Barnsley: Unfinished business behind Hammill’s stay

The former Liverpool midfielder put pen to paper on a new contract which will keep him at Oakwell until June 30 yesterday.

And, having initially joined the Reds on a short-term deal to January, the 27-year-old hopes he can play a key role in helping the club climb out of the relegation and return to Wembley for the first time since 2008 when they lost 1-0 to Cardiff City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

“It was a very easy decision for me to stay because I feel as though I’ve got unfinished business here,” admitted Hammill. “That was one of the main reasons for coming back.

“I feel like a owe the fans because, in my opinion, I left the club too early last time.

“I feel as though I’m playing like a kid again, I’m playing with a smile again.

“Now, for the next six months, I can get my head down, work hard and hopefully help get us to Wembley and up the league.

“Coming to a club I knew so well helped me hit the ground running.

“Familiar surroundings is getting the best out of me. I didn’t want to go anywhere else, it was a no-brainer for me to go here.

“Who wouldn’t want to be a footballer at the end of the day? It’s a brilliant job and I really appreciate everything the football club has done for me.”

Hammill has played eight times since returning to Oakwell and has bagged two goals, one of which came in a memorable 4-2 penalty shootout win over Wigan Athletic in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area semi-finals last weekend.

And now the Reds are just two wins away from a mouth-watering return to the home of football.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be staying, I feel as though I’ve started something again here,” added Hammill, who impressed in his previous loan and permanent spells with the South Yorkshire club.

“We’re on a good road at the moment and hopefully we can get to Wembley.

“And it’s about hopefully performing on a regular basis and climbing up the table, so I’m excited.”

Reds boss Lee Johnson reflected: “We’re delighted to have secured Adam’s services until the end of the season.

“It’s clear Adam is passionate about this club – he’s committed to the cause.

“You only have to look at the way he celebrated his goal on Saturday to see just how big a connection he has with the fans.”

Ivan Toney, who scored his first Barnsley goal last weekend has extended his stay until January 9.