James Hill 'living in a dream' as excellent Bournemouth form continues | Bournemouth Echo

JAMES Hill said he was ‘living in a dream’ as he has continued to impress at the heart of the Cherries defence in recent months.

The Englishman, signed from Fleetwood for just £1million aged 19 in January 2022, while Bournemouth were in the Championship.

After loan spells at Heats in Scotland and at Blackburn in the 22/23 and 23/24 campaigns respectively, Hill has spent the past two seasons with the Dorset club in the Premier League.

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While he was largely a bit-part player last term, making 14 appearances with nine starts in all competitions, he has been an important player this season, particularly since the turn of the year.

Hill started three of the first eight league games for Andoni Iraola’s side, before falling slightly out of favour.

But, after the 4-1 defeat at the hands of Brentford in December, Iraola made changes and Hill has grabbed his chance with both hands.

James Hill and Bafode Diakite (Image: Richard Crease)

He has played every minute of the 11 games since at centre back alongside Marcos Senesi, keeping summer signing Bafode Diakite out of the team.

His inclusion has coincided with a noticeable improvement in the defensive solidity of the team, with Bournemouth conceding 13 goals in that time, and just eight in the past nine as they are unbeaten in that run.

Hill said he takes great pride in his performances.

“From where I've come from, I'm a boy that's come from Fleetwood, League One, and I've built myself up to these moments, and it's an honour just to put on the strip and play every Saturday,” he said.

“I think I can't take these moments for granted because these are the moments that every kid dreams of, and definitely I dreamed of as a kid, and I'm always dreaming about playing that next game as well.

James Hill (Image: Richard Crease)

“I think it is a dream that I'm living in, and I loved every moment of playing had this moment in time.”

Reflecting on his journey, Hill said: “Well, obviously my pops [Matt Hill] was an ex-professional who played for Preston North End and then after getting released by Blackpool, Bolton, I ended up getting picked up by Fleetwood.

“Fleetwood gave me a chance, they pushed me forward into the first team, and I played when I was 18, around there, made my debut at 16, and then progressed and finally got a move to here when we was in the Championship.

“Obviously it's taken a while for me to actually build a run of games together, but I've worked hard for this moment and I'm cherishing every moment that I'm getting.”

James Hill. (Image: Richard Crease)

“I think I'm wanting to improve every day and I'm wanting to get better to that next level.

“I think there's a lot of people that believe that, well, maybe I wasn't cut out for this at the start of the season, but it's all about showing that, you know what, I can do this.

“When given the opportunity, I can play in this league. And I've really enjoyed it so far.

“I think my character as well, I'm always ready for that battle when the times get tough, that's where I really enjoy it because that's where real true character is.

“You see them on the football pitch. And yeah, I've really enjoyed every moment and battling with these boys on a Saturday. I couldn't be any prouder.”