more than that. At this point in my career I have to look at life beyond playing and there is a chance of me doing my coaching badges at Stratford and also getting involved in some of the things they are doing in the community. At Solihull I was involved in the club's foundation trust and I'm keen to carry on with that side of things.”
McCrory explained the enormity of securing Rooney's signature. He said: “This has to be the biggest signing this club has ever made and it is a credit to Adamthat he has the vision to see what we are trying to do at Stratford and work with us – both on the field and in the community.”
