Former Sheffield Wednesday forward Gary Hooper returns to UK after New Zealand heartbreak
and live on Freeview channel 276
Hooper, 32, left S6 for a new venture last summer and signed on as Phoenix’s marquee players on a one-year deal in October.
The former Celtic man scored eight goals in 21 matches, firing the Kiwi club to the A-League finals that start this week. But he won’t play a part after a hamstring injury ruled him out of any further part in the season.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe is understood to have flown back to England having spent two months isolating with teammates and staff in Sydney due to Australian regulations regarding the coronavirus crisis. All players, including Hooper, have been away from family in that time.
It is looking increasingly likely that these regulations will still be in place when the A-League restarts sometime around December, prompting speculation down under that he will return in search of a UK club despite assurances he will consider another stint in New Zealand.
There are also doubts around whether Phoenix would be able to afford the forward, with their wage budget set to nosedive in the wake of the pandemic.
Sheffield Wednesday are not linked with any return for Hooper, who does not fit the profile Garry Monk is looking for and would likely not fit into their wage plans.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut having proven his fitness down under, it may well be that a return to these shores is on the cards.