John Hills may have clocked up over 300 senior games, including appearances for Everton, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool, but the defender has been unable to break into Fleetwood Town team so far this season.
The left-back slot, belonging to Hills for a good part of last season, has been taken up by summer signing Alan Wright. The former Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa defender has claimed all 12 starts so far this term after coming to Highbury on the eve of the new Blue Square North campaign.
Hills, 31, has been relegated to just two places on the bench as an unused substitute, including last Saturday’s FA Cup win over Farsley Celtic.
“Alan is a good signing and just shows the strength that is available in the squad. He’s started all the games so far and has done well. I’ll have to bide my time to see if he has a dip in form or suffers an injury. I’ll be ready to step in whenever that might be.”
The former Seasider joined Town in the summer of 2008 and was expecting to feature regularly before Wright joined following his released by Cheltenham Town.
“It is a frustrating time for me. I was really looking forward to this season with Fleetwood Town. I put in a good pre-season having had the ankle injury the summer before. A good pre-season is massive but I was struggling when I first signed for Fleetwood. It took a while for the ankle to settle down and my best run of form came during the second half of the season. I was playing games regularly and I then worked hard over the close-season break and into pre-season.
“I felt ready for a good campaign but then the gaffer made a strong signing in Alan Wright. That’s left me fighting for my place. Obviously, I don’t mind doing that as it’s part of the game and I just need to be patient. But at the minute, I’m probably the most frustrated player at Fleetwood.”
Hills’ disappointment has been eased by his position with Fleetwood Town’s youth set-up. One step away from his UEFA `B` qualification, Hills works alongside Micky Mellon on the player development programme and also coaches the club’s under-16 boys team.
“Coaching is a side of the game I’ve always wanted to go into since a young age. The football comes first as I still have a few years left in me yet. But to become involved in the coaching earlier than I anticipated in my career is something I’m really enjoying. I’ve been watching the gaffer coach and learning from him and it’s turning into a great experience. Being involved with the college lads and the under 16’s does take my mind off not playing in the first team. So I definitely see it as a plus point.
“All this experience will help me crack on and gain my UEFA `A` licence.”
The Fleetwood Town under-16 side is a source of potential candidates for the player development programme, a course run by the club in partnership with Blackpool & The Fylde College.
“The young lads want to work hard for me. As soon as I came in they were eager to learn and play. They all knew what I had achieved in my career and they have stood up to the challenge. I want to concentrate in making sure the under-16’s are properly prepared for when they have the chance to join the programme next September.
“No disrespect to any of the current development players who have just come in, but I don’t think they knew what hit them with regards the training and physical side. My job is drilling that into the under 16’s so they are ready next year. They will know what to expect and will be ready. Hopefully, the lads will be benefit and the club will produce home grown players from school age.”
The defender turned coach remains committed to the club and is pleased to see the run of form put together on the field.
“I’m enjoying the first team results and I want Fleetwood to go all the way and reach the Football League. I really admire the drive and ambition at Highbury which stems from the chairman and goes through-out the club. Everyone who works or plays for the club is set in that positive mode. It’s great to be part of the setup. Not many clubs, including in the league, are like Fleetwood in that respect. It’s exciting times and I want the team to do well but I remain frustrated. I’ll keep myself fit and ready and when the chance comes along I’ll give it all I have.”
