Former EPL striker now Phoenix’s marquee man
Wellington Phoenix have landed the marquee striker they believe will catapult the club back towards finals football.
The Phoenix have announced the capture of former Premier League striker Gary Hooper, one of the most high-profile players to join the club.
The 31-year-old is the goal machine they have craved since Golden Boot winner Roy Krishna departed for Indian Super League club ATK, and he ticks all the boxes.
The Englishman is vastly experienced, having scored in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Championship, League One, Scottish Premier League and Scottish League Cup throughout a lengthy professional career, and arrives in Wellington at an age where he could still set the A-League alight.
The Phoenix have taken their time signing a replacement for Krishna, but the absence of an experienced No 9 was clearly noticeable in their lacklustre loss to Western United, registering only one shot on target.
Hooper was also approached by Iranian club Esteghlal but opted to join the Phoenix on a one-year deal following a discussion with coach Ufuk Talay.
‘‘The wait has been worthwhile,’’ Talay said. ‘‘With all the players we’ve gone through, we’ve gone through all their attributes and also their personalities to see how they would fit into the team environment, and Gary fits that mould. I’m very excited to have Gary here and look forward to getting him on the field.
‘‘He fits into the way we want to play. We play with two strikers up front and Gary is very prolific in front of goal. If you look at his CV he’s played 400 games and scored close to 200 goals, and that’s what we need in this team; someone who is going to score goals up front and also give us leadership.
‘‘To have a player of his quality here is exciting not just
‘‘To have a player of his quality here is exciting not just for Wellington Phoenix but for the A-League, and I’m very happy that he’s here.’’
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay
for Wellington Phoenix but for the A-League, and I’m very happy that he’s here.’’
Hooper’s most prolific spell occurred when he scored 63 goals for Scottish heavyweights Celtic from 2010-2013.
That red-hot form earned him a move to Norwich City, where he went on to make 34 appearances in the Premier League.
Most recently, Hooper has been playing for Championship side Sheffield Wednesday but he was released at the end of an injury-disrupted 2018-19 campaign.
Hooper, who will wear No 88, is unavailable for Sunday’s clash with champions Sydney FC. But he is expected to debut against Perth Glory in round three and declared himself ‘‘injury free’’.
‘‘This is a new challenge for me,’’ Hooper said.
‘‘It’s going to be completely different to what I’m used to but I’m excited for a new challenge.
‘‘I know it’s the other side of the world for me but the other lads are going to help me through the season, and the manager and everyone else on the staff.’’