Midfielder beaming to be back at City
Returning City man Matt Gill admitted that he has had a grin from ear to ear since learning of the opportunity to come back to St James Park.
The midfielder, who played three seasons with the Grecians as the side earned back-to-back promotions, was brought in on loan from Bristol Rovers on Friday, just in time for the weekend’s trip to Scunthorpe United.
32-year-old Gill had only featured once for the Pirates this season after returning from injury, and opportunities were not forthcoming at the Memorial Stadium.
And no hesitation was necessary for Gill to make a decision on whether to take the chance to come back to the Park.
“Since I knew there was a chance of it happening, I’ve had a constant smile on my face,” said Gill. “I’m just really chuffed to have got it done, and it finally went through on Friday morning.
“I was sat in the office at Bristol, waiting for Mike Radford to get the paperwork through – once it went through before the deadline, it was brilliant. I drove up to Warwick University where the lads were training – missed Robbo’s warm-up, which was probably good! – and went straight in with the lads.
“It was a whirlwind 48 hours, but really enjoyable. Even to watch the boys on Saturday was really nice to see.
For Gill, the opportunity has arisen after the unfortunate ankle-injury to Matt Oakley, whose withdrawal in the second half against Plymouth Argyle could see him sidelined until the New Year.
“It feels the perfect timing for everything and with the situation was in, and it’s great to be back under Tis,” he continued.
“It’s always the case that someone gets an opportunity through someone else being injured. It’s not nice – I’ve had that the other way around, and my injury last year meant others got their opportunities at Rovers. I probably wouldn’t be stood here now if Matt Oakley was fit – it’s as simple as that.
“But I’ve got an opportunity, and hopefully Matt makes a full recovery too. It’s one of those situations where once door closes and another one opens.”