Hill: QPR couldn’t offer first-team football but future return still possible

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Clint Hill says a return to QPR failed to materialise because the club could not guarantee him regular first-team football.

The experienced defender, who became a fans’ favourite during his six years at Loftus Road, was available after leaving Glasgow Rangers last summer.

But, despite training with QPR for a week in September and turning out for their Under-23 side, Hill was unable to agree a deal to rejoin the club.

He explained: “QPR is very close to my heart, it’s a special place for me. I spent six years there and had some good times and bad times.

“I was more than interested in playing for them again, but the indications were that I wouldn’t have played every week.

Hill captained QPR in their 2014 play-off triumph

“I wanted to keep playing and I’d sold my house down there when we moved to Glasgow, so I didn’t feel I could justify it.”

Ironically, the R’s have since been beset by defensive injuries that would probably have ensured Hill a regular place in the team.

However, the 39-year-old, who has since joined League Two side Carlisle until the end of the season, has not ruled out returning to QPR in the future.

He added: “The timing wasn’t right. But I think maybe further down the line we could do something coaching-wise.”