Neil new captain as Wilson’s Accies’ future looks in doubt

Feb 1 2007

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid this week confirmed that midfielder Alex Neil has been made team captain.

Neil had been deputising while Marvyn Wilson was injured and has carried on the role.

But the move has sparked rumours that Wilson will leave New Douglas Park when his contract expires this summer.

Former club Airdrie United are reportedly interested in taking him back.

Following Saturday’s 2-1 win over Partick Thistle, Reid said: “Alex was asked to go back and play centre-back on Saturday for the first time in his life and he was a revelation.

“He’s a manager’s dream, a fantastic guy to have about the place.

“I can’t speak any more highly of him and that’s why he’s the captain.

“Alex had been out with flu, phoned on Saturday morning, and in all honesty he wasn’t ready to play.

“But his performance shows the spirit we’ve got at the club. He leads these young guys well, and I thank him for it.”

Meanwhile, Reid believes his young side learned how to win on Saturday — but must follow that up by beating Livingston.

Saturday’s victory was Hamilton’s first in 10 games.

Reid is pleased with progress and said: “We thoroughly deserved the three points.

“We could have won by more but it was a bit nervous at the end when we lost a scrappy goal again.

“I’m delighted with the win. We hadn’t won for nine games beforehand but I said all along that I wasn’t worried about it.

“We had to learn how to win games, and we did that on Saturday.

“Now we need to build on that at Livingston, but you can’t expect these guys to go out and do it every week. There is going to be inconsistency.

“My young lads play with enthusiasm and without fear and I think some of their football is delightful.

“If we keep it just that wee bit tighter at the back, then we can go on and win more games.”

Saturday’s result put Hamilton joint-third in the First Division, level on points with Dundee and Partick Thistle, with goal difference separating the trio.

Reid hopes his side can avenge their recent 4-2 Scottish Cup defeat by Livingston by taking full points from Almondvale for the second time this season.

He said: “We’re looking to make amends for our Scottish Cup defeat against Livingston because we certainly didn’t think there was as big a gap in that game.

“Hopefully, we can get one or two of our injured players back again.

“Derek Fleming’s almost back to full fitness and Scott Tunbridge started training this week and when these guys return it will make us stronger.”

Former Motherwell defender Greg Strong has left, having failed to earn a deal during a week-long trial.

However, Reid hasn’t given up hope of signing Clyde’s midfield duo of Eddie Malone and Craig Bryson, despite competition from SPL side St Mirren and Championship leaders Derby County.

Both men are out of contract this summer and can agree a deal elsewhere during this month’s transfer window.

Reid said: “I’ve offered deals to them because they’re two of the top young players in the division.

“I brought them to Clyde and I would be delighted if they joined me here but they’ve got options, with Premierleague and Championship clubs interested, which shows the calibre of player we’re trying to bring in.

“I need to bring in the right guys — top players — and not just for this season.

“We’re trying to build a football club here, and we’re looking at the longer-term aims.

“If we can bring in the right players, while these young guys get a season further on with more games and experience under their belts, then that can only be good for the club.”