REDS legend Adam Hammill has all-but called time on his playing career this summer, after a spell in non-league, and is focusing on coaching – with a return to Oakwell something he would ‘love’.
The 37-year-old played 199 games across three spells with Barnsley including the 2015/16 promotion campaign in which he was captained by Conor Hourihane whose appointment as head coach Hammill has applauded.
Hammill left Barnsley in 2018 then, after spells with Scunthorpe, Stockport, St Mirren and Derry City, he spent the last four years in non-league football – most recently with Litherland REMYCA in the eighth tier North West Counties League.
Hammill told the Chronicle: “My focus this year will be fully on coaching.
“You never say never about playing a few games, but those days are behind me. I finish my UEFA B Licence this month and I am looking to set up a coaching business.”
Hammill is hoping to get a coaching job at a professional club in the near future but is waiting to finish his qualifications this summer, with nothing imminent expected. He said: “There are a few contacts who want to be made aware when I get the licence of what my next steps are.
“But going back to Oakwell is something I would love to do.
“All my memories are in Barnsley.
“They are the fondest times of my footballing career, even though I played in the Premier League and played for England under 21s. The best times of my career and life were in Barnsley which is my adopted home.
“I lived there for years with my family.
“I love going back there.
“In the future, I wouldn’t put it past myself to be there. If the opportunity arises, I would love it.”
Hammill played for Litherland at Bury this year, bringing back unfortunate memories of his time at Barnsley – as he was sent off at Gigg Lane in 2016.
“We played against Bury in front of 3,000. That was a good experience for the young lads in the team.
“I was trying to explain to the young players that, last time I played there for Barnsley, I got sent off. I ended up scoring there which righted the wrong.”
On Hourihane’s appointment as head coach, Hammill said: “It might be a bit earlier than he expected to be a head coach but there is no one better suited in my opinion.”
