Gillingham boss angry at Swindon's Rooney disclosure

Rooney has just got back into the Gillingham first team

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has criticised Swindon Town for going public on their bid for Luke Rooney.

The 21-year-old midfielder has rejected a new contract at Priestfield and Swindon have made an offer for him.

Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent he is angry that Swindon made their announcement on the eve of their FA Cup tie with Stoke.

"We're disappointed on them going to press before a big game. Our chairman's pretty livid," he said.

Rooney was dropped from Gillingham's squad in November following his decision to turn down a new deal.

He was recalled to the side over Christmas and featured in the FA Cup third-round tie against Stoke but has still not signed a new contract.

"I don't want to get into a war with Swindon," Hessenthaler continued.

"I told Luke about them going to press. We don't need that, we wouldn't do that to other teams.

"Their chairman and our chairman have been talking. As far as I know there has been a bid but we are disappointed it hasn't been kept in-house."