Crawley Town sign Rooney

Reds have today completed the signing of winger Luke Rooney from League One rivals Swindon Town.
JAMES BOARDMAN / 07967642437
Crawley Town's latest signing Luke Rooney at The Broadfield Stadium in Crawley. August 06, 2013.JAMES BOARDMAN / 07967642437
Crawley Town's latest signing Luke Rooney at The Broadfield Stadium in Crawley. August 06, 2013.
JAMES BOARDMAN / 07967642437 Crawley Town's latest signing Luke Rooney at The Broadfield Stadium in Crawley. August 06, 2013.

The 22-year-old Londoner will be with the club until January 1 and has been registered in time to join the squad travelling to Cheltenham for tonight’s Capital One Cup tie.

Luke started his career with Gillingham and made 57 appearances for the club after debuting in 2009, scoring eight goals. During his time at the Priestfield he had loan spells in Sussex with Lewes and Eastbourne Borough, when both were in the Conference.

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In January 2012 Swindon paid a six-figure sum to take Luke to the County Ground and the following month he scored his first goal for the club against Reds, when we lost 3-0 in a League 2 game.

Rooney playing for Swindon TownRooney playing for Swindon Town
Rooney playing for Swindon Town

Luke has played 27 times for Swindon, scoring twice, and last season he had loan spells with Burton Albion and Rotherham.

Having not been involved with Swindon this season, he was allowed to train with Reds last week and is delighted to have joined the club.

He said: “It’s a fresh start for me and I can’t wait to get started. I have really enjoyed the training so far and I like the way Richie Barker sets his team up to play good football. The lads have been really welcoming and I’ve been really impressed by the set-up at the club.

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“I’m probably a little bit behind the others in terms of match fitness but that will come and then I hope Crawley supporters will see the best of me.”

Luke will wear the No.18 shirt.

Manager Richie Barker said: “Luke fits the template of players at the club – he is young, keen to make himself a better player and is coming here for a fresh challenge and motivated to do well.

“He is a little bit behind the others in terms of fitness but he has fitted in well with the squad over the last few days and he will be a big asset to us.”