It's been posted on the official site, Hoops is now a Scunny player.
The 20 year old has signed a three year contract and we look forward to facing him on a cold night in October in Scunthorpe!
Apologies for my Stockport claim yesterday but at least I picked up the evening meeting at the Lincolnshire golf club just in time! The Manchester rumour did come from a Blue I know who lives in Cheltenham, thanks mate!
Hoops joined the Shrimpers two years ago from Grays Athletic on a free transfer, so if the 175k claim is true some good business for the club there, and scored four goals in 44 appearances. (Now updated on the Scunny site as 125k upfront and then possibily up to 175 on other factors.)
Speaking to official website scunthorpe-united.co.uk Hooper said, "I spoke to Nigel and he's a good manager, who has managed to bring on three strikers in three years. I was also impressed with the ground and the club. Hopefully I can make a good contribution. Nigel said they practice their finishing in training every day and I got a good feel when I came here. As long as they put it in the box, I will try and put my head or any part of the body onto it to put it in the net.
This amazing bidding war seems to have got as far as it did because of the goals he got for Hereford while on loan last season. However that was League Two and when he's appeared for the Blues it has just not come off, outside the now legendary 'Hoops' match away to Bournemouth.
I believe this has more to do with clubs trying to calm supporters with short term signings to replace stars who have gone elsewhere than any real belief that they are actually worth the money they are paying out for them. (As Hoops becomes the leagues top scorer with 25 goals!) Still, they are a good footballing side with a bright young manager, sound familiar, so hopefully it work out right for young Hoops this time around. (And at least it wasn't Borient!)
Whatever, we've got the dosh and now, Uncle Ron, it's time to appease us, the Southend faithful, with a couple of signings of our own, starting with a young Mr. Mulgrew please.
Good luck Gary with your new club.