Hooper departs Pontypridd for Caerau Ely challenge

Caerau Ely have announced that they have secured the services of Pontypridd player Danny Hooper.

The Welsh League Division Two side have snapped up the player, whose versatility has seen him play both left-back and centre midfield for his former club Pontypridd Town.

Hooper will add a wealth of experience to the Young Guns’ squad, having been successful throughout his career in the Welsh League pyramid.

The midfielder had spent a number of years with Pontypridd Town under the management of Damien and Dominic Broad, and secured promotion from Welsh League Division Three in 2015/16, and almost won a second consecutive promotion the next season, but were beaten to promotion by Cwmamman United by a sole point.

However, Hooper did eventually enjoy promotion success from Welsh League Division Two when the Dragons secured second place behind Llantwit Major in the division last season.

However, life in Division One has not been as straightforward for the Dragons, who find themselves 15th after 10 games, having picked up just two wins.

But, since the appointment of management team Chris Simms and Gavin Beddard following Damien Broad’s resignation as first team manager, their fortunes have improved slightly.

But, Hooper has now departed the club for Craig Sampson’s side in Division Two.

He is not the first players to have departed the club in recent weeks, following in the footsteps of both Adam Johns and Nyran Bird who recently left the club.

Ely have begun the season in fine form following their relegation last season, and Sampson’s men have amassed seven wins from their opening 11 games as they keep pace for a promotion spot in the third tier.

Sampson will be hoping that the Welsh futsal star can add experience to his side as they hope to stretch their fine early season firm beyond the confines of the first half of the season.

FEATURED IMAGE: Darren Griffiths