He made his debut for Grays the following season and fired them to the title and into Conference South, with 12 goals in 29 appearances. His impressive displays earned him a trial at Southend United in July 2006, where he signed a one year deal, following fellow up and coming star Freddy Eastwood who joined them two years previous.
Southend loaned him out to Leyton Orient for match experience, for whom he scored two goals in his four appearances.
The Loughton-born striker has only featured in 32 games for the Shrimpers and was loaned out to Hereford in January 2008. He found the net 11 times in 19 appearances to ensure Hereford's promotion to League One.
Iron-Bru.net asked Shrewsbury Town fan, and League Two follower Geoff Anslow how Hooper would fit in at Glanford Park and Anslow admits that the former Tottenham youth striker could certainly provide the goals to fire United back into the Championship.
"Hooper is an intelligent and pacey forward, he scored at the New Meadow last season for Hereford and if he can do the business for them he can certainly do it at Glanford Park," he said.
"He'd be the perfect foil for a big man".