Hooper set to play against Sheffield Wednesday

Despite all the pre-season speculation linking him away from North Lincolnshire, (with Blackpool, Leeds, Middlesborough and Celtic just 4 of the clubs linked with him) – it appears that he may in fact make his 1st pre-season appearance for the Iron against Sheffield Wednesday this coming Saturday.

This is of course providing the front-man is still at Glanford Park: for despite speculation of certain sides coming close, nobody has yet met Scunthorpe’s reputed £2.5m+ price-tag for the former Grays & Southend hitman.

He’d previously been left out of the first 3 friendlies against Bottesford, Brigg & Winterton: but that may be about to change.

For if his future can’t be tied up before the opening fixture against Reading: Adkins will no doubt be desperate for him to be ready to go.

As Adkins told the Scunthorpe Telegraph; ‘It has been well documented that there is a lot of interest in Gary, but he is still our player.’

‘I have had a good conversation with him.’

‘We have tried to do everything right with Gary. We kept him out of the friendlies against the local teams because we did not want to run the risk of him getting injured.’

‘He has been working hard in training, but he knows he now needs to be available for selection.’

‘He needs to be involved in our preparations for the new season and be in a situation where he is match fit himself.’


Despite the determination to not let the possibility of his departure negatively affect the atmosphere in the camp, it does appear that Adkins has resigned himself to his departure;

‘If clubs are prepared to put in bids that they can put in, then it helps us as a football club and it helps us to attract other young players here in the future because they know if they perform well, they have a chance of developing and moving on,’

Let’s just hope that Hooper’s future is sorted out soon, and if he’s still here come Reading: then he’ll be ready to fire in some goals for the Mighty Iron.

And if he does leave let’s just hope Adkins can do exactly what he promises and bring in a replacement who can fire the Iron to safety once more.

No pressure Nigel.



If you like what you’ve read: then join the forum and debate the issue with like minded Iron fans. It’s quick and easy to do so just click the image below and away you go!



Are you still not a member of Vital Scunthorpe United yet? Register by clicking the image above and you could enjoy posting on the forum, voting on polls and commenting on articles !

Here at Vital Scunthorpe United we are always looking for new contributors so if you have a Rave, Rant or article that you want to be heard? get involved by Suggesting an article Or you can even Suggest a poll

Vital Scunthorpe United is now available on both facebook and twitter, so if you are that way inclined and more importantly understand all this new fangled dangled stuff, feel free to watch us, poke us or whatever else you are meant to do there!

Vital Scunthorpe United on:

Vital Scunthorpe United on: