Former Rangers defender Lee Hodson has rejoined Kilmarnock, returning to Rugby Park after a spell on loan there in 2016.
The ex-Northern Irish international, who has also been with St. Mirren and Hamilton, is the latest face to join Tommy Wright’s rebuild as Killie look to bounce back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
Hodson’s last game for the Ayrshire side came as they beat Falkirk in the relegation playoff to retain their top-flight status and the former Rangers defender hopes to end the season with another celebration.
After a spell in England with Gillingham, Hodson is looking getting started for Killie – and he could make his debut tomorrow in the SPFL Trust Trophy clash with Falkirk.
“I was interested in coming back as soon as I heard of Killie’s interest, knowing the size of the club and the journey it is on to get back to the Premiership,” Hodson said. “I wanted to be a part of that and help take this club back to where it belongs. I had good memories of playing in front of the fans here.
“I’m more experienced but I still give it my all on the pitch for the club and want to win every game.
“The playoff game here always sticks in my mind for the emotion and atmosphere they created in the ground. You could see how much it all meant to the supporters and the community.
“Last time my spell here ended on a high note and come the end of the season, hopefully we can have another sort of celebration.”
Hodson has signed a one-year deal with the Rugby Park side and manager Tommy Wright is looking forward to working with the former Rangers defender again.
The pair worked together as part of the Northern Irish national set-up and Wright is pleased to add someone of Hodson’s versatility to his squad.
“I want to have a squad that has real competition all over the park and right back was one position where I only had one senior player in Jason Naismith.
“I worked with the Northern Ireland squad when Lee was in it and I was aware that he was training with Dundee and was still available. We had a quick chat with him before the window shut and we’ve moved it on since then.
“I’m pleased to get him in, he’s experienced and will provide real competition and he can play a few different positions: right and left back and he has played in central midfield role and in a back three.
“With COVID still ongoing, we need a squad to cope with injuries and COVID. I’m pleased to get him in and I think he’ll be a really good addition to the team and the squad.”
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