Derry City move has reignited Adam Hammill's passion for football

The former England U21 international admits he became disillusioned in recent years and even contemplated hanging up his boots if he didn’t find the ‘right move’.

However, the 32 year-old winger is excited to team up with Devine once again having worked under the City boss during his time at SPL outfit, Dunfermline back in 2007 and insists his move to Brandywell Stadium isn’t motivated by money.

The ex-Wolves and Barnsley wideman believes Devine will give him the freedom to express himself in the League of Ireland and hopes he can help bring success to the Candy Stripes this season.

“My job now is to entertain fans and help get points for the club and it’s a challenge I’m relishing to be honest. I can’t wait to get out there. This move isn’t about money it was more about getting back enjoying my football,” he stated.

“It’s similar to when I joined Dunfermline as it was the first professional games I played in and it was under Decky as well.

“I really enjoyed it. It was probably one of my most enjoyable times in football. They just gave me a license to showcase what I have. They gave me the freedom to play to my strengths which was dribbling and getting the fans off their seats.

“I played without fear then. With this move it was like coming back to that 18 or 19 year old mentality of playing without fear and going out and enjoying it.

“He’s sparked the ignition in me again. He’s sparked that light and told me to go out there and play with a smile on my face like I did at Dunfermline.

“That was a successful time for me and that’s the plan to enjoy it and entertain people along the way.

“I’ve found that passion again and the love of the game. I was becoming disillusioned and it wouldn’t have surprised me if I didn’t end up playing again after this season if the move wasn’t right for me,” he admitted. “But coming into Derry this past couple of days I’ve found that spark again.

“So whether I’m playing in front of 10 people or 100,000 people, it wouldn’t matter how many people are there as long as I’ve got a ball at my feet. That’s all I ever wanted to do. I’m just going in to express myself, help Derry get up the table and hopefully have a good cup run.”

A quick search on Youtube and you’ll find no shortage of wonder strikes from Hammill but he insists there’s a lot more to his game.

“What you see there is a player who is trying to make things happen. I can be labelled as a maverick player but I don’t shy from my responsibilities or hard work.

“I’m not afraid to try things even if they don’t come off. My job now is to entertain fans and help get points for the club and it’s a challenge I’m relishing to be honest. I can’t wait to get out there.”