Hopper determined to bounce back (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hopper determined to bounce back

11:25am Thursday 31st May 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

TEENAGER Luke Hopper is determined to make a future for himself in the game he loves after his Swindon Town heartbreak.

The 18-year-old winger, from Sarum Drive in Devizes, was released by the League One outfit at the start of the month but is unwavering in his desire to find a new club.

After the initial shock of being told he wasn't wanted, Hopper has been busy searching for new employment.

He said: "When it happened I was devastated. I didn't really expect it and I had been given good signs. I was sat there and my heart dropped, I can't explain how bad it was.

"Some people, when they stop playing football will give it up, start drinking and get normal jobs.

"I won't and hopefully it'll work out for me. I don't want to get a real job."

Hopper was put in touch with agent Barry Gold by Town boss Paul Sturrock, and has had interest from a number of Conference National clubs and the backing of the man who released him.

"It is not a good thing to have to find a club and I don't want to be doing it," he said bluntly.

"But Paul said whenever I need him he will give me a good reference or put in a good word.

"I am supposed to meet two clubs in the next couple of weeks to discuss the possibility of signing."

Hopper has no reservations dropping down to the Conference, one below League Two level, if it means first team football.

"I want to improve, play in a first team, score some goals and get back into the league," he said. "I am going to see how it goes, I don't mind playing in the Conference, it seems to be a good league."

The signs were initially good at the Robins as the former Devizes School pupil made the bench for the first team in the 1-0 home win over Chester City in February.

But only lifelong friend Chris Allen was handed a two year professional deal with Jon Stewart, Ben Wells and Scott Doe were also released. Twenty four hours after being told the news, Hopper played in the 2-1 Wiltshire Premier Shield final defeat at Swindon Supermarine for one last hurrah.

He said: "They asked me to play and I thought it might be one of my last chances to play with Chris.

"As much as it was a bad day for me, I was happy for him.

"I started to lose interest in the game and came off because I didn't want to do it."

Now, backed by mum Belinda, dad Gary and brother Jack, 15, the former Cirencester Academy player is feeling positive for his future.

"My family have been great throughout my career, they have always helped in taking me places and have given me a lot of support," he said.