Former Lincoln City striker and captain Tom Hopper has begun a new career in football representation after bringing his 15-year playing career to an end.
The 32-year-old has joined Skelland Brown Management, the company which represented him during his time as a professional footballer. His role will initially focus on player recruitment, identifying talent and developing relationships with players, clubs and other figures across the game.
Hopper is also working towards obtaining his licence as a football agent while completing a Bachelor of Laws degree, which he hopes will complement his experience within the industry.
Announcing the move through his LinkedIn profile, Hopper said:
“Delighted to start working for Skelland Brown Management last month, a company that looked after me throughout my playing career.
“I’m looking forward to working with people I trust who provide a service of the highest quality whilst putting their clients’ interests before anything else.
“There is certainly a lot to learn as I navigate a different side to the industry that has given me so much for the last 15 years.
“Thank you to James, Adam and Tom for welcoming me into the team as I watched them handle the summer transfer window, which was an eye-opening experience to see it all unfold from a new perspective!”
Hopper arrived at Sincil Bank from Southend United in January 2020 and went on to make exactly 100 appearances for the Imps in all competitions, scoring 22 goals. He played an important role in the side which reached the League One play-off final during the 2020/21 season, scoring 11 times across all competitions. That included goals in both legs of the semi-final victory over Sunderland.
The Boston-born striker was subsequently appointed club captain ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, succeeding Liam Bridcutt, before leaving City to join Colchester United in January 2023. After two years with the U’s, Hopper returned to Southend in January 2025. He helped the Shrimpers win the FA Trophy during his final season, with Southend beating Wealdstone on penalties at Wembley.
Explaining what he hopes to bring to his new profession, Hopper said his experience of the demands placed upon players had taught him the importance of trusted, long-term relationships. He will now look to use that knowledge, along with the network he developed during a career spanning Leicester City, Bury, Scunthorpe United, Southend, Lincoln and Colchester, to help guide other players through their own careers.
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