[3][4] William Hopewell moved back to Derbyshire when he signed for Derby County in September 1888.
Hopewell made his club and League debut, playing at centre–half, on 13 October 1888, at Thorneyholme Road, the home of Accrington.
In season 1889–90 Grimsby Town were founder members of the Football Alliance League and finished fourth.
In 1890 Hopewell moved from Grimsby Town to Doncaster Rovers for the start of their Midland League season, playing at half-back.
This biographical article related to association football in England, about a defender born in the 1860s, is a stub.