But the full-back insisted there were no regrets on his part as he wished them good luck in the play-offs and took a standing ovation from the Ashton Gate crowd.

"I'm still glad I took the decision to come to Preston, despite what's happening right now at City," said Hill, who suffered Millennium Stadium heartbreak with the Robins in the 2004 play-offs.

"It has always been the right decision for me."

Hill had to choke back the tears at the end of his first full game in two months when the entire 19,000 crowd stood up and applauded him off the pitch.

The 27-year-old is clearly still a favourite after six-and-a-half seasons in the first-team squad and being a junior there from the age of 10.

He would clearly have preferred to have been part of a better North End performance on his first day back.

But half of Alan Irvine's squad were already on the beach when their meaningless final game of the season kicked off in the West Country.

City still had plenty to play for with home advantage against Crystal Palace in the two-legged semi-final at risk if they had come unstuck.

The North End manager felt some had maybe started their summer holidays a day early.

And Hill appeared to agree when he said: "Obviously the lads wanted to get the game over with and build for next season.

"It has been a long, tiring season. So maybe physically the lads are a bit tired now and ready just to rest up.

"It was the last game and we had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"But their having home advantage to play for possibly gave them the edge.

"Every team, when it comes to the play-offs, want that second leg at home.

"Like in the Champions League, it gives you a big lift if you can keep it tight away and then you get your home backing in the second leg.

"It makes a massive difference and that's why I think Bristol City had the edge over us."

Preston were hit by two goals inside the first 17 minutes and never recovered.

But keeper Andrew Lonergan claimed he was fouled before the first was knocked in by Lee Trundle – and referee Iain Williamson almost admitted as much at the half-time interval.

Lonergan revealed afterwards he had told Mr Williamson at the break it was a foul and insisted the Berkshire official replied: "Yes, it might have been."

Hill said: "That's great for a referee to say that when it has been given.

"That doesn't do anything for us, but goals like that change games. And this one did.

"Before that I thought we had started off very well, but they just had two chances and they took them.

"After that it was an uphill task."

Trundle took advantage from close range early on when Louis Carey managed to get in front of Lonergan and get his head to a Michael McIndoe free-kick.

The ball dropped and in a scramble the former Chorley striker knocked it over the line.

Within minutes, McIndoe played a defence-splitting one-two with Trundle and found the net for 2-0.

A curling free-kick by David Noble six minutes into the second half gave Lonergan no chance and completed the heaviest defeat of Irvine's reign at Preston.

Striker Dele Adebola fluffed two easy chances which would have made matters even worse.

But the North End players and their manager were still given a warm holiday send-off from the 1,349 fans who had made the trip to Bristol.

The supporters who travelled down to Ashton Gate for the first time in eight years saw precious little from their side compared to performances in recent months.

Yet they left knowing there should be far more to come from this squad of players next season.

Irvine made two changes to the side which drew at home with Ipswich eight days earlier, allowing Youl Mawene and Callum Davidson a rest and bringing back Sean St Ledger and Hill.

Irvine admitted there had been some 'sentiment' involved in the decision to give Hill his first start since the 1-0 win at Leicester at the start of March, although the player had also deserved his chance after being so patient playing back-up.

Hill, who was applauded both on and off the pitch, said: "It was a very good reception for me – quite emotional to be honest.

"I have had several good years there – in fact I was there since I was 10. So it was fantastic to get such a great welcome back.

"It was a bit disappointing not to get a result. But they got off to a great start and we just couldn't get back in the game.

"I wish Bristol City well in the play-offs and I think they are good enough to get through them. Why not?

"I must admit I've been surprised by how well they have done, but so too have Bristol fans themselves.

"It is always important when you first come up to get a few early wins. But they have built that momentum and just kept going.

"They could do it. There are a few teams stuttering in there, so I think it is anyone's.

"I think City are a good passing side. They like to get the ball down and play. They have a few creative players who can change games.

"Good luck to them. But, no, I don't have any regrets about not being part of it. I'm happy at Preston, very happy.

"It was fantastic of the gaffer to give me the honour of playing against them and I am very grateful to him for that.

"I found it tough after not starting a game for a couple of months.
"But I need games to build confidence, the mental and physical strength I had last year when I was playing.

"But that's competition and I will be working even harder next season to try and get my place back."

City were ahead after nine minutes when Carey got up to challenge Lonergan for a high free-kick, the keeper appeared to be pushed and, after a scramble in the six-yard box TRUNDLE put the ball in the net.

Trundle turned provider after 17 minutes when McINDOE played the ball to him and he returned it, catching the North End defence in static mode and the winger went on to fire past Lonergan.

And early in the second half Trundle was fouled just inches outside the left corner of the Preston area and NOBLE curled the free-kick beyond the keeper into the far corner.

Bristol City now face Crystal Palace in the play-off semi-finals, with the first leg on Saturday at Selhurst Park.

Preston go away to lick their wounds and plan for next year.