Tom Hopper

Thomas Edward Hopper (born 14 December 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for National League club Southend United.

Early career Tom Hopper began his career with Boston United. Hopper became Boston's youngest ever player, when aged 15 he came on as a substitute for goalscorer Spencer Weir-Daley for the final 13 minutes of a 2–1 Challenge Cup victory over Hucknall Town. In the summer of 2010, Hopper signed for Leicester City and immediately began impressing in the club's youth teams.

Leicester City Hopper signed his first professional contract with Leicester City in October 2011. On 28 January 2012, Hopper was allocated the number 37 shirt and named on the substitutes bench for Leicester's FA Cup match against Swindon Town. He made his début as an 81st-minute substitute for David Nugent. Leicester won the match 2–0. Hopper said of his debut that "It all seems like a blur, but something I have really enjoyed".

Manager Nigel Pearson was said to be impressed by the youngster. In May 2012, he was named as Leicester City's Academy Player of the Season. Hopper was given the 21 number for the 2012–13 season. On 14 September, Hopper joined Bury on a one-month loan deal. Hopper scored twice in his first six games during a month-long loan spell at Bury, including his first ever professional league goal against Stevenage and Crawley Town. On 16 October Hopper extended his loan at Bury until 3 January 2013, which was then extended for the remaineder of the 2012–13 season on 4 January 2013. Hopper's loan spell was cut short and he was sent back to Leicester on 7 February 2013.

Hopper finished the season with Leicester City Development Squad & Academy, helping them to win the 2012–13 Professional Development League 2 and the HKFC International Soccer Sevens cup tournament. Hopper was allocated the number 20 shirt at the beginning of the 2013–14 season and was named as an unused substitute in Leicester's 2–1 Football League Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers on 6 August. He made his first appearance of the season in the next round of the League Cup, replacing Chris Wood in the 66th minute of a 5–2 win at Carlisle United. On 30 May 2014, Hopper signed a new two-year deal.