Macclesfield sign experienced former League Two player from Oldham

Macclesfield sign experienced former League Two player John Rooney from National League club Oldham Athletic, returning to the Silkmen.

The 32 year old signed his first professional contract with Macclesfield Town in 2002 following his departure from Everton, making his senior debut against Barnet in 2008.

Since then, Rooney has gone on to make just under 500 appearances across various levels of the game, including over 300 appearances in the National League for the likes of Chester, Wrexham, Guiseley, Barrow, Stockport County and Oldham Atheltic.

He links up with Mark Duffy’s side who find themselves in 8th place in the Northern Premier League after claiming ten points from their first six games.

✍️Welcome John https://t.co/whuDgsZHxB

— Macclesfield FC (@thesilkmen) August 31, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT:

Macclesfield FC are delighted to announce that attacking midfielder John Rooney has agreed terms to a return to The Silkmen from National League side Oldham Athletic.

Brother of Wayne, John boasts a wealth of experience making just under 500 career appearances with over 300 appearances at National League level winning the title with Cumbrian side Barrow AFC back in 2020.

Rooney has played for a number of sides in the UK and abroad with Wrexham and Orlando City being some to name. John will be well-known to Silkmen supporters having joined the club’s academy back in 2002 and making his professional debut against Barnet in 2008.

The midfielder made 32 appearances for The Latics last season scoring twice for David Unsworth’s side. The 32 year old adds additional flair and quality to The Silkmen midfield ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup game against Whickham.

Everyone at Macclesfield FC wishes John every success on his return to the club.

💪 Rooney’s First Day! pic.twitter.com/rQJtljKKM0

— Macclesfield FC (@thesilkmen) August 31, 2023

JOHN ROONEY’S CAREER:

Youth career
1996–2002 – Everton
2002–2008 – Macclesfield Town

Senior career
2008–2010 – Macclesfield Town – 46 games (4 goals)
2011 – New York Red Bulls – 7 games (1 goal)
2012 – Orlando City – 9 games (2 goals)
2012–2013 – Barnsley
2013–2014 – Bury – 4 games (0 goals)
2013–2014 → Chester (loan) – 5 games (1 goals)
2014–2016 – Chester – 128 games (29 goals)
2016–2017 – Wrexham – 36 games (11 goals)
2017 → Guiseley (loan) – 7 games (1 goals)
2017–2018 – Guiseley – 36 games (7 goals)
2018–2020 – Barrow – 87 games (29 goals)
2020–2022 – Stockport County – 65 games (25 goals)
2022 – Barrow – 30 games (6 goals)
2022–2023 – Oldham Athletic – 32 games (2 goals)
2023– Maccelsfield

Here’s how fans reacted as Macclesfield sign the experienced former League Two player from Oldham…

@Zack27595714: Rediculous signing at this level, was so good when he was with us

@DaveRagg: It’s a shame this. He was integral in the team that won the 3rd to 7th place (depending on who you speak to) in the form table Trophy in the second half of last season. And we’ve looked nothing like a 3rd to 7th place team without him. #oafc

@MatthewStagg7:
Give 3 year contract to attacking midfielder
Realize you don’t play attacking midfielders
Release player at considerable expense
Nice one Unsy

@Prestonoldham51: Dropping him from the team has gone well

@oafcwould: Will do well at Maccs level

@MuddledDaddy: Can understand why if rumours of a falling out are true but there were times last season where he was the only one willing to chase every last loose ball in midfield. Final ball was too inconsistent but work ethic was right #oafc

@Jonny_Ramsden: Wrong person leaving the club! #UnsworthOut

@JoeTickle5:
Forced out more like 👍.
Screaming out for a central midfielder and let one go 😂.
Think him and Norwood would of done well together! Never mind.

@LRbix: Mental signing for that level

@antoeverton1: Some signing that

@Tommy_Oldham1: Didnt quite live up to expectations at Oldham one of our better players second half of the season. He should so well at this level.

@hibbert_finn: Remember telling Wayne that his brother was a rat for leaving us, he laughed and nodded

@AF0149: That’s his level. Hope he snaps his leg first game the rat cunt.

@TheDB30: Some do when these spend all that money only to bottle it at Whitby on the last day.

@alcock_glenn: Money being thrown about is absolutely ridiculous, this one is surely about money. No reason to leave a top step 1 club to drop unless it’s money?

@gresty_red1977: Good signing for you guys. Already playing catch-up to Radcliffe.

@liamhendy17: Cash serious cash

@scfc_rob: How have they managed this then

@alexbobking: Right what the fuck

@GuiseleyFans: The fact they are getting beat to the title with someone as good as John Rooney in their team is just embarrassing

@OAFCZONE_: Rooney has quickly signed for macclesfield, probably a good move for him and should do well there #Oafc #Silkmen

Hopefully you get this Rooney https://t.co/RUglMHiX4L

— Davescounty (@davescounty) August 31, 2023