Former St Johnstone Captain Benny Rooney Dies at 80
Former St Johnstone captain Benny Rooney has passed away at the age of 80, leaving the club and its fans deeply saddened. Rooney served as the team’s skipper during the late 1960s and early 1970s under manager Willie Ormond. Known as a true St Johnstone great, Rooney made significant contributions to the club during his tenure.
Rooney initially joined St Johnstone as a striker in 1966 for a transfer fee of £2,500. However, Ormond saw potential in him and decided to shift him to defense and later midfield positions. He spent an impressive nine seasons with the club, making 293 appearances and scoring 21 goals.
During his time with St Johnstone, Rooney played a vital role in the team’s journey to the 1969 League Cup final, where they unfortunately suffered a defeat against Celtic. In 1971, he contributed to the club’s success by helping them secure a third-place finish in the top flight, which resulted in European football for the first time in St Johnstone’s history.
After retiring from his playing career, Rooney went on to manage Greenock Morton, Albion Rovers, and Partick Thistle. He transitioned seamlessly into coaching and continued his contribution to the sport he loved.
St Johnstone, in a heartfelt statement, expressed their condolences to all of Benny’s family during this difficult time. The impact Rooney had on the club and the memories he created on the field will forever be cherished by fans and those associated with St Johnstone. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on.
The passing of Benny Rooney serves as a reminder of his immense dedication and commitment to St Johnstone. His contributions to the club as both a player and a manager will forever be honored, and his name will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the fans. As St Johnstone mourns the loss of a true legend, the entire football community joins in paying tribute to his remarkable career and the mark he left on the sport.
