This weekend’s BE RED Matchday Programme cover star is Adam Hammill! We spoke exclusively to the winger about the epic journey last season, his relationship with the fans, and life in Barnsley!
On Monday 9th November 2015, Adam Hammill returned to Oakwell to the delight of the Reds faithful. Fast forward almost a year and the man nicknamed the ‘Scouse Magician’ now looks back on the most memorable season of his career having played a starring role in the team’s phenomenal journey which includes a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy winners medal and a truly memorable promotion to the Sky Bet Championship. And Hammill feels that the journey has only just begun…“I’ve never been involved in a season like it. Last season was so special. Initially winning the JPT, I never thought we’d top that, the feeling, the ecstasy of being at Wembley and getting the winning goal and the man of the match award. Then to go and celebrate with your family and friends, it was incredible.”
“I thought how can we top that? But we took the form from the JPT back into the league, we became resolute, we became a really good unit and a really good team. We knew our jobs going forward and defensively and we just had the right balance throughout the whole team and what helped was the lads got on incredibly well both on and off the pitch. It was all about the team - there was no ‘me’ involved, no ‘I’ involved, we all knew our roles and everyone bought into it. It was just an amazing environment to work in and that’s carried over to this season.”
Hammill signed a new two-year contract ahead of the 2016/17 Season and at the time stated that his relationship with the fans was a vital factor in his decision to stay. He feels that this special bond with the fans at Barnsley is unique, and explained just why he has so much time and affection for Barnsley and the fans.
“To be honest I think we’re similar people, we come from similar backgrounds. I’m from Liverpool which is a similar working class area as Barnsley. I can definitely have a bit of banter with the fans and they take it light-heartedly, so we get along really well. But when it’s time to be serious they support us 110% and that’s all you can ask for as a player. They’ll never get on your back. Even if we get beat in games, as long as you give it everything then they’ll back you and that’s vital. You want to be appreciated as a player and you want to be loved and I think I’ve got that in abundance here and it works both ways. It’s a real connection.”
“I’ll go into the Club shop and there are often young kids there who will ask for autographs. I’ve always got time for them and I’ve always got time for the people of Barnsley. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was a young kid once and it’s the least I can do for the support they give me, week in, week out. I think that the fans appreciate that and they’ll show their appreciation in other ways by singing my name constantly. It means a lot and it’s a really good relationship and one that I value.”
READ THE FULL, EXCLUSIVE, FOUR-PAGE INTERVIEW WITH ADAM HAMMILL IN SATURDAY'S EDITION OF BE RED, BARNSLEY FOOTBALL CLUB'S OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME! PICK UP YOUR COPY FROM AROUND THE GROUND ON MATCHDAY FOR JUST £3!
