Adam Hammill spoke to the press this morning ahead of this weekend’s South Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United.
Hammill has played every minute of every match since he re-signed for the Reds, and the tricky winger gave his thoughts about his time back at the club he describes as ‘holding in high regard.’
“It’s a young dressing room and a very talented one," he said. "The ability in the squad is unquestionable. It’s a big strange for me to be the experienced one! I’ve took that added responsibility on and I’m really enjoying it.
“I think it’s vital to have that experience. I feel I’m leading by example and that’s what I wanted to do. It’s something I’m really enjoying, and in this situation I need to prove I’ve got the leadership.
“I’ve got four games under my belt now, all 90 minutes, my fitness is building. I feel like I’m 75-80%, I’ve got some left in me and I want to get as many minutes games goals and assists as I can.
“Barnsley is a club I hold in high regard and it’s a club I’ve potentially played my best football at. The lads and staff have been magnificent. Barnsley tick every box for me.”
The Reds winger wanted to make sure the squad put on a performance for the fans this weekend, as local bragging rights are on the line.
“I love derby games. Every derby is special, I’m from Liverpool and the first fixture anyone looks for there is the local derby. The players are as excited as the fan and we need to go out there and put a performance on for them!
“Our home and away fans has been maginificent. Even after a loss on Tuesday they clapped us off because we showed such desire to get back into the game, I’m sure they were encouraged by that.”
Hammill has openly stated that he has had a torrid time in football as of late and describes it as ‘the worst period of his life.’ He feels he has come back stronger though and wants to keep progressing in a Reds shirt.
“I’m just concentrating on playing football, I’ve had six months on the side-lines which was frustrating for me. I’m taking each training session and game as it comes, day by day I’m getting stronger and fitter. I’ll let my football do the talking.
“The time out was the worst period of my life. Since I was a kid all I wanted to do was play football. The time out took its toll on me but I’ve come back a bigger better and stronger person. I’ve got a young family at home, it’s given me that determination to do well again.
“I’m grateful to have this chance now and prove people wrong. It’s given me a spring in my step.”
