"I spoke to Nigel and he's a good manager, who has managed to bring on three strikers in three years", he told scunthorpe-united.co.uk
"I was also impressed with the ground and the club. Hopefully I can make a good contribution.
"Nigel said they practice their finishing in training every day and I got a good feel when I came here."
Hooper hopes to be the next star at Glanford Park, and follow in the footsteps of Sharp, Keogh and McLean who have all excelled in United's frontline.
"As long as they put it in the box, I will try and put my head or any part of the body onto it to put it in the net.
United beat off strong competition from Cheltenham and Stockport to secure Hoopers signature. He would have arrived earlier after agreeing personal terms, the only stumbling block was the transfer fee Southend demanded.