Comment | Read Comments (8)

SWINDON Town hopeful John Hills admits turning down a move to the County Ground last summer was a big mistake as he now makes a Robins contract his priority.

The former Blackpool left-back snubbed Paul Sturrock's attempts to lure him to Wiltshire 12 months ago but, in hindsight, describes his switch to the Seasiders as a wrong decision'.

Hills, who was released by Blackpool at the end of last campaign, played the full 90 minutes in last night's 2-0 defeat at Salisbury as he bids to make right any wrongs at the County Ground.

The 30-year-old, who started his Town trial on Monday, insists he has now fully recovered from his ankle surgery that cut short his second spell at Blackpool and is determined to earn himself a second chance in Swindon.

He said: "If there was a contract for me here I would more than likely take it. There are a couple of other options out there but this would probably be my priority.

"Paul Sturrock did try and sign me last summer but I played in the Championship for the last five years before that and I was from Blackpool. It was a chance for me to go back home to family and friends, because I have lived away for four years.

"I was tempted by coming here because I had worked under Paul Sturrock before and I like him as a manager. But my choice was Blackpool because they were home and in a higher league.

"Maybe it was the wrong decision looking back now because the lad that played in my position got player of the season. I only played a handful of games and that was frustrating.

"When I did play I played well but I did not keep my place. It was frustrating but I made that decision then and now I just have to move on."

Having featured in Tuesday's win at Hampton and last night's defeat at Salisbury, Hills is confident he can regain the fitness needed to prove he is worth a Town deal.

He said: "I have worked hard pre-season wise with all the running but I have not really had any football, except what has happened this week. It is certainly something to build on.

"Everything is good with my ankle so I am ready to kick on and get a few games under my belt. It is up to me now. I need games and need to get my fitness up and impress at the same time.

"I know quite a few of the lads here and the gaffer seems good. I like the training and I have really enjoyed my first few days here.

"I used to go to college with Hasney (Aljofree) when I was an apprentice at Blackpool. We all went to Accrington College and have kept in touch since really.

"I also know the ex-Sheffield Wednesday boys. I obviously haven't seen too much but everyone seems really fit and ready to go for the season."

9:13am Thursday 24th July 2008

Print

Email this

Comment