Double departure for South Shields

Hooper joined the club in November 2021 and departs with a record of 22 appearances and 12 goals.

He was granted permission to speak to other clubs back in November, although his next destination has not yet been confirmed.

Ross, meanwhile, has joined National League North side Spennymoor Town for an undisclosed fee.

The transfer came at the player’s request as he seeks a new challenge alongside training on a part-time basis, with an eye on his long-term future beyond football.

Ross joined Shields in January 2020 and made 65 appearances for the club, scoring two goals.

The midfielder said: “The club expressed its desire to keep me, and this is purely my decision to move on.

“A great opportunity has arisen with Spennymoor which ticks a lot of boxes for me, including a part-time environment which allows me to combine my focus on football with an eye on my future.

“Being part of South Shields FC has been a pleasure and I wish nothing but success for the club moving forward.

“I’ll forever be grateful to South Shields for giving me the opportunity to come home from America three years ago and play for this club and town.

“The club has enabled me to do the thing I love close to my family and friends, and I’ve loved my time here.”

Photo credit: South Shields