QPR's Mr Dependable Clint Hill thought he was finished at QPR two weeks ago and would always look back on his solitary Premier League appearance with regret. Handed a chance to play in the top flight at the age of 32, his big day ended in disaster â Rangers were thumped 4-0 by Bolton and he was sent off for lashing out at Martin Petrov. While he was serving a suspension, his club signed the likes of Armand Traore and Luke Young, and Hill doubted he would get a chance to redeem himself. âI wasnât in the side â or even the squad â and it seemed I wasnât in the managerâs plans.â But after being loaned to Nottingham Forest, he was recalled 24 hours before playing in the recent derby victory against Chelsea. âThe feelings I had after those two matches couldnât have been more different,â Hill told West London Sport. âI was so disappointed with myself after the Bolton game. I reacted in a way I shouldnât have and know I let myself down. âIt messed me up for the next two months and I thought it would end up being my one and only game in the Premier League, which would have been tough to take after waiting all my career to play at that level. âTo be honest I thought that was it for me. I wasnât in the side â or even the squad â and it seemed I wasnât in the managerâs plans. âI went to Forest to play some games and was thinking that if I did well I might get a year there. âIt was a massive shock to get the call on the Friday telling me I was going back â and even more of a shock to play against Chelsea.â Traore recovered from a thigh problem in time to return to the side for Sundayâs defeat against Tottenham, but Hill â a substitute in that game â is determined to prove he can remain a valuable squad player. And he is equally determined to enjoy what could be his final months at the club. His contract is due to expire next year and the former Tranmere man accepts that Rangers may look to replace him. âI just want to show I can make a contribution to the team,â he said. Hill was a vital player for QPR as they won promotion last season âWeâve seen already this season that lads whoâve spent most of their career in the Championship can perform when called upon. Heidar Helgusonâs done it and Shaun Derry has been a vital cog for us. âObviously the takeover means things have changed for the club in terms of transfer targets. But I love playing for QPR and if called upon Iâll always give my all. âAnd if does turn out to be my last season at the club then I definitely want to play well and go out on a high.â That will partly depend on manager Neil Warnock, who took the player from Crystal Palace to west London and once described Hill as âa gem of a man.â Warnock is likely to add another full-back to his squad when the transfer window reopens but would have no qualms about turning to one of his most trusted performers if need be. âNothing that lad ever does surprises me now,â said Warnock. âI thought heâd probably played his last game for me and then he comes back and does brilliantly against Chelsea. âClint Hill will never let you down. Simple as that. He was gutted after the Bolton game and didnât deserve to go out on that note, so Iâm delighted for him.â http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/qprs-mr-dependable/ iReader
The Chelsea game indeed was so important for him personally. Imagine being a pro footballer and waiting your whole career fo a shot at the big time, and then it comes along, but all you have to tell the grandkids about is a 0-4 defeat and a red card. Tragic. Top bloke is our clint. After the Leeds party game, he came out on the street and had time for everyone. Genuine guy.
I thought Adel was Mr Dependable... A wonderful, refreshing and realistic attitude and fully deserves his moments of glory. Clint Hill that is.
Clint Hill is a must have Being able to play at either LB or CB is a great plus at this level - to be honest I think he is a much better CB than one size and should be challenging AF & Gabs for there places. He made an unlucky mistake against Bristol city (I think?) At home last season - then never really got the chance at centre half again. fanstastic pro and deserves his chance
Deep breaths.... and relax. It was merely tongue in cheek Col - I'm one of the biggest supporters of our sometimes wayward genius and would play him every time. Adel that is.
Top man Clint, was not impressed when we signed him,but now am huge fan, and he was one of the main reasons we won the championship. I too hope he stays all season
I´ve said before but what an assett to have him in the squad and training ground and what an ASS NW was to let him go out on loan. IMO we would have 2 or 3 more points if he had played instead of Fitz.
Was happy to see him recalled - he was a loss to our squad, and injuries have proved how valuable he could be throughout this season. May not be the most talented player in the hoops, but he certainly gives it 100%, which seems to be more than some others
Clint kept Daniel Sturridge in his pocket during the Chelsea game, A very good player in my book gives one 100% in very game.
the way he walked into sturridge on the first tackle after about 30 secs set the tempo for the 1st half. class pro.
