Former Celtic striker Gary Hooper has embarked on the next chapter, signing for Kettering Town FC, a club competing in England’s Southern League Premier Division Central—the seventh tier of English football.
Gary Hooper (R) celebrates with Scott Brown after scoring the first goal for Celtic
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith
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The 36-year-old forward, who had a prolific spell at Celtic, is adding yet another league to his long list.
KTFC are excited to announce the signing of experienced forward Gary Hooper, who has played at Conference South and National level, the Championship, League One, Scottish Premiership (Celtic), Premiership (Norwich City) & Nat League & hope that he has a rewarding time at LP #ktfc pic.twitter.com/UTNYuUjBTF
— Kettering Town FC (@KTFCOfficial) October 17, 2024
Hooper left Celtic in 2013 after making a significant impact, scoring 82 goals in 130 appearances, and helping the Hoops to two Scottish Premiership titles and two Scottish Cups. His sharp finishing and eye for goal earned him a place in the hearts of Celtic fans, with many remembering his vital contributions.
Since his departure from Paradise, Hooper has played in a variety of leagues and countries.
He returned to England with Norwich City and later Sheffield Wednesday, before taking his talents abroad. He had stints in India with Kerala Blasters, New Zealand with Wellington Phoenix, and Cyprus with Omonia Nicosia
Most recently, he had a spell with Barnet in England’s lower leagues.
Despite being linked in jest to a potential Celtic return last year—courtesy of a tongue-in-cheek comment from his Masters teammate Kelvin Wilson—Hooper will play his football in England’s seventh tier.
Best of luck to the player moving forward.
