Sillsy: It Was Hard To Leave

Last updated : 31 January 2006 By Stray Shots Team
Tim Sills admitted it was a tough decision to leave his beloved Aldershot Town — but insists the opportunity of playing League football was too good to turn down.

The 26-year-old striker joined League Two side Oxford United on Friday in a deal believed to be worth £50,000, made up of an initial £35,000 fee and a further £15,000 after 25 appearances.

With his contract expiring this summer and having made no secret of his desire to play in the Football League, the timing was right for the powerful forward to make his move, although he admitted it was still a wrench leaving the Rec.

“I've had the best of times and the worst of times, which sounds weird but I will certainly always look back at my time with Aldershot with the fondest memories.

“They're my big local side and it was hard to leave, one of the toughest parts is leaving the players and the fans. Everyone has been fantastic, even in the bad times the fans have carried us through and they're the reason why it's gutting to leave,” said Sills.

But it's onwards and upwards for “Sillsy” as he is known, and he believes he is in for exciting times.

“I am delighted to be playing in the League, it's another step up the ladder for me but it's exciting. It's new challenges, like Rochdale at home on Saturday, which doesn't sound very glamorous, but I'm looking forward to it.

“I still think Aldershot will make the Play-Offs, with the players they've got there is no reason why they shouldn't, although they can't afford any more blips like Saturday. It would be nice to think that I could come back one day to play against them, and it has crossed my mind,” added Sills.

But one thing that Sills did miss was a regular strike partner after tendonitis struck down Roscoe D'Sane.

“It was frustrating at first but eventually I thrived on it and I think it made me a better player. What was worse was having someone come in, then get recalled, then someone else come in and so on, you never got any continuity and that was difficult,” said Sills.

The hit-man scored 52 goals for the Shots in 126 appearances, including 10 in the League this season. Naturally, he has a few favourites in mind.

He said: “The last-minute goals against Gravesend I'll always remember just because of the timing.

“Obviously there's the penalty against Hereford in the semi-finals of the Play-Offs for the sheer importance and the Scarborough goals last season to get us into the Play-Offs.

“I'll always look out for the scores and I really do wish them the best, you don't just leave a club like that and stop caring.”

Boss Terry Brown said: “Tim has done a fantastic job for us and been a major part of our success over the last few years. He's been a fantatsic player, any club would struggle to replace him and I know I will.

“He will be sorely missed, we didn't want to lose him but it was time for him to move on, but we wish him all the best and I'm sure he'll do well in League Two.”

With thanks to the Aldershot News.