The Foxes Trust has the benefit of the Trust network to obtain reports on how our younger players are performing during loan spells
Today, Jack Stockdale of the Iron Trust reports on how Tom Hopper is doing at Scunthorpe
“Scunthorpe manager, Mark Robins, had promised plenty of signings in the January transfer window. The first of which was Tom Hopper. Robins had been to see Hopper play in reserve games, and was clearly impressed with what he saw. The Iron were in need of a new striker to back up the goals of Paddy Madden – and fans were hopeful that Hopper could provide us with that.
Although Scunthorpe fans were hoping for a big name striker, on the whole, they were generally pleased with this addition, as we looked to add more competition to the squad.
Hopper made his debut on January 10, away at Walsall. He started the game, and played in the lone striker role. His first goal for the club came just 39 minutes into his debut, in what turned out to be a very promising debut for the youngster.
It was his work rate which stood out to the supporters, as he never stopped running for the whole ninety minutes. He was already looking like a good signing for the club.
Another hard working performance followed a week later, in his first home game, against high flying Bristol City. Although, he was certainly a lot quieter than he had been the week before.
It was ten days later when Hopper made it two goals in three games, with a neat finish against MK Dons. Leicester manager, Nigel Pearson, was in attendance at the game, and would definitely have been impressed with his turn and finish.
His stand out performance came away at Leyton Orient. For many, it was a man of the match performance, as he worked tirelessly up front – and bagged himself a brace. This made it four goals in his four games. His second goal was particularly impressive, running through one on one with the keeper, and showing that clinical finishing which has been a key part of Scunthorpe’s improved form.
After the game, Robins announced that Hopper’s loan had been extended for the rest of the season. This delighted the Iron fans, who are pleased to keep a talented player at the club.
Hopper was also nominated for League One's player of the month for January, because of his goal scoring form, but missed out on the award to MK Dons’ midfielder Dele Alli.
Overall, Hopper has exceeded Scunthorpe fans expectations, as he continues to score goals. He's quickly become a fans favourite, with many remaining hopeful that a permanent deal could be negotiated at the end of the season. If that doesn't happen, then we just hope he keeps up this sort of form until the end of the season!”
You can read the latest from the Iron Trust here http://www.theirontrust.com . We plan to publish a further report on Tom at the end of the season