Name:	Gary Hooper
Nationality:	English
Date of Birth:	26/01/1988
Height:	5' 9" (175cm)
Weight:	11st 2lbs (70.82kg)
Previous
Clubs:	Hereford (loan), Grays Athletic, Scunthorpe, Southend, Leyton Orient (loan)
Position:	Striker

The Iron completed the signing of striker Gary Hooper in July 2008 and he had an amazing first season at Glanford Park - scoring 30 goals to help his side win promotion to the Championship.

He came close to breaking Billy Sharp's record of 32 in a season, and also scored at Wembley in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The young marksman signed a three-year contract to join United in a £125,000 deal, which could eventually rise to £175,000.

Hooper began his career with Grays Athletic, making his debut at the age of 15 and then helping them win promotion into the Conference South, scoring 12 goals in 2004-05.

He notched on eight occasions the following season before joining Southend on trial in July 2006.

Gary went on to make 32 appearances for the Shrimpers, mostly as a substitute, scoring two goals in the Championship for Steve Tilson's side.

He had an enjoyable loan spell at Leyton Orient in 2007, scoring two goals in four games.

Hooper then had a prolific loan spell at Hereford United, scoring 11 goals in 19 appearances and helping the Bulls win promotion from League Two.