James Hooper wings in from Down Under to rejoin Linnets

James Hooper has flown home for a long-haul return to Runcorn Linnets.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder/striker rejoins us after a spell playing in Australia with Moreland City, based in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg.

They play in National Premier League Victoria. This is one of eight semi-professional state-based competitions at Step 2, immediately below the elite A-league.

In the 2023 campaign, James appeared for Moreland 18 times with three goals and an assist to his credit.

International clearance has been obtained for his transfer to Linnets.

It is 13 months since 'Hoops' first arrived at APEC Taxis Stadium.

He originally joined Runcorn in late September 2022, only a week after playing against us for Workington in the Isuzu FA Trophy.

James would make 13 appearances with three goals. His departure for West Didsbury & Chorlton, where he had starred previously, was seen by fans as a premature end to a promising stint in Yellow & Green.

He had signed for Workington ahead of the 2022-23 season from Atherton Collieries, making nine appearances for the Reds and scoring twice.

James had launched his senior career with Rochdale, turning professional in 2015 after scoring 23 goals in 2014-15 season as youth team Player of the Season.

His two years on the staff at Spotland featured loan moves to FC United of Manchester and Stockport County.

James made two Football League appearances for Dale and one for Carlisle United before moving into non-league football with a return to FCUM.

James has also been at Radcliffe Borough, Salford City, Chorley, Altrincham and Witton Albion.

Welcome back 'Hoops'!