Ex-Hull City winger Stuart Elliott says home is where the heart is after returning to football with Glentoran
FORMER Hull City winger Stuart Elliott admits the chance to return to Northern Ireland and be closer to his family in Belfast was the reason behind him pulling on his boots again.
After playing in England and Scotland for the last 12 years, Elliott returned home to sign for Irish Premier League side Glentoran earlier this season, the club where he first made his name.
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Stuart Elliott during his Hull City days
Elliott, who is continuing his Christian Ministry commitments in Belfast, admits the decision to leave England was a tough one to make, but he insists it was the right one.
"I made a lot of really good friends in Hull but I needed a new challenge," Elliott told the Mail.
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"I said if I ever returned home to Northern Ireland, I would join Glentoran again.
"It's great to be back playing for my home-town team.
"I left Northern Ireland in 2000 and felt it was the right time to return.
"I'm enjoying it and it's true when they say home is where the heart is."
The 34-year-old who left City in August 2008, has helped Glentoran to third in the Irish Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Cliftonville.
But Elliott admits his role in the team has changed from when he was a prolific scorer for the Tigers in their back-to-back promotion winning seasons between 2004 and 2006.
"I'm playing in a very young but talented Glentoran side," Elliott said.
"It's a bit of a transition period for us and we are looking for our first trophy.
"When we get that more success will follow and I don't think we are far away from getting it. There is a big belief within the squad."
Comments
by BigBillyBilly
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 11:18PM
“Merlin,I'm glad you mentioned Stuart Elliott's heading ability,I'd half forgotten that,though I remember he had a beautiful,light-footed athleticism when he ran and a brilliant spring when challenging for headers.I wonder how much his 6 week injury-absence in 2005 affected his performances thereafter,because he was League One's top scorer that year,27 league goals,a massive return and some classic left-foot thumpers amongst them.
Glad he's found his new challenges in football and what seems to be his very own Christian Ministry,if he preaches like he played football his parishioners will be thoroughly converted!”
by Removal Man Hull - Local & Nationwide Removals & Storage
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 10:39PM
“Best of luck to a city legend and 2 season footballing genius. Without his goals of the 2nd promotion year who knows were we would now be? I'll deffo make a beeline for Glentoran real soon in the hope of catching that trademark cartwheel! Best of luck Stuart!”
by merlin_
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 4:24PM
“on and off the field...... typo”
by merlin_
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 4:23PM
“Best header of the ball since Joe Jordan. In fact I think he scored an absolute belter with his head at the KC against Huddersfield some years ago. Stue was and is a class act. A delight to watch and who can forget the cartwheels every time he scored. I am pleased he is still playing but disappointed he's out of the game here. Hopefully, he'll keep in touch from time to time. Always a pleasure to hear about Stuart Elliot's exploits on and off the world. Top man. Best wishes.”
by DeeGee13
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 1:13PM
“Thought he'd fully retired.
One of my favourite all time City players.
Good luck.”
by SteveB1234567
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 12:55PM
“All the best, Stuey.”