Huddersfield Town's Adam Hammill has kicked the commute into touch – and he’s feeling the benefits.
Born and bred in Liverpool and proud to be a product of the Anfield academy, the former England Under 21 man has now set up home in Almondbury as he aims to progress his career with Town.
“I’ve saved myself three, sometimes four hours of travelling a day,” explained the 26-year-old, who likes to throw open the curtains and get a close-up view of Castle Hill.
“Perhaps it’s in my mind, but I already feel to have that bit more energy!”
Hammill, who remains a Liverpool fan despite his release by Rafa Benitez back in 2009, has certainly covered the miles for Town on the pitch this campaign.
The bulk of his 36 appearances have been at right wing-back.
But the versatile and creative former Wolves man (he was recruited in the summer after a loan stint at the John Smith’s Stadium last season) reprised his previous role as a wide player against Barnsley, another of his old clubs.
He also bagged his third goal of the season (a fifth in all for Town and 21st of his career) in the 5-0 Championship victory.
“It was a fantastic performance by the team, and it was nice to get a goal,” continued Hammill, who has been noted more for his nine assists this season.
“It’s been long overdue, my first since the Capital One Cup tie against Charlton (Town were 3-2 second-round winners at the John Smith’s in August).
“I also played the more advanced role that night, and while being a wing-back still provides some opportunities, there are clearly going to be more when you spend more time further up the field.
“I like to run those lines which get me in between defenders and into positions for a shot.
“It wasn’t a 25-yard screamer against Barnsley (Hammill followed up to touch home from close range after keeper Luke Steele parried his initial effort), but they all count!”
Robins, who was also Hammill’s boss at Barnsley, switched systems against the Reds (4-2-1-3 rather than 3-5-2), and Hammill reckons it’s great to be flexible.
“I’ve worked hard on developing the defensive side of my game, and I’m enjoying being a wing-back as much as a winger,” said the man who is contracted through to 2016.
“It’s good to have more than one string to your bow, and the same goes for us as a team.
“Being able to vary formations is a great base to work from, and teams will be left wondering which we are going to play.”
Hammill, who has featured in all but two of Town’s games this time around and has 242 career appearances in all at club level, is looking forward to a busy eight days.
After today’s trip to Doncaster, 13th-placed Town head to London for a fourth meeting of the season with Charlton on Wednesday, and host Blackburn next Saturday.
Both Charlton, at Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarter-finals) and Blackburn (home to arch-rivals Burnley in the league) play
tomorrow.
“We can go into these games with confidence, but certainly not complacency,” is his verdict.
“Doncaster and Charlton both need points to avoid relegation while Blackburn will have hopes of making the play-offs.”
Hammill suffered the misery of the drop to League I with Wolves last season, and is hoping Barnsley, who were dumped on the bottom of the table by Town’s victory over them, can fight their way to safety.
“Relegation isn’t nice, and I still have a lot of time for Barnsley and their fans,” he said.
“I had an enjoyable time at Oakwell, and they helped pick me up after I left Liverpool.
“I hope they stay up, and it would be good to have two more derbies against them next season.”
Barnsley, who are currently two points away from the safety mark, host Nottingham Forest today and have another tough Oakwell test against Leicester on Tuesday.
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