Rooney reveals Neville’s role in shock move
Former Aberdeen striker Adam Rooney has revealed how Manchester United legend Gary Neville convinced him to join Salford City.
The Irishman left the Dons to drop down to the English fifth tier on reported £4,000-per-week wages earlier this month.
He’s determined to play his part in helping propel the ambitious Ammies into the Football League.
Sky Sports pundit Neville is partowner of Salford, along with brother, Phil, and fellow former United teammates Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
And as well as speaking to manager Graham Alexander prior to making the switch, Rooney – who scored 88 goals in four-and-half years at Pittodrie – admits Neville’s pitch also assured him that he was making the right move.
Rooney said: “I spoke to the manager here, Graham Alexander, and Gary Neville was someone else I dealt with.
“Having spoken to the two of them, moving to Salford City was something I was really looking forward to doing.
“When you speak to these guys, and see the kind of people who are involved here and what they achieved in football, you know from the start that they want to make this a success.
“Gary was down at one of the training sessions a few days ago.
“So the lads were trying their best to make sure they weren’t messing up with the odd touch!”
■ Partick Thistle and Falkirk are both keen on taking St Mirren striker, Ross Stewart, on loan and are expected to step up their interest this week.
The 22- year- old joined the Saints last summer from Albion Rovers from junior side Kilwinning Rangers, and scored twice in 17 appearances before joining Alloa on loan in January.
Stewart was a major factor as the Wasps secured promotion to the Championship via the play- offs, and former Paisley boss Jack Ross was keen for the tall frontman to continue his development on loan.
New manager Alan Stubbs has used Stewart as a substitute in their last two Betfred Cup games, and will now have to decide whether to keep him for life in the Premiership or loan him to the Jags or the Bairns.