James Hill admits he is 'gutted' to be leaving Blackburn Rovers after bidding an emotional goodbye to the club.

The defender has been recalled by Bournemouth and has left Brockhall to return to the South Coast. Hill was supposed to spend the season at Ewood Park but the Cherries activated a clause in the deal to bring him back.

The 22-year-old was incredibly happy at Rovers, playing regularly and being closer to home, having come through at Fleetwood Town. Hill has already played for two clubs this season and so if Bournemouth's injuries cleared up, he could, in theory, return later in the month.

Hill has incredibly fond memories of his time with Rovers, his first Championship loan where he became a fans' favourite. Reflecting on his spell, he relayed how much he's enjoyed his stay.

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"For myself, I am gutted I can't carry on the journey until the end of the season with this amazing team," he told Rovers TV. 

"What a journey I've had. I feel like I have grown so much as a player and to say goodbye is a sad moment. To be recalled by my parent club is a positive and I owe it to the club for giving me the opportunity to the club.

"It's been incredible. I don't think Blackburn understands the opportunity they have given me. My first Championship season, how I thought I'd do to how I've done, I've impressed and surprised myself and I think others too.

"This club has given me so much. I am a Northern boy so to be able to come back home, see family I haven't seen in a long time and to be playing week in, week out, I struggle to find the words to say thank you.

"It's been an honour to put the badge on and wear the blue and white halves on a Saturday or a Tuesday night. It's been incredible for me and my family."

Working under Jon Dahl Tomasson has been particularly beneficial for Hill. He had to bide his time for an opportunity but after starting at Coventry in October, he has been a regular in the side.

Hill has often played right-back as well as in the centre, giving Rovers extra height and defensive security in that role. That added tactical flexibility is one skill he'll take back with him to Bournemouth.

"I think I have come on in a lot of areas of my game," he explained. The Championship is such a tough league and the demands to play week in, week out, there are so many games.

"December was a tough period for us all and we felt that. But the opportunity the gaffer has given me since I came in, he took a chance on me and let me play. I feel like I've stood up to that, playing right-back, I haven't really done that consistently until this season.

"It's been incredible and that's something I've added to my game. I can take that with me and say I can play both positions now.

"Jon has changed the way I look at the game in certain aspects. I am more confident on the ball, he says to play the riskier passes, he's given me that confidence that even if I lose the ball in certain areas, playing the ball will go through and we might score."

He added: "The highlight for me has to be the crowd shouting 'SHOOOOOT' and me burying it. To score my first Championship goal and get three assists has been really positive.

"I don't get many goals or assists so to take one away with me (is great). I have a framed photo at home with that one on the wall, the first one.

"It'll live fond in my memory for the rest of my life. The fans have been fantastic and I want to thank them for assisting me."