Sat Nov 02 12:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Annan Athletic Star Returns After Grueling Year of Injuries
**DUMFRIES** – Annan Athletic defender Scott Hooper has made a triumphant return to the pitch after a year-long battle with a string of debilitating injuries.
The 29-year-old, who had to undergo chemotherapy to help mend his broken bones, described his ordeal as “horrific,” detailing a litany of injuries including a torn hip abductor, a crumbling pelvis, ripped hip tendons, snapped groin ligaments, and stress fractures.
“It was demoralising and it was dark at times,” Hooper said, “but you’ve got to fight through it. I’ve got to keep taking two steps forward rather than two steps back.”
Despite the setbacks, Hooper remained determined to return to the game. “If somebody says you’ll never play football again you have to listen to them,” he said, adding that his former manager, Peter Murphy, had warned him that continuing to play could end his career.
Hooper’s resilience paid off when he made a cameo appearance in Annan’s 1-0 victory over Queen of the South, his former team.
“It felt a bit alien coming on,” he admitted. “It’s been a year today in the exact same fixture.”
Annan Athletic manager, Wullie Gibson, praised Hooper’s dedication and determination. “He came on like a young kid again because I know how much he’s been looking forward to it,” Gibson said. “He never put a foot wrong when he came onto the pitch.”
Hooper’s comeback is a testament to his unwavering spirit and serves as an inspiration to anyone facing adversity. He is now focused on getting back to full fitness and making a lasting contribution to Annan Athletic.
First Piper 