‘Top’ Bristol City player makes transfer exit to top-flight club

Cardiff Met have completed the signing of Bristol City defender Jack Hooper on a long-term loan deal.

The 19-year-old centre-back will join the Archers until the conclusion of the 2026/27 Cymru Premier season, subject to international clearance, as manager Ryan Jenkins strengthens his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Hooper arrives from EFL Championship side Bristol City having already gained experience in senior football during a loan spell with Yate Town last season.

Jenkins excited by Hooper’s potential

Cardiff Met manager Ryan Jenkins believes Hooper’s physical attributes and potential make him an exciting addition to the Archers squad.

“We’re really pleased to bring Jack in, and we’re excited to see what he can add to the group,” said Jenkins to the official club website.

“We’ve been tracking his progress for some time and have been really impressed with the development he’s made at Bristol City. Jack is a young defender with a really exciting profile.

“He’s tall, athletic, very quick and dominant in the air, and we believe he has the potential to develop into a really top player.”

Strong Bristol City relationship

Jenkins also highlighted the relationship between Cardiff Met and Bristol City, which has helped make the deal possible.

“We’ve worked closely with Bristol City over a period of time to develop a strong partnership, so we’re delighted that this relationship has now allowed us to bring Jack to Cardiff Met.”

From College Football to Bristol City

Hooper’s route into the professional game began with Team Bridgwater and Taunton College (BTC), where his performances in the FA Youth Cup attracted attention and earned him a trial with Bristol City.

He subsequently joined the Robins on a two-year scholarship deal before signing his first professional contract with the Championship club in 2025.

Another step in Hooper’s development

For Hooper, the move offers the chance to take another important step into senior football while working under Jenkins at Cardiff Met.

With a full season ahead and a long-term loan keeping him at Cyncoed until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, the Archers will hope the highly-rated young defender can build on his promising spell at Yate Town and continue his development in Welsh football.

Cardiff Met have made a perfect start to their Cymru Premier campaign, opening with a convincing 6-1 victory over Holywell Town at Cyncoed Campus before following it up with a 2-0 win away to Airbus UK Broughton last weekend.

Cardiff Met’s transfer business so far

Cardiff Met have been busy reshaping their squad ahead of the new Cymru Premier season, with eight players arriving and 12 departures as manager Ryan Jenkins looks to build on last season’s progress.

Among the new arrivals are a mix of experience and youth. Spencer Dymond has joined from Larkhall, while Aaron Wildig brings considerable experience to the Archers following his move from Gloucester City. Jack Veale has also arrived from Plymouth Parkway, with Tom English making the step up from Bristol Rovers’ Under-18s.

Will Howard has joined from Tavistock, while Arron Davies arrives from Port Vale. Bailey Gaughan has made the move from Northern Rovers and Myles McKenzie has joined from Newport County, further adding to the depth of Jenkins’ squad.

There has, however, been significant movement in the opposite direction. Jake Morris and Kelland Absalom have both joined Cambrian United, while Matt Chubb has moved to Briton Ferry Llansawel and Lewis Rees has joined Haverfordwest County.

Liam Walsh has switched to Aberystwyth Town, while Gruffydd Morgan has joined Ammanford and Dan John has moved to Trefelin. Jonah Williams has joined Newport City on loan, with Adam Roscrow making the move to Llantwit Major.

Matt Richards, Sam Seager and Dixon Kabongo have also departed, although no new clubs have been confirmed for the trio.