Coming off the back of his most productive season so far, John Rooney is determined to keep learning and improving.
Operating in a deeper role than he had been accustomed to, the 24-year-old featured in every league game and netted 11 goals.
Rooney first came to Chester on loan in November 2013 and his performances as a number 10 led to him making the switch permanent two months later.
Sean McConville’s arrival last summer prompted Steve Burr to employ Rooney in central midfield and he had to develop his game as a result. It took time for him to adjust to his new role but Rooney was satisfied with his overall contribution as the Blues sealed a top-half finish, although he admits there’s still areas to work on.
LOOK: John Rooney's Chester FC career so far
Rooney said: “For me to play as much as I did and get 12 goals from midfield to finish as top scorer, I’ve got to be pleased with that.
“There’s things I still want to improve on, obviously. Last season was the first time I’d really played in a two-man midfield in more of a holding role.
“I spoke to Macca (Jon McCarthy) about it during the season and asked him for some advice on improving the defensive side because we had Sean as the number 10, which was where I’d played the season before.
“I enjoyed being in there but it’s just about playing for me, really. If doing the best for the team means I’ve got to play in goal then I don’t mind doing it.
“For us to finish in the top half when last summer we didn’t know what league we were going to be in was a good achievement.
“We started off slow but we picked up, the gaffer made a few good signings and we had some good results, so overall I think can be pleased and hopefully we can better it.”
WATCH: John Rooney's excellent free-kick at Welling United last season
Rooney has been a near ever-present since joining Chester more than 18 months ago and has now made 80 appearances, averaging a goal every four games.
He signed a 12-month contract extension in April and following a season of transition for the club, Rooney is excited at what might be possible with a more settled squad in 2015-16.
“If you look where we got to last season, we were only a few points off the play-offs and we knew as a squad we weren’t far away,” he said.
“We need a bit more consistency because the lads have showed what they can do. You look at the likes of Ben Heneghan, it was his first season at this level and he’s going to get better.
“We started off from scratch really last year and I think it was just three or four of us who stayed on from the season before, but now the gaffer has kept 10 or 11 lads together.
“That’s a good thing and we all know each other and get on well. There’s no cliques or little groups: everyone gets on and that makes it enjoyable when you’re training each day together.
“Ever since I came to Chester on loan, I’ve really enjoyed being at the club. I get on well with the gaffer and Macca, the club’s got a great fan-base who follow us all over the country and I’m very happy, so I’m delighted to be here for at least another season.”
