Accrington Stanley has made three loan signings from Norwich City, including highly-rated centre back Hills, fellow defender Lewis Shipley, and goalkeeper Jon McCracken. Hills, who is only 19 years old, has been a regular starter in the Stanley backline and expressed his enjoyment and satisfaction with his performance so far. Despite not making a senior Norwich appearance, Hills was part of David Wagner’s squad during the early part of the pre-season. He mentioned that the league is physically and mentally tough, with games coming around quickly, but he has managed to keep himself in good shape and has played well in a good number of games. Hills also mentioned that having familiar faces from Norwich at Accrington has made his transition easier, as the chemistry is already there.
McCracken, the Scottish goalkeeper, has been in goal for Stanley’s last four league games, including a 1-1 draw against Morecambe and a 5-3 win in the Football League Trophy against Harrogate. Hills described the recent games as crucial for the team, as they got a point against Morecambe and a win against Forest Green, allowing them to build momentum. Despite his lack of experience in the league, Hills believes that on any given day, they can beat any team, and hopes that others feel the same about them. He mentioned the importance of taking advantage of key moments in games and the team’s determination and preparation leading up to the matches.
Overall, the loan signings of Hills, Shipley, and McCracken from Norwich City have had a positive impact on Accrington Stanley. Hills has been a reliable player in the backline, Shipley has added depth to the defense, and McCracken has made crucial saves as the goalkeeper. The team’s recent results, including a draw and a win in the league and a win in the Football League Trophy, have boosted morale and provided a foundation to build upon. Hills expressed his satisfaction with his performances and the team’s progress, and believes that with continued hard work and focus, they can achieve further success.
