On 22nd September 2011 Clint Hill’s unexpected venture into the Premier League came to a juddering halt. Although very brief, it had been an immensely chastening experience. A few weeks earlier his top flight debut had been a disaster; Hill had been sent off for a head butt borne out of frustration towards the end of a 4 – 0 home drubbing at the hands of Bolton Wanderers. While he served his suspension a consortium fronted by Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes bought QPR and, with the new transfer funds made available to him, manager Neil Warnock signed Armand Traoré from Arsenal to replace Hill. Excluded from first team football, and written off as a top flight player after barely 90 minutes, Hill accepted an offer to go on loan to Nottingham Forest in the Championship and reluctantly conceded that the Premier League was going to be an unfulfilled ambition. Read on .... https://rollercoasterranger.wordpress.com/2016/05/09/clint-hill-irreplaceable/
A truly excellent piece Roller and a fitting tribute to an absolute legend. I hope he gets to read it.
Roller, superb read and best I have seen all season. Perhaps a copy should be sent to both Clint and QPR.
Roller, I do not have the superlatives to describe that article. So many memories that bring a tear to the eye. I hope Clint gets a change to read this thread and appreciates the highest esteem that we all hold him in. QPR legend through and through.
Absolutely brilliant piece Roller, not a dry eye left, that was moving stuff mate. Irreplacable. My attitude towards the line up has been like "oh Clint is playing, we'll be fine". There are no one left that gives me that feeling anymore. Hasselbaink said he was 100% sure Clint would be back in a coaching capacity at the club though, so it's allowed to hope that is sooner rather than later.
Great piece Simon, I'll do my best to make sure Clint is shown a copy (through a 3rd party), though of course he might know of your tribute already.
Great stuff Simon. Clint is a rangers legend and it is indeed a disgrace that he's been allowed to leave.
One of my memories was FA Cup, cple of seasons back. We were getting tonked at everton, already 3 or 4 down with nothing to play for. Everton looking for another, ball heading to net and suddenly like "superman" clint dives full length & heads off line...Fantastic...will be missed...."What a Guy!!"...
Superb Roller, you've surpassed even yourself this time... One abiding memory of Clint encompasses everything about him as a player and leader. A couple of seasons ago in the Premier League we'd just conceded a goal and there was Clint, on his knees beating the ground in frustration, showing he so really CARED about our club, surrounded by players most of whom didn't give a f*ck as long as they picked up their fat wage packets. It really is a crass decision to release the one player everyone at the club respects, his presence is worth more than some of the dross we have in our squad and it'll be a long time before we find someone of his ilk again...
Thanks guys. Did everyone see this posted by QPR on instagram? Clint Hill has asked us to post this on his behalf: "What an incredible 6 yrs it's been full of highs and lows. I'm gutted to be leaving but I'd like to thank everyone at QPR for making my time there so enjoyable and rewarding. A big thank you to you the fans for all your support all these years,it's been an honour and a privilege to wear your shirt and represent your club. I wish you and the club every success In the future. Thank you again." #QPR #COYRS
Thanks Roller, great piece of writing. Actually made me shed a tear. Top bloke our Clint (yes, I still think of him as one of ours)
Great piece Roller - Clint was the atithesis of the modern day footballer, in so much as he actually cared for our club, and could never be accused of not giving 100% everytime he pulled on the hoops. If every new signing that JFH makes this summer had only half the heart of Clint then we'd be in a better place than we were a couple of years ago, but you just can't buy that passion - thank you Clint for a wonderful 6 years of service, you are a true R, and will be remembered fondly by us all.
