Gary Hooper post-Celtic career tumble culminates in seventh-tier club move

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Gary Hooper had the world at his feet back in 2013 when he was scoring goals for fun at Celtic.

The Englishman had been prolific at Scunthorpe United before making the switch to Glasgow after two years with The Iron.

He would go on to become a bonafide legend at Parkhead with a whopping 82 goals and 30 assists from 138 matches in all competitions.

Hooper would net in significant fixtures including twice against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League and numerous times in the Europa League.

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But ultimately the attacker would opt to depart for Norwich City in 2013 while they were still playing Premier League football and he would struggle to light up Carrow Road.

Just the 20 goals in 70 outings for the Canaries saw him and his then-teammates relegated to the Championship where his stats fluctuated before he would eventually leave for Sheffield Wednesday on an initial loan and then full-time.

His career since playing with Celtic under Neil Lennon has seemingly continuously dropped in level and that has culminated in the 36-year-old putting pen to paper on a contract in the SEVENTH tier of English football this week.

Gary Hooper joins Kettering Town in England’s Southern League Premier Division

Hooper has completed the move to Kettering Town this morning and was welcomed by the club who listed his career to date for their fans.

“KTFC are excited to announce the signing of experienced forward Gary Hooper, among others he has played at Conference South and National level, the Championship, League One, Scottish Premiership (Celtic), Premiership (Norwich City) and the National League.

“Gary has previously played for Grays Athletic, Southend United, Leyton Orient (loan), Hereford United (loan), Scunthorpe United, Celtic, Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday, Wellington Phoenix (New Zealand), Kerala Blaster (India), Omonia (Cyprus), Gulf United (UAE) and Barnet.

Hooper left Celtic for Norwich City for £5million in 2013

“With over 500 appearances and 200 goals throughout his career, Gary will add his valuable experience to Richard Lavery’s new look and exciting squad.

“We are delighted to see another player with undoubted quality join the Poppies and hope that Gary has an enjoyable and rewarding time at Latimer Park, welcome Gary.”