Lincoln City Football Club have today announced the signing of Tom Hopper from Southend United for an undisclosed fee. The striker has signed a contract that will run until the Summer of 2023 and has been allocated the number eleven shirt.
You can discuss this signing on 100% Imps HERE!
Hopper joined The Shrimpers on a free transfer following his release from Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2018. During his first season at Southend, he played a total of 14 matches and scored 7 goals, before being struck with an ACL injury in October 2018, which kept him out for the rest of the season.
Hopper returned to full action against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park in October 2019 scored in the opening 10 minutes of the match. This season Hopper has made 16 appearances at scored 3 goals for The Shrimpers.
The 26-year-old started his career down the road with Boston United (2006-2010), before signing for Leicester City in the summer of 2010. Just one year later, he signed his first professional contract for The Foxes after impressing in the club’s youth teams. He made his debut for Leicester City against Swindon Town in The FA Cup in January 2012, coming on to replace David Nugent with 9 minutes left on the clock.
During his time at Leicester, Hopper spent time out on loan at Bury during the 2012/13 season, where he made 22 appearances in the league, scoring 3 goals and 2 appearances in the EFL Trophy. In January 2015, he joined Scunthorpe United on a one-month loan deal, which was then extended until the end of the season. During his time on loan with The Iron, he made 12 appearances and scored 4 goals.
Following the termination of his contract at Leicester City, he signed a contract with Scunthorpe United in June 2015. During his three year spell at United, he scored 23 goals in all competitions.
During today’s press conference, Michael Appleton said: “He’s very experienced at this level. I’ve been aware of Tom for a good while to be fair. I tried to sign him at Oxford on a couple of occasions.”
“He probably looks fitter now than he’s ever been in any stage of his career.”
You can listen to more of what Michael Appleton said at today’s press conference HERE.
Reaction on 100% Imps:
Impish: “3.5 years, blimey he must be very good or have some huge potential for that length of contract.”
monkeyg: “Sounds like he’s generally rated for his all-round work so I’m not too worried by the stats. if he can chip in a few while creating for others he’ll be a success even if he doesn’t get 20 a season. As for 3 and a half years, it’s a risk but then you can lose out on shorter contracts too when players leave for nothing or very reduced fees. Appleton obviously believes in him so I’m glad we’ve got him.”
evenstephen: “Very highly rated by both Scunny & Southend fans alike, very please to see him here.
Welcome aboard the Lincoln Loco.”
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Imps Sign Hopper – "I tried to sign him at Oxford on a couple of occasions."https://t.co/sCiP6DS3qp#Blues #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) January 23, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2677309088971986
