Aside from the Stoke City cup tie there haven’t been many more talked about subjects within Gillingham FC in recent months than the current contract situation with Luke Rooney.

Rooney like his more illustrious namesake is no stranger to breakdowns in contract negotiations, many will remember back to 2009 as a fresh faced 18 year old under Mark Stimson when he and his ‘infamous’ advisors surprisingly rejected the offer of a new contract. Surprisingly to many fans 2 years on the situation has raised its ugly head again.

The general consensus amongst supporters appears to be that Rooney is nothing more than a ‘super sub’, an impact player and the stats from this season appear to back that up, in matches he has played 90 minutes his record is; Played 9 Won 3 Drawn 1 Lost 5, in games he has appeared as a sub; Played 6 Won 4 Drawn 0 Lost 2 and in games he hasn’t played; Played 11 Won 6 Drawn 3 Lost 2.

To suggest that Gillingham fans are perplexed and angry with Rooney’s decision is an understatement especially considering that just day’s previously fellow youngster and local lad Jack Payne committed his future to the club with a new deal with no qualms whatsoever. Many feel the club is being held to ransom for a second time from a player who is either ruthlessly ambitious, greedy or ill advised.

The opinion I have gauged from fellow League 2 fans via Twitter and fans forums as well as Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio is having seen Rooney play against them, they see him as an impressive talent. Unfortunately for Rooney at Gillingham he is following in the footsteps of names such as Jarvis, Barcham et al who have played in his position in recent years.

Jarvis despite his obvious talent acted in an exemplary fashion not only on the pitch but also off it not letting his ability or attention towards him go to his head, this I’m sure would be backed up if Wolves ever came to Priestfield where a hero’s welcome would greet him upon his return, if I was a betting man I would suggest if Rooney leaves in January or July this is not something he would receive upon his return to Priesfield with a new club, especially not Swindon of all teams.

Rooney’s potential ability is without question, his stunning goals against Exeter & Southampton were a joy to behold, when running with the ball he creates excitement and he is not afraid to shoot from distance but he can be equally frustrating, in front of goal he appears selfish looking for glory rather than a simple pass, he rarely tracks back to help out his full back and he appears to have an occasional lack of discipline in getting sent off in matches when the team would benefit from him staying on the pitch when defending a lead. Many would say his character traits with contract negotiations are similar to his traits on the football pitch.

Many Gills fans felt this was his year to shine, a make or break season, last season he lived in Barcham’s shadow and was never really given a chance. Given his weaknesses it appears strange that he is holding out for a wage more befitting of a first team regular. Many fans opinions were he should be grateful with the offer given and accept it so he can progress with his career rather than holding out for money that in all honesty he doesn’t really deserve at this stage in his career. His situation echoes that of Kevin James, who left for the bright lights of Nottingham Forest in 2004 and now plays for Dulwich Hamlet at the age of 32.

6 figures for an unproven 21 year old who thinks highly of himself seems a generous offer and opinion appears that a lot fans feel we should accept the offer given by Swindon last week, from Rooney’s perspective he needs to think thoroughly through whether moving to Swindon is a step up in his career, I would argue not. If he doesn’t wrap up a new deal shortly it will be interesting to see who comes in for him in July and whether he receives an offer his advisors feel he deserves at Gillingham. If he holds out until July to sign for someone else the good news for Gillingham is we receive a tribunal fee.

The old saying goes; fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. What remains to be seen is if Rooney does sign a new deal whether he can build bridges he has burnt with a lot of fans for a second time in his Gillingham career.

Picture supplied by Ed Boyden