JJ Hooper becomes Spartans\' latest arrival at Croft Park

Blyth Spartans are thrilled to announce the signing of centre-forward, JJ Hooper!

The 29-year-old kickstarted his footballing career at Cray Wanderers Academy where he featured in one first-team fixture in a London Senior Cup tie in 2011 before signing a two-year scholarship deal with Newcastle United.

Two loan spells proceeded for Hooper at Darlington and Workington during his time on the books of the Magpies and at the end of his scholarship contract, he made a permanent switch to Northampton Town in the summer of 2013.

Hooper has since featured for the likes of Port Vale, Grimsby Town, Bromley, Wrexham and Barnet across the English Football League in League One and Two, as well as the National League where he has demonstrated his goalscoring nous.

Spartans manager Graham Fenton signed Hooper during his time at South Shields and the striker went onto net 12 times in 21 games during the 2021/22 Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign.

In January of this year, Hooper made a move to fellow Vanarama National League North outfit Gloucester City. He made seven appearances and scored once towards the back end of the previous season.

Throughout his career, Hooper has amassed a total of 88 goals in 289 games.

Speaking on his arrival to the Club, Hooper commented: "I know Fents and Shawsy from my time at South Shields, I've had a few conversations over the last couple of weeks and it was definitely something I liked, to come and play games and help the team.

"They know my game, in the time we've played and playing under Fents as a manager I know how they play. Playing against Blyth last season when I was at Gloucester, I liked the football that they played, on the ground, slick passing, I think it'll definitely benefit me and hopefully I can score goals for the team."

Welcome to Blyth Spartans, Hoops!