James' Jambo Delight

22 June 2023

The 20-year-old central defender joins Hearts on loan from English Premiership side Bournemouth until the end of the season and is already relishing running out at a full Tynecastle.

Speaking to Hearts TV, Hill said: “I am over the moon to get this deal done and I just can’t wait to get started and get playing in front of this big crowd. It is a massive club with a great history, but the players in this team will definitely help me to improve as a player.”

Asked about what the Hearts fans can expect from him, he replied:

“I would say I am an aggressive defender. I like to enjoy the ball at my feet, but I enjoy defending and working hard. Every moment I get to step on the pitch, I never give up, but I am a very physical defender and I have a little attribute of a long-throw that I like to try and contribute with.”

Hill spent four years at Fleetwood Town, before Bournemouth signed him in January 2022 for an undisclosed fee and 12-months on from his Cherries move, he believes his game has improved a lot.

“The standard of player that I have been playing with is a lot higher, but I think that has improved me. Coming from Fleetwood and that very physical league, to then having to try and improve myself as a player on the ball at Bournemouth. I think I am really improving in that area and that is something I would like to show here.

“I think you get a bit of everything in this league. It is very physical but also very tactical. For me, I need to learn to play in front of these big crowds as I grow up and I think here is the best place for me to do that.”