CHELTENHAM TOWN boss Gary Johnson says the club have gone “over budget again, for about the fifth time” to land highly-rated striker JJ Hooper.
The 23-year-old started his career at Newcastle United and then moved onto Northampton Town and then most recently Havant & Waterlooville.
He scored 16 times for the Conference South club last term and interested a number of Football League clubs.
However, the Robins have swooped to sign the forward, even if boss Johnson had to do some persuading before the deal could be pushed through.
“I feel he gives us that stretch in behind,” the manager said. “I've seen a lot of him, more than anyone else probably.
“We have followed his career for a little while. He hasn't quite shown the Cheltenham fans that yet, maybe little bits but he will be a very efficeint squad member as well. The board have kindly gone over budget again, for about the fifth time.
“And I appreciate it because I'm able to convince them that they are going to have a good player in their midst.”
