Norwich City: Brad Hills on Stockport County transfer.

Brad Hills revealed that Liam Manning informed Norwich City that he would not be playing regularly this season after returning to Stockport County.

The 21-year-old academy graduate signed a five-year contract to return to the club he helped reach the League One play-offs with last season after a successful loan.

Hills was hoping to force his way into new City manager Manning’s Championship plans, but summer signings Hary Darling and Jakov Medic pushed him down the pecking order. The Norwich-born defender left Norfolk for a fee that could eventually rise to £2 million, plus a significant sell-on for his first club.

“I had numerous chats with the gaffer and it wasn’t meant to be,” claimed the player. “He was honest with me and told me that I wouldn’t get the game time I wanted.

Communication and honesty are the most important aspects of football, and I hope to be able to join this team. I returned fit from my vacation, and I had another chance to make the Norwich first team. “It’s a great feeling.

I did not expect it to take this long. I’m excited to be back and get going. When I arrived at the beginning of February, I immediately joined the team and thoroughly enjoyed it.

“You could probably tell that based on my emotions and how I played. It’s a great club that’s on the rise, and we can go one better than last year.”

Hills hopes to mark his return with promotion, and County has started the season with a 100 percent league and cup record following a third-place finish under Dave Challinor.

“This club deserves to be promoted, and hopefully we will be able to do so this year, so this is a great place to be and to learn, and I hope to take my career to the next level with that length of contract.”

Promotion is the goal this year, but for me, it’s about continuing to play games, making memories, and learning.

“I’m returning to a place I’ve recently visited. I know the gaffer and a few of the lads. That does not imply that it will be easier, but it should be a smoother transition.

Hills formed an impressive defensive partnership with Ethan Pye during his 18-month loan spell, but is not taking anything for granted ahead of Saturday’s league game against Orient, despite County’s flawless start.

“What else can you ask? “I’m ticking all the boxes, and I hope I don’t ruin the record,” he told County’s official YouTube channel.

“He’s played a lot of games now. Like myself. It makes it much easier to maintain relationships both on and off the pitch.

“Playing for County, walking out at Edgeley Park, especially when you have those fans behind you and will back you, whether you have a shocker or not, is a good feeling and I can’t wait to have that again.”

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