Archive for tag: Gary Hooper to Newcastle.

Newcastle line up Hooper, but are there any more hidden gems in The Championship?

July 21st, 2010 | 276 Comments |

Gary Hooper - Toon target?
Gary Hooper - Toon target?
There seems to be a lot of speculation regarding Scunthorpe United’s 22-year old striker, Gary Hooper, and an apparent interest from Newcastle to want to buy the player for a fee of around £2.5 million.

Hooper scored 30 goals last season, which has obviously alerted clubs to the lads ability and prompted all this speculation as Scunthorpe look to cash in on their biggest asset. Can Hooper make the step up to the Premier League though? Or are there any other players in The Championship who could cut the mustard at the next level?

My main worry about signing Championship players is that we will end up with a Championship team. I understand some players will make the step up and we have this new policy of “building for the future” by signing younger players, but on the other hand, a lot of the players in The Championship just aren’t good enough.

For every Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas there are one or two Des Hamilton’s and Carl Serrant’s, which is why it is important to choose wisely when delving into the lower leagues. Here are a few faces who I believe can make the step up. (more…)