Hotchkiss hails Ryhope for helping him rediscover love of the game

Former Ryhope CW midfielder Olly Hotchkiss has given an emotional recollection of his time at the Northern League Division One club.

After suffering contrasting fortunes during a fledgling managerial career with Durham City and Washington United, Hotchkiss admitted that he had lost his “love and appetite” for football.

But after taking time away from the game, the former

Leeds United midfielder resumed his playing career after acceptinganofferfromRyhope manager Gary Pearson.

Hotchkiss regained the form and fitness that seen him shine alongside the likes of Danny Rose and Fabian Delph in the Whites academy, and he credited the Northern League club with helping him regain his passion for the game.

After confirming his departure from Ryhope to join

Division One rivals Bishop Auckland, Hotchkiss delivered an emotional tribute to his former club.

Hotchkiss said: “If I am honest, I think I was searching for where I was going in football and Gary Pearson was really good with me. He took me in, he offered me something and told me to get my love back for the game.

“I rediscovered my love and appetite for football and it’s made it more difficult to leave because of that.

“I have been there for two and a half years and it’s about trying to challenge myself.

“I have to thank them for my time, I can’t speak highly enough of them, I was treated with respect after Gaz and Tadge (Chris McCabe, Ryhope joint-manager) brought me in from the wilderness.

“They gave me a platform to rebuild my form, fitness and confidence and I won’t ever forget that.”

Hotchkiss made the first ap p ea ra n c e o f h i s s e c o n d spell with Bishop Auckland in a 5-1 defeat at Consett on Tuesday night.

The midfielder revealed that he was tempted by the prospect of proving himself after an underwhelming first spell with the Heritage Park club in 2016.

“It’s a fresh challenge, it’s a fresh chapter and I wouldn’t normally move but I want to try something different,” he explained.

“I’m not one to mask over the truth, when I was there before, I wasn’t in good condition. I’m as fit as I have ever been, I am in a good place now and ready for the challenge.

“People say I have a point to prove, that might be true, but I just want to try and do myself justice.”