BY KYLE GUNN

Lee Hodson revealed he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to re-join St Mirren from English League One side Gillingham after the chance came about. 

The 28-year-old made 21 appearances for the Buddies last season as then-manager Oran Kearney’s side retained their Premiership status by beating Dundee United on penalties in the play-off final before decided to head back down south during the summer.

Jim Goodwin confirmed the Northern Ireland international earlier this week and the former Rangers full-back admits the play-off final great escape is a memory that stands out for him in a long career. 

READ MORE: St Mirren confirm the arrival of striker Alex Jakubiak on loan from Watford

He said: “I would say the two play-off games were memorable for me. We got a draw there and won on penalties at home - the lads were brilliant over both legs.

"The feeling at the end of the game knowing we stayed up, seeing the fans’ reaction and everyone at the club was a great. 

“After the game, I did a talk in one of the lounges, and they were asking me questions about next season.

"I did say I was happy here and my family were happy here. If it was an option for me, and it was right for me, I would have 100 per cent stayed here.

"It was hard leaving here, I got on with the lads and everyone at the club. I’m just delighted to back and to have another opportunity to play at a club as big as St Mirren.”

The former Rangers stopper was linked with a couple of other Scottish Premiership clubs but as soon as an opportunity presented itself in Paisley, the Northern Irishman jumped at the chance without hesitation.

He revealed that he could have renewed his contract but left in the summer to be closer to family in England as his first child was on the way. 

Now his four-and-a-half month old Chase and fiancée Stevie are set to join Hodson in Glasgow as he hopes to kick on with Saints.

He continued: “I’m delighted to be back at St Mirren. When I got the phone call and this was an option I knew this was a place I wanted to come back to.

"I really enjoyed my time here last season. They've got a great fanbase that follows the club around everywhere so it was definitely somewhere I wanted to return to play my football.

READ MORE: St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin believes Lee Hodson will 'enhance' his squad

"This was an option for me in the summer but things move quickly in football. I had my first baby on the way and an option came up closer to home.

"We thought that was the right choice for my family to be closer but football is football. It was one of those things. I thought it was something I would try out, going back down south and being closer to home.

”He’s in London with my fiancée at the moment but they will be coming up in the meet couple of weeks when I get a place sorted.

"Family is important to me. My fiancée wants me to be happy and wants me to play football. She’s happy to come with me and she loves it up here. We loved living in Glasgow, we lived here for three years, and we’re coming back to a place that feels like home.”

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