Hoskins: Homesickness forced me to leave Albion

9:00am Tuesday 1st May 2012 in Albion By Andy Naylor

Will Hoskins made just nine appearances for Albion Will Hoskins made just nine appearances for Albion

Will Hoskins has no idea if he still has a future at Albion after revealing homesickness prompted a move back north.

Hoskins is undergoing double hernia surgery in Manchester today, which has cut short his spell on loan with League One promotion-chasers Sheffield United.

The Nottingham-born striker’s decision to join the Blades in January for the rest of the season disappointed Seagullls chief Gus Poyet.

He expected Hoskins to stay and fight for his place following a £500,000 move from Bristol Rovers last summer but a series of injury problems left the prolific 25-year-old depressed and longing to go back home.

Hoskins told The Argus: “I am just looking forward to getting the operation done because this season has been one of the maddest of my career, trying to fight everything.

“It’s been a bit weird. Brighton is about four hours away from Nottingham, miles away from any family. It’s been just me, my partner and two kids.

“I kept getting injured, coming back and getting injured again, which had a massive impact on me mentally.

“I got depressed and down. I wasn’t myself and went to auto pilot when the opportunity arose. I just wanted to get back home.”

Full story in The Argus today

Comments(56)

7Rookie says...
9:06am Tue 1 May 12

Looked good in pre-season and in the short amount we got to see him so hopefully this operation puts the injuries behind him and he can come back for next season injury free with his head in the right place.

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markymark03 says...
9:30am Tue 1 May 12

Probably best for him and the club if he moves for good. Hes probably not the partner CMS needs anyway. I just hope the club can get as much money back from this one as possible, but its doubtful.

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Bish May Turn says...
9:34am Tue 1 May 12

Brighton is 3-4 hours from Nottingham, how much closer is Bristol ? Bit of a lame excuse, doubt we will see him again, shame thought he was a good signing.

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Zamora25 says...
9:48am Tue 1 May 12

Probably best for him and the club if he moves for good.

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The Real Ryfish says...
10:02am Tue 1 May 12

Bish May Turn wrote:
Brighton is 3-4 hours from Nottingham, how much closer is Bristol ? Bit of a lame excuse, doubt we will see him again, shame thought he was a good signing.
The distance was less of an issue in Bristol because he wasn't constantly injured. I can see his point.

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rusty dave says...
10:24am Tue 1 May 12

Sorry Will - didn't you check the map and think things through carefully before you signed.

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Alan G Skinner says...
10:38am Tue 1 May 12

Hmmmmm.

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HOVEPARKRESIDENT says...
10:48am Tue 1 May 12

Just a lame excuse. He couldn't be bothered to fight for his place so he took an easy loan option. These are the type of players Brighton could do without. Vicente staying/going/stayin
g/going??? Just go now!! Get rid of all the dead wood now including Poyet. If Poyet had gone the first eight games without a win you would have all wanted him out. Just because it was at the end of the season it shouldn't make a difference. When Brighton needed good management HE FAILED. Open your eyes Brighton he's not the manager you think he is. Change now otherwise it will be a relegation battle next year.

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Brighton100 says...
10:51am Tue 1 May 12

Bit lame to be honest, Hoskins portrayed himself as the professional player being pushed North by Poyet to get first team football, he could have just been honest at the time.
And the bit about “miles away from any family. It’s been just me, my partner and two kids.” - Who else did he want with him?
If greasy chips butties up north mean that much to him then let him go, he got a to pick up a nice pay cheque and there are far worse places to live! – I’m sure those boys out in Afghan get homesick and earn a fraction of the salary for risking their lives.

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puffpunx says...
11:24am Tue 1 May 12

How can he complain about homesickness when people (like myself) as young as 18 leave for university with no family in the university town or county at all?

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Mark Dixon says...
11:35am Tue 1 May 12

If anyone in football has the right to be home sick it's Carlos Teves, his family live just under 7'000 miles away, not 180 odd miles to Nottingham!

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The Real Ryfish says...
11:41am Tue 1 May 12

Flippin'eck guys, he's allowed to feel homesick! Everyone is different and we can't judge him by how we react away from home, anymore than we can judge Mike Yardy just because we've never suffered depression.

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Baldseagull says...
11:50am Tue 1 May 12

I recall a supposed transfer or loan was announced to Bournemouth. Hoskins knew nothing about it when the story hit the press, but it was clear that talks between the clubs had taken place.
He did not want to go there and it was said he preferred to stay and fight for his place.
I think that is why Gus said he was surprised when he went to Sheffield, but obviously there was a draw other than just first team football to go to Sheffield.

I was more excited by his signing than CMS last summer, hope he stays, he has speed of thought and you can't teach that.

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pte says...
11:51am Tue 1 May 12

As the prodigal son has made a public grovelling apology (takes a real man to do that) Gus has no choice but to take him back to his bosom and forgive him. Ahhhh

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fairweathersupporter says...
12:00pm Tue 1 May 12

Whatever the opinions on his reasons, it is clear he has no support network down here and without that it's not really going to work out. From what little we've seen, he is not the answer to our striker conundrum, which i hope continues to revolve around CMS. I wish him a swift move on to where he and his family can be happy.

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dave from bexill says...
12:02pm Tue 1 May 12

Brighton100 said "if greasy chip butties up north means that much to him then let him go"

Another bit of idiotic stereotyping from someone who probably gets a nose bleed going further north than Watford Gap

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fairweathersupporter says...
12:11pm Tue 1 May 12

dave from bexill wrote:
Brighton100 said "if greasy chip butties up north means that much to him then let him go" Another bit of idiotic stereotyping from someone who probably gets a nose bleed going further north than Watford Gap
They are all a bit strange past the Watford Gap though. I'd often pondered on the decision by Emperor Hadrian to build his wall so far into the barbarian lands. Northampton is the final bastion of civilised society after all.

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MikeTheMan says...
12:51pm Tue 1 May 12

Yes, pretty lame excuse I'm afraid. Bristol is about 120 miles from Nottingam, . Brighton just over 150 miles - not a substantial difference. And as I recall, Hoskins was extremely keen to get here last summer. By all accounts he didn't endear himself to Gus both on and off the field. Whilst he has a decent scoring record in the lower leagues, I can't honestly see him as the man who is going to help us get 20 plus more points than we got this season, which is what we need if we are serious about aiming for automatic promotion sooner rather than later.

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Bish May Turn says...
1:04pm Tue 1 May 12

Players travel all over the world to play and leave family behind, he is 3 hours away from Nottingham, perhaps he should consider a change of profession and move back home with his mum.

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magoo says...
1:16pm Tue 1 May 12

What kind of grown man has homesickness?? He's only a few hours away from home surely?

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The Real Ryfish says...
1:37pm Tue 1 May 12

MikeTheMan wrote:
Yes, pretty lame excuse I'm afraid. Bristol is about 120 miles from Nottingam, . Brighton just over 150 miles - not a substantial difference. And as I recall, Hoskins was extremely keen to get here last summer. By all accounts he didn't endear himself to Gus both on and off the field. Whilst he has a decent scoring record in the lower leagues, I can't honestly see him as the man who is going to help us get 20 plus more points than we got this season, which is what we need if we are serious about aiming for automatic promotion sooner rather than later.
Three questions re your post:
It's only a lame excuse if you know for certain it is not true, or do you know his frame of mind?
And by whose accounts did he not endear himself? ALL accounts?
And why persist with the myth that teams need a 20 goal a season striker? Reading have surely put that nonsense to bed!

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The Real Ryfish says...
2:11pm Tue 1 May 12

The Real Ryfish wrote:
MikeTheMan wrote:
Yes, pretty lame excuse I'm afraid. Bristol is about 120 miles from Nottingam, . Brighton just over 150 miles - not a substantial difference. And as I recall, Hoskins was extremely keen to get here last summer. By all accounts he didn't endear himself to Gus both on and off the field. Whilst he has a decent scoring record in the lower leagues, I can't honestly see him as the man who is going to help us get 20 plus more points than we got this season, which is what we need if we are serious about aiming for automatic promotion sooner rather than later.
Three questions re your post:
It's only a lame excuse if you know for certain it is not true, or do you know his frame of mind?
And by whose accounts did he not endear himself? ALL accounts?
And why persist with the myth that teams need a 20 goal a season striker? Reading have surely put that nonsense to bed!
Ignore last point - misread MikeTheMan saying 20 points. Apologies.

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SMF20 says...
2:14pm Tue 1 May 12

This could of course just be a smoke sceen for the real reason.
A little bird told me that he was a naughty boy.

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kumquat says...
2:29pm Tue 1 May 12

Agree with Ryfish on these. Don't think it's fair to judge. Murray certainly found it hard even when he didn't have a hernia, but an injury can really affect you psychologically. Dicker has talked about how difficult he found it and having the support from Elphick was clearly invaluable to him. Throw in a new environment with the injury and it can be very destabilising I'd imagine. People all deal with these things differently. Fair play to him for coming out and admitting something that was bound to attract calls of being somewhat lame. Hope he can now crack on and just agree with Gus what's best for him and the club.

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MikeTheMan says...
2:40pm Tue 1 May 12

The Real Ryfish - see SMF20's post. I have heard the same from a couple of sources

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Billyboyarnold says...
2:54pm Tue 1 May 12

rusty dave wrote:
Sorry Will - didn't you check the map and think things through carefully before you signed.
I am Brighton through and through living in Bradford and I constantly miss Brighton, so what do I do, i get a Season Ticket and visit every two weeks, easy. Brighton Bill Yorkshire Seagull.

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Brighton100 says...
3:40pm Tue 1 May 12

dave from bexill says...
12:02pm Tue 1 May 12

Brighton100 said "if greasy chip butties up north means that much to him then let him go"

Another bit of idiotic stereotyping from someone who probably gets a nose bleed going further north than Watford Gap”

Dave, I take it you don’t go to away games? – Barnsley, Burnley, Doncaster all very scenic places. I suppose every game must seem like an away game from Bexhill though...

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Too many Harveys says...
4:14pm Tue 1 May 12

Naughty boy? Do tell....

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bruce beckett says...
4:26pm Tue 1 May 12

Bit of a wasted season for Will. I was very excited by the signing after his superb 2010-11 season for Bristol Rovers. I'm sure when he's fit again he will rediscover his undoubted eye for goal. Whether that will be for Brighton in the Championship is another matter but who's going to fork out 500k for him right now? P.S. Aren't all footballers 'naughty boys'. Seems to be the case at the moment.

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dave from bexill says...
4:27pm Tue 1 May 12

Brighton100. I rest my case.

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Captain Haddock says...
5:11pm Tue 1 May 12

kumquat wrote:
Agree with Ryfish on these. Don't think it's fair to judge. Murray certainly found it hard even when he didn't have a hernia, but an injury can really affect you psychologically. Dicker has talked about how difficult he found it and having the support from Elphick was clearly invaluable to him. Throw in a new environment with the injury and it can be very destabilising I'd imagine. People all deal with these things differently. Fair play to him for coming out and admitting something that was bound to attract calls of being somewhat lame. Hope he can now crack on and just agree with Gus what's best for him and the club.
This.

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ShorehamBeachcomber says...
6:28pm Tue 1 May 12

He may as well have said 'I'm not good enough for Brighton, they stupidly overpaid for me & I just took the money knowing I'd be home by Christmas & looking forward to seeing my nice new conservatory installed

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namgo49 says...
7:06pm Tue 1 May 12

One of those odd signings along with Harley and the full back from Crawley who went to Oxford and the lad Westlake of Preston was mug enough to sign, he having played for him at Stevenage.

Hopefully the club will learn from the experience and will have the opportunity to move him on to Sheffield Utd as recent events have seen their top striker now residing elsewhere.

I always thought Hoskins had a very neat haircut.

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pablobrowno says...
7:50pm Tue 1 May 12

Quality player. Top finish against Cardiff remember? That was one of our slickest moves of the season!! Come back Will injury free and make it happen! This player is a great up front all rounder!

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gordongull says...
8:29pm Tue 1 May 12

Will Hoskins isn't on Zamora25's retained list, so it's not looking good.

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The Phantom says...
9:47pm Tue 1 May 12

No reason to doubt the feelings expressed - always harder when you are not playing due to injury. Would have been a lot worse if his wife and kids had stayed in Nottingham. Only time he looked fit was in pre-season and in the game at Cardiff. Looked to me that he could link up well with CMS in those early days and felt he would make a reasonable contribution in terms of goals. Would like to see him again next season but expect him to move on to another championship or League 1 side (injury permitting) for approx 400K

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9 of us says...
10:15pm Tue 1 May 12

Will was on the bus in BTN Town on Monday talking to my mate Kent Pocknall. Reckons he's off as Poyet was upset with his poor attitude. Oh well, let's see who we buy in the summer, or loan in maybe?

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Vince says...
10:50pm Tue 1 May 12

Will Hoskins linked very well with CMS at Derby, in the one match when they played alongside each other. His control of the ball and intelligent use of the ball, make it imperative to my mind that we don't get rid of him, before he has a chance to prove himself when fit. Everything he is now saying is pointing to a plea to be given another chance. If he does get games under his belt, and makes a positive contribution, then his transfer value will also increase.
I am dismayed at the unsympathetic response from many Albion supporters, who are supposed to a fair-minded lot. Give the guy a chance. That's what you would want if you were in his position.

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kumquat says...
8:31am Wed 2 May 12

gordongull wrote:
Will Hoskins isn't on Zamora25's retained list, so it's not looking good.
Indeed. Gus has been told.

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PittaPatta says...
8:50am Wed 2 May 12

Let's be honest here, does anyone know the real truth behind any comments made through the media?
There have been so many conflicting reports regarding Will Hoskins since his transfer to the Albion, it is difficult to form any reasonably valid opinion of his situation.
According to the Sheffield press not so very long ago, Hoskins was quoted as being determined to stay at the club (Sheffield United) for the long term. There was mention of him being overlooked at Brighton, and that he believed he had a better chance of playing for a team that was closer to his heart, namely United.
Forster rocked the boat and was offloaded, which clearly indicated that Gus would never stand for anyone not dedicated to his cause. This is exactly what strong managers do. They do not suffer fools gladly, and will only maintain those who meet a certain standard.
I wonder how many others have not met the desired standard for the next season? Quite a few I would suggest.

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puppy saint says...
9:21am Wed 2 May 12

FFS! What happened to you beating Wham in the sunshine? Keep up! UTA and COYR

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PittaPatta says...
9:33am Wed 2 May 12

puppy saint wrote:
FFS! What happened to you beating Wham in the sunshine? Keep up! UTA and COYR
We made a bit of a dogs dinner of the run-in. Instead of woofing up the opposition, we travelled poorly, but were okay in our own kennel.
You lot have been let off your leads, so the best of luck in the Premier. We'll be barking at the door of the top flight next season.
Just be careful when you play SAF, because you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.
All the best to you puppy saint

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rusty dave says...
9:41am Wed 2 May 12

Billyboyarnold wrote:
rusty dave wrote:
Sorry Will - didn't you check the map and think things through carefully before you signed.
I am Brighton through and through living in Bradford and I constantly miss Brighton, so what do I do, i get a Season Ticket and visit every two weeks, easy. Brighton Bill Yorkshire Seagull.
You are a "True Supporter" Billyboyarnold lets hope Will has read your post

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Eastbourner says...
9:57am Wed 2 May 12

HOVEPARKRESIDENT wrote:
Just a lame excuse. He couldn't be bothered to fight for his place so he took an easy loan option. These are the type of players Brighton could do without. Vicente staying/going/stayin

g/going??? Just go now!! Get rid of all the dead wood now including Poyet. If Poyet had gone the first eight games without a win you would have all wanted him out. Just because it was at the end of the season it shouldn't make a difference. When Brighton needed good management HE FAILED. Open your eyes Brighton he's not the manager you think he is. Change now otherwise it will be a relegation battle next year.
Go back and crawl under your rock, you obviously have no idea about football, the game is measured on a full season and not 8 x games, if you measure the success Gus has had since he arrived you would understand why we should keep him. I guess that is failure in your eyes, I bet you wanted Roy Hodgson as England Manager!!! No idea

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Baldseagull says...
10:16am Wed 2 May 12

Err... I think Hodgson is a good choice for England Manager, sorry.
I am just off now to get my tin hat.

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kumquat says...
11:00am Wed 2 May 12

Baldseagull wrote:
Err... I think Hodgson is a good choice for England Manager, sorry. I am just off now to get my tin hat.
Err... me too. But clearly we are wrong!

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fairweathersupporter says...
11:00am Wed 2 May 12

Eastbourner wrote:
HOVEPARKRESIDENT wrote: Just a lame excuse. He couldn't be bothered to fight for his place so he took an easy loan option. These are the type of players Brighton could do without. Vicente staying/going/stayin g/going??? Just go now!! Get rid of all the dead wood now including Poyet. If Poyet had gone the first eight games without a win you would have all wanted him out. Just because it was at the end of the season it shouldn't make a difference. When Brighton needed good management HE FAILED. Open your eyes Brighton he's not the manager you think he is. Change now otherwise it will be a relegation battle next year.
Go back and crawl under your rock, you obviously have no idea about football, the game is measured on a full season and not 8 x games, if you measure the success Gus has had since he arrived you would understand why we should keep him. I guess that is failure in your eyes, I bet you wanted Roy Hodgson as England Manager!!! No idea
Well,well, well. HPR takes 24hrs to provoke a reply, with some pretty hefty anti Poyet rhetoric to try and incite. Slipping me thinks or are we all learning. Or perhaps 'busted'.
Don't worry Eastbourner, he lives under a bridge and eats goats...

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rolivan says...
12:13pm Wed 2 May 12

Gus did have Calderon back when He had a last minute change of heart.So you never know.

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gordongull says...
12:14pm Wed 2 May 12

kumquat wrote:
Baldseagull wrote:
Err... I think Hodgson is a good choice for England Manager, sorry. I am just off now to get my tin hat.
Err... me too. But clearly we are wrong!
I agree .
Roy Hodgson is a surprisingly suitable and accomplished selection as England manager, particularly in view of his remarkable achievements with the Swiss national side.
I am a recent convert, having previously dismissed him as being the worst case scenario.

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gordongull says...
12:27pm Wed 2 May 12

puppy saint wrote:
FFS! What happened to you beating Wham in the sunshine? Keep up! UTA and COYR
Haha, - you guys must have watched in disbelief as your goal-difference was being trashed!
Fortunately it didn't have any effect at the end of the day.

UTA, COYR.

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Captain Haddock says...
1:50pm Wed 2 May 12

kumquat wrote:
Baldseagull wrote: Err... I think Hodgson is a good choice for England Manager, sorry. I am just off now to get my tin hat.
Err... me too. But clearly we are wrong!
Me too.

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Captain Haddock says...
2:03pm Wed 2 May 12

Haha, Puppy you ole devil! Keep that PL warm for us....we'll be up there for good very soon!

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albionfan33 says...
2:50pm Wed 2 May 12

Captain Haddock wrote:
kumquat wrote:
Baldseagull wrote: Err... I think Hodgson is a good choice for England Manager, sorry. I am just off now to get my tin hat.
Err... me too. But clearly we are wrong!
Me too.
hes an excellent choice i think hes a gd international manager i just hope he can pick who he wants n not who the fa want get the old guard out who clearly cant win anything or put up a decent showing with their caught in the headlights syndrome oh well ive built myself up for another championship hehe

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davidinsouthampton says...
5:00pm Wed 2 May 12

kumquat wrote:
Baldseagull wrote:
Err... I think Hodgson is a good choice for England Manager, sorry. I am just off now to get my tin hat.
Err... me too. But clearly we are wrong!
I will climb on the Roy Bus, too. never wanted Harry, and Roy seems more of a genuine football figure who can put things in place for the long term rather than a wheeler dealer.

And if you've seen the Sun's headlines today, i don't care if he has a lisp.

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Hovite says...
5:28pm Wed 2 May 12

davidinsouthampton wrote:
kumquat wrote:
Baldseagull wrote:
Err... I think Hodgson is a good choice for England Manager, sorry. I am just off now to get my tin hat.
Err... me too. But clearly we are wrong!
I will climb on the Roy Bus, too. never wanted Harry, and Roy seems more of a genuine football figure who can put things in place for the long term rather than a wheeler dealer.

And if you've seen the Sun's headlines today, i don't care if he has a lisp.
With the £10 million cost to compensate Spurs it was a no brainer really.

I can't believe the Sun is giving Roy stick already. Obviously run by Trolls!

Good luck to him and I shall now look forward to the Euros.

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Captain Haddock says...
1:40am Thu 3 May 12

Hovite wrote:
davidinsouthampton wrote:
kumquat wrote:
Baldseagull wrote:
Err... I think Hodgson is a good choice for England Manager, sorry. I am just off now to get my tin hat.
Err... me too. But clearly we are wrong!
I will climb on the Roy Bus, too. never wanted Harry, and Roy seems more of a genuine football figure who can put things in place for the long term rather than a wheeler dealer.

And if you've seen the Sun's headlines today, i don't care if he has a lisp.
With the £10 million cost to compensate Spurs it was a no brainer really.

I can't believe the Sun is giving Roy stick already. Obviously run by Trolls!

Good luck to him and I shall now look forward to the Euros.
The Sun newspaper is a filthy, vile waste of space and a national embarrassment.

I would never buy that pile of carp anyway but if i did those days would swiftly have ended the day they published their vile lies and wild speculation on the Hillsborough tragedy.

Their 1970s childishness and base, lowest-of-the-low-co
mmon -denominator school yard prejudice, jingoism and cheap jibing shows them up on days like today. Pathetic, ill-advised, humourless, puerile and tasteless. Congratulations to the editor of this national embarrassment....a new low has been reached in lampooning an England manager BEFORE he starts work. You and your anti-journalism have been a key reason for the failure of our international teams. Go screw yourselves...though the word I'd use to describe you all would suggest you already do, in a manner of speaking!

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