Ben Hall programme article
Posted : 8th February 2022
‘Look at Linfield’ this week catches up with deadline day signing Ben Hall who signed from Falkirk. The 25-year-old says he’s delighted to join the Blues.
“I am delighted to be here. When the opportunity arose and I was made aware of the interest, it was something that I wanted to do. I felt like I needed a fresh start to get back enjoying football again. I spoke to David and the staff here and they made me feel like this is the place I can get back to doing that.”
The Fermanagh native joins on a two-and-a-half-year contract and now that he’s back home in Northern Ireland, he sees it as an opportunity to settle at a club and believes that can be the platform for him to perform at his best.
“Ever since I was at Brighton in my younger days, it’s been short term contracts at the clubs I’ve been at, so I’ve never really had the security of knowing where my future was going to be. With the two-and-a-half-year deal I have signed, it allows me to fully settle and get my head down to focus on Linfield and trying to be successful here. I know this is a club that craves success and has so much history. As a player, that challenge excites you.”
Ben is determined to hit the ground running and confirms that he is comfortable with the ball-playing demands on Linfield defenders.
“Although I’m a no-nonsense defender and enjoy a tackle, I would say I am composed on the ball too and that’s important here with how the manager likes to play out from the back. That is the way the modern game is now. I just hope to bring essential qualities to the team and hopefully, help us get results.
“I know a lot of the players here already. I played with quite a few at youth level and that always helps you when you’re coming into a new environment. It’s been good getting to know everyone so far, even though it’s still early days for me here.”
Hall – who came through the Dungannon Swifts and Motherwell Academy systems, before earning a move to Brighton – will challenge for a spot at the heart of the back line alongside Jimmy Callacher, Michael Newberry, Michel Parker and Sam Roscoe.
“Every squad needs competition for places among the players - it means you’re pushing each other on. That’s how it is here and it’s something I’ve always had, so the challenge for me is to try and earn a place in the team and then the challenge is to stay there. The only way to do that is by putting in good performances.”
The former Northern Ireland U21 International was linked with the Blues last summer and although he only arrived recently, the defender believes he possesses good knowledge of the club and the challenges ahead that will face him in the Irish League.
“I have been following Linfield’s results since I was alerted of the interest and I have been keeping close tabs on the league in general, too. It’s a really good league this year, a really competitive league which is what everybody wants. In the circumstances, I would say a title win this year would be one of Linfield’s best and most competitive title wins.”
Hall made his Linfield debut on Friday night in the Blues’ disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Larne in the Irish Cup, with Sam Roscoe suspended and with Larne again the opposition tonight, Ben says the team are desperate to get back to winning ways.
“The manager showed a lot of faith to put me straight in against Larne. We are all gutted at the result, especially as Irish Cup holders. Recent results have stung us and we are desperate to put that right. We have two massive games this week and we need to get results. After last Friday, we know the level of performance required against Larne. Bouncebackability is a massive thing for Linfield teams and that’s what is required for us now.”
A warm welcome to Windsor Park for Ben Hall and everyone at Linfield FC extends best wishes for a successful and enjoyable time at the club.