Given his backing - former Southend United full-back Ben Coker
(Image: SNAP)
By Chris PhillipsChief sports reporter.
FORMER Southend United left-back Ben Coker is confident Tom Hopper would be massive signing for the Shrimpers.
Hopper remains in talks over a possible return to Roots Hall from Colchester United.
And Coker – who played in the same Blues side as the forward back in 2018 – believes Hopper would be a big hit.
“He would be a massive signing and I think you’re crying out for someone like that,” said Coker.
“He gets on the end of crosses and in behind people’s defences.
“He’s a great lad as well so he would really lift the boys as well if it does end up happening.”
Coker was part of the Barnet squad which won 3-0 at Roots Hall last time out.
And he therefore knows first hand the Shrimpers’ need for a new forward.
“You definitely need a striker and I think he would be a great signing,” said Coker, who also counts Colchester as one of his previous clubs.
“I never really got stick about that (Colchester) and if you get off to a flyer the fans soon forget I’m sure.
“If Hops does go in there then hopefully he will set it alight.”
However, Coker’s main focus remains on Barnet.
And he was pleased to be back at Roots Hall with the Bees last weekend.
“It’s always great to be back there and it was a packed out stadium again,” said Coker, who made 208 appearances for the Shrimpers.
“We came out on top and it was a good game but I thought we were a bit too strong for them.
“We played the better stuff and they didn’t really threaten us too much other than the disallowed goal.
“It was a really strong performance from us.”
The victory kept third placed Barnet just a point behind table-topping Forest Green Rovers.
And Coker is keen to help maintain the Bees’ push for promotion.
“We were right up there last year and ended up in the play-offs unfortunately,” said Coker.
“Hopefully we can go one better this season and we’re in a really good spot at the moment.
We want to keep on pushing and hopefully it can happen.
“Personally I’m still going strong too and still really enjoying it so I want to play as long as I possibly can
(Soz)
