by Luke Cawdell

Luke Rooney believes he is leaving Gillingham with his conscience clear.

The 21-year-old joined Gills’ League 2 rivals Swindon on Tuesday to end a roller-coaster journey at Priestfield.

His final few months with the Gills were soured by rumours and accusations but he is relishing the chance of a fresh start.

"I could not have left on any better terms, in my eyes anyway," said the Bermondsey-born winger. "I’m sure the gaffer at Gillingham (Andy Hessenthaler) will tell everyone who needs, or wants to know, that I’ve gone with his blessing."

Rooney (pictured), who had played youth football for West Ham, Charlton and Crystal Palace, burst onto the scene at the Gills after being promoted from the youth team in 2009.

He had been snapped up by then youth team boss Scott Fitzgerald after being spotted playing for Bromley youth.

He was handed his senior debut by former Gills manager Mark Stimson at the start of the 2009/10 season and on his league debut he netted in a 3-0 win over Exeter at Priestfield.

Stimson offered him an extended three-year deal in October 2009 but after lengthy talks, he signed for two in March the next year.

Regular first-team football didn’t arrive until this season, under Hessenthaler’s guidance, but he was axed from the team in November when talks over a new contract broke down.

Rooney added: "My attitude has been great ever since everything that’s been going on and all I’ve wanted to do is play my football and enjoy my football. I’m just glad, after all of that, that I can do that."

The move to Swindon won’t be a popular one among fans as they remain a club mired in long-term hostility among the Gills faithful. But, for Rooney, he can’t wait to start afresh at a club that he feels can match his own ambitions.

He said: "By the end of that two-and-a-half (years), I want to be in the Championship with this club.

"I hope I am not putting too much pressure on anyone but I believe you have to have the ambition to go as high as you can. That is the highest we can achieve in two years."