QPR's Clint Hill hoping to make amends with Wembley visit

Thursday 02 Jan 2014
Clint Hill is still hoping for another Wembley trip in his career.

Clint Hill is desperate to take QPR to Wembley - so he can put to bed his misery of being sent-off on his only appearance at the Home of Football nearly 14 years ago.

Aged just 21, the defender was dismissed by referee Alan Wilkie for two yellow cards during Tranmere's League Cup Final defeat to Leicester back in February 2000.

Ever since, Hill has been desperate to leave Wembley with better memories, and he knows time is running out.

 

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But he feels Harry Redknapp's Championship high-flyers have the quality to go on a long run in this season's competition - although they face a huge challenge at an Everton side who have consistently impressed under new boss Roberto Martinez.

"I have been to Wembley before as a player and I’ve been sent off," said the 35-year-old.

"It wasn’t a great experience to be honest with you.

"I went there in the League Cup Final with Tranmere and unfortunately never got to walk up those famous steps and everything like that.

"So, with a bit of luck you never know, but this year might be it - though it’s going to be difficult against Everton.

"I think it’s a great competition, especially if you can go far in it and live the dream like Wigan did last year, then it’s something that you’ll take to the grave with you."

As Hill approaches the twilight years of his football career, he has been looking for activities for after he has retired - and the former Stoke City and Crystal Palace man has just taken up the guitar.

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And after taking on a couple of new superstitions - such as getting a coffee at the same cafe before every home game - he hopes to be hitting the right notes after his playing days are over.

"I’ve just picked a guitar so I’m just starting to learn that for the first time," he said.

"I’ve been meaning to do it for donkey's years and I’ve finally bitten the bullet and started having a go at that."

He added:  "For a home game, I always have to stop for a coffee in the same place.

"For some mad reason, over the last three or four years since my time at QPR, I don’t quite know how I’ve picked it up but I always have to stop for a coffee.

"And I don’t know why but it’ll always be at the same place. For away games I’m okay."

By FA Staff