One player who won't be featuring for Barrow AFC in League Two next season is midfielder John Rooney, who was in the unusual position of celebrating with his colleagues two days after leaving the club.

Rooney signed for National League side Stockport County on a three-year contract on Monday, after being one of the Bluebirds' key men in winning promotion from that division.

The 29-year-old did perform one final duty at Holker Street on Wednesday, however, as he picked up the National League trophy as captain, a role he filled on the pitch from last November until the season was curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Rooney was grateful to be able to say his goodbye to his teammates and club staff after a successful two years, but he admits having an easier commute was one of the factors in his decision to leave.

Rooney said: "I had to put my family first and that's one of the reasons I decided to move on.

"Stockport are doing the right things and they're a massive club that are going in the right direction, so I'm looking forward to the challenge of going there.

"Of course, it was tempting to play in the Football League with Barrow, but I'm at the age where I've got kids who are starting to play football themselves and I've got to look at that picture as well.

"It would be a bit hard on the missus running around when I'm away every weekend, but Stockport is closer for me for home games, so I can stay home on Friday, and stuff like that."

Rooney would be fully justified in being proud of his record with AFC, with plenty of his 30 goals in 96 appearances being of the memorable variety.

"I've managed to score a few goals from midfield and I've loved my time here," Rooney said.

"Obviously, the manager (Ian Evatt) has gone now, and stuff like that, but ever since I walked through the door it's been fantastic. All through my career I've had goals in my game and hopefully I can push on with Stockport."