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I won't quit Tigers - Hill

Simon Smedley
19/12/2002

SOCCER: Hyde United manager Gordon Hill has responded to mounting speculation over his future by stating that he won't walk away from Ewen Fields.

Former Manchester United star Hill is still seeking his first UniBond league win since taking over from Dave Nolan in October, and rumours have been doing the rounds that he may soon face the sack.

But Hill drew the positives from the goalless draw at Frickley Athletic before indicating his determination to turn Hyde's fortunes around.

The Tigers are rooted to the bottom of the premier division and have played more games than their relegation rivals, but Hill said: "I can only do my utmost to turn things around, I'm a tryer and I won't give in - I won't walk away.

"I care very much about my job but I won't be losing any sleep over all the speculation, I'm an old professional and I won't let the doubters get to me.

"Last Saturday at Frickley we played much better and I was pleased with the performance, the lads are standing up to be counted now.

"It doesn't bother me whether we play Accrington or Frickley at the moment, in this league anybody can beat anybody and the lads are starting to feel that way too.

"We hit the crossbar and the post and really could have wrapped victory up on another day, but at least the performance was 100 per cent better than the one against Harrogate (which Hyde lost 5-1)."

Hill now has more than a week to assess his difficult situation at Ewen Fields before the visit of high-flying neighbours Stalybridge on Boxing day.

Hill added: "That will be tough, but we've shown up well against Accrington and Emley lately."

Dave Swanick will miss that game through suspension, while Hill has issued seven days notice of approach to Caernarfon for right-back Paul Roberts.

Published December 19