Sheffield Wednesday have experienced fluctuations between the Championship and League One in recent years. Despite this, not long ago, the South Yorkshire team was on the cusp of Premier League promotion. While they have often lingered near the lower end of the Championship, the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons presented promising opportunities for the Owls to return to the top tier of English football.

In the 2015/16 season, Sheffield Wednesday secured a sixth-place finish and advanced to the play-off final, ultimately falling to Hull City. The following season, under Carlos Carvalhal’s guidance, the team rallied to a fourth-place finish. However, their hopes were dashed in the play-offs by Huddersfield Town.

The fortunes of Sheffield Wednesday could have been significantly altered, particularly if striker Gary Hooper had remained injury-free during both campaigns. His acquisition for £3 million from Norwich City was a notable signing, yet his fitness issues may be viewed as a missed opportunity in their quest for Premier League promotion.

Sheffield Wednesday secured the services of Gary Hooper for an undisclosed fee.

Gary Hooper began his professional career at Southend United, but it was during his loan at Hereford that he gained recognition, scoring 11 goals in 19 League Two matches. He then moved to Scunthorpe United, where he continued to impress, which led to a significant transfer to Celtic.

At Celtic, Hooper scored 82 goals in 137 appearances, making him a prolific striker. Norwich City acquired him before the 2013/14 season, but he struggled to maintain his scoring form in the Premier League. After two-and-a-half seasons with the Canaries, Hooper joined Sheffield Wednesday for £3 million, seeking to regain his goal-scoring touch. He did so with the Owls, but unfortunately, injuries also impacted his performance.

Gary Hooper’s arrival at Sheffield Wednesday for £3 million held the potential to propel the club to the Premier League. His proven goal-scoring ability, particularly during his time at Celtic where he netted 82 goals in 137 appearances, suggested he could be the missing piece in the Owls’ push for top-flight football. However, injuries hampered his ability to consistently deliver on the pitch, and Sheffield Wednesday ultimately fell short in their bid for promotion in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons. While Hooper’s signing was a statement of intent, his inability to stay fit may be viewed as a missed opportunity for the club to secure Premier League status.

Upon signing Hooper, Sheffield Wednesday aimed for the striker to rediscover his goal-scoring prowess, while Hooper himself sought to return to enjoying his football on the pitch. As Hooper regained full fitness, his impact became evident, with increased playing time leading to a resurgence in goal-scoring form.

During the 2015/16 season, Hooper featured in 29 Championship matches, netting 13 goals and contributing to the Owls’ journey to the play-off final. Expectations were high for the 2016/17 season, with hopes that Hooper could replicate his previous success and propel Sheffield Wednesday further. Despite the team finishing in fourth place, Hooper’s season was marred by injuries, limiting his ability to make a significant impact on the pitch.

Unveiling Gary Hooper’s Impact: A Closer Look at His 2016/17 Championship Stats with Sheffield Wednesday**

In the realm of football, statistics often serve as a window into a player’s performance on the pitch. Let’s delve into Gary Hooper’s 2016/17 Championship campaign with Sheffield Wednesday, where his numbers tell a compelling story.

Matches Played:23
Minutes per Game: 63
Goals: 6
Goals per Game: 0.3
Scoring Frequency:** 241 minutes
Shots per Game: 1.0
Goal Conversion:25%
Assists: 3
Big Chances Created:** 7
Average Rating: 6.98

With 6 goals in 23 matches, Hooper showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 0.3 goals per game. His ability to convert chances was evident with a goal conversion rate of 25%. Beyond scoring, Hooper contributed to the team with 3 assists and created 7 big chances, highlighting his impact beyond just finding the back of the net.

Maintaining an average rating of 6.98, Hooper’s presence on the field was not just about statistics but also about the influence he had on Sheffield Wednesday’s gameplay. Each match played, each goal scored, and every chance created added to the narrative of Hooper’s season in the Championship, leaving a mark that resonated with fans and critics alike.

As we dissect these numbers, we uncover the essence of Gary Hooper’s performance in the 2016/17 season—a blend of skill, contribution, and a touch of brilliance that defined his presence on the football pitch.

In the 2016/17 Championship season, Gary Hooper featured in just 23 out of 46 matches for Sheffield Wednesday, starting 17 games and averaging 63 minutes per appearance. Despite his limited playing time, Hooper managed to find the back of the net on 6 occasions. However, his goal-scoring rate dropped significantly compared to the previous campaign, with a goal every 241 minutes and an average of 0.3 goals per game.

The former Norwich City striker could have potentially increased his goal tally, as he averaged 1 shot per game and missed 3 big chances. Hooper’s goal conversion rate stood at 25%, according to Sofascore.com, indicating that he remained efficient in front of goal when given the opportunity.

Injuries played a crucial role in limiting Hooper’s involvement throughout the season. His absence was particularly felt in the play-off semi-final double header against Huddersfield, where Sheffield Wednesday ultimately fell short in their quest for promotion.