JJ Hooper makes Blyth Spartans return

Hooper, 31, scored 11 goals in 25 appearances for Spartans last year as they were relegated from the National League North.

He remained at Step 2 after signing a deal with Spennymoor Town over the summer, but made just four substitute appearances for the club.

Hooper began his career in Cray Wanderers' academy before earning a scholarship at Newcastle United.

During his time with the Magpies, he had loans spells at Darlington and Workington, before joining Northampton Town permanently in 2013.

The striker has since featured for numerous Football League and National League sides, including Wrexham, Port Vale and Bromley.

He moved back to the north-east with South Shields in 2021 before joining Gloucester City the following season.

"I'm buzzing to be here," Hooper said on his return to Croft Park.  

"The start of the season hasn't been the best for Blyth, but hopefully I can come in, help the boys and get some goals."

Blyth find themselves five points adrift at the foot of the Northern Premier League table and recently appointed ex-Blyth Town boss Michael Connor as their new manager following a takeover of the club.

They face Matlock Town, another of the teams currently in the bottom four, this weekend.

"We have worked on getting a centre forward in for about a week and a half," Spartans boss Connor said.

"Since I started here, we have been very reliant on Mitch Curry to lead the line, and its good to get some support up there.

“Hooper is a proven goalscorer, as Spartans fans already know.”