James Hilton has revealed that swapping Stranraer for Dumbarton was a tough decision. Even if it does mean his commute to games is more than two hours shorter.
The attacking midfielder penned a one year deal at The Rock last week, after turning down an offer from the Blues for whom he has made more than 100 appearances across two spells.
Boyhood Stranraer fan Hilton, known throughout the game as Jinky, was brought up in the Wigtownshire town - before his family moved to Clydebank almost a decade ago.
And he admitted that he couldn’t turn down the offer to move to his local SPFL side - and link up again with the man who gave him his debut in senior football.
Jinky told the Lennox: “I grew up in Stranraer but moved to Clydebank seven or eight years ago.
“So I’m a local boy here and I’m glad my pals and my family can all come to games now without having to trek two-and-a-half hours down the road.
“I’m delighted we’ve got the move over the line. I wanted a fresh start and I’m really pleased it’s with a club the size of Dumbarton.
“Leaving Stranraer was a tough decision. It was one I took my time over.
“Throughout the year I felt like I wanted to move on. But then Aggy (Scott Agnew) came in as manager, and that made it difficult for me.
“He offered me a good contract, I spoke to a few other teams.
“But I felt like coming to Dumbarton made sense.
“Stevie Farrell gave me my first crack at senior football when he signed me for Stranraer from Ayr United.
“I played a lot of games for him at Stranraer and now I’ve repaid him by coming here, so hopefully I can deliver again for him this season.”
Hilton spent much of last season playing as a centre-forward for the Blues, but hopes to drop into a more natural deeper role for the Sons.
The 25-year-old added: “The manager likes me in the middle of the park, and it’s probably a position I prefer playing. For the last two years I’ve played a lot as a number nine, which doesn’t really suit me.
“I hope I’ll be able to play either as an eight or 10, score a few goals, create a few goals and do my job for the team.”
Delighted Boss Stevie Farrell said: “Getting Jinky in is a terrific piece of business and I am thrilled to be able to welcome him to the club.
“Having worked with him before I know exactly what he can offer the team and he is someone who will get supporters off their seats.”
