ROB Hall admits he has mixed emotions as two of his former teams go head-to-head in the Sky Bet League One play-off final.

The winger enjoyed three stints at Oxford United, and two with Bolton Wanderers, and holds special memories from both clubs.

Hall had two loan spells with the U’s during the 2011/12 season, his first proper experience of professional football away from parent club West Ham United.

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He told the Oxford Mail: “It was a successful and positive time in my first two stints, when I was 17 and getting my first look into professional football.

“It was really helpful for me to learn what men’s football was really like.”

Further temporary moves to MK Dons, Birmingham City and Bolton would follow, before joining the Trotters permanently in the summer of 2013.

Hall enjoyed three seasons with Bolton, and then signed for United in 2016.

He is of course remembered fondly by U’s fans for his stunning winner at Swindon Town in February 2017.

“It was massive for my Oxford career and fans always tell me about it and mention it when I see them, which means a lot,” said Hall.

“There were loads of other moments, but the Swindon goal is the one that the fans enjoy the most.”

Hall, who has been coaching with the United academy this season, said of the club’s campaign: “It’s been a strange season. I’ve been doing some coaching stuff with the academy, so I’ve been around things a little bit.

“They started off great, and then there was the change of manager, and people have had to respect that things can take time.

“I think it’ll be a tight game, but whoever wins will deserve it. That’s the way I see it. I don’t think if one team pulls up short, that they’ll win it.”

Reflecting on his time with the Trotters, Hall added: “I went there as a boy and left as a man. I was part of the newer generation of players, playing with the older generation of Premier League stars who were in their late 20s or early 30s.

“In the dressing room, I was the number 11, so I sat in between Jermaine Beckford and Zat Knight, and then there were players like David Wheater, Tim Ream, Jay Spearing, Chris Eagles, Adam Bogdan, and so many others. I could name the whole team. It was a privilege and something to be proud of.

“We had a hell of a team, and it was a special time for me. I loved my time there, and it’s a bit of a strange one with two of my former teams playing each other in such a big game.”