REID SLAMS HIS PLAYERS

Mar 16 2007 By Andy McGilvray

SHELL-SHOCKED Hamilton boss Billy Reid this week threw down the gauntlet to his side, saying it’s up to them if they want to finish their season on a high.

Reid has watched in horror as back-to-back defeats saw Accies slump to 3-0 and 4-1 defeats at Clyde and Ross County in a four-day period.

The manager described Tuesday’s 4-1 Victoria Park defeat as “embarrassing”, comparing it to the opening-day horror show as Gretna ran out 6-0 winners and he apologised to the fans who made the long trip to Dingwall.

He said all of his players are currently playing for their places, starting with Saturday’s clash with Partick Thistle at Firhill.

Reid added: “I’ve told the players that we can let the season peter out or we can go and pick up points and win bonuses and be up at the top end of the table.

“We’re still fifth in the First Division, but joint-third on points. St Johnstone lost on Tuesday night as well, so there is plenty to play for but we need to tighten up and get back to winning ways.

“I didn’t have a go at the players on Saturday after the Clyde game because I thought they gave me everything, but Tuesday night simply wasn’t acceptable. I’ve told the players that they need to earn the right to keep the jersey and there were a few of them on Tuesday night who didn’t do that.”

Reid added: “I’m shell-shocked with the first half performance at Victoria Park. I spoke to the players and they know themselves that’s not acceptable. I feel as though they let the travelling supporters down.

“The first half was beyond belief for us. It was like back to the first game of the season, when we were beaten 6-0 by Gretna. It was pathetic and unacceptable.

“There was a major difference in the second half, when I thought we controlled the game, but it was finished by then because they were 3-0 up.

“It was embarrassing. It could have been five, six, seven or eight, to be honest. To lose in the manner that we did was unacceptable at our club and the players have been told that.”

Reid was also bitterly disappointed in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Clyde at Broadwood, but felt that he couldn’t fault his side for effort – particularly after Tom Parratt’s 11th-minute red card.

The Accies boss said: “We started well, had Clyde pinned in, and then Tom foolishly got himself sent off. I can have no complaints. It was a rash challenge and if you’re going to go in like that there is always the chance of being sent off.

“After we went down to 10 men, they scored almost immediately and then added to that with a really good free-kick. My players gave me everything in the second half, battled really well, and there wasn’t much difference between the teams in terms of possession.

“The spirit was high amongst my players. Usually in an 11 v 10 situation, you’re under the cosh, but that wasn’t the case at any time on Saturday.”

Reid was pleased with the debut of new defender Chris Swailes after the former Oldham captain was signed last Friday until the end of this season.

He said: “Chris will be a star at this club. He’s a winner and without meaning any disrespect to Hamilton Accies or the First Division, he has played at a far higher level than this, although he will only be judged on what he does here. That was his first game in a year, and you could see the quality he brought in.”

Reid believes that Tuesday’s collapse in Dingwall proves that it’s time to give youth more of a chance at Hamilton between now and the end of the season, hinting that youngsters Jamie McCarthy and James Gibson will have a chance to showcase their talents.

He said: “When he came on for the second half, James McCarthy was absolutely outstanding. We know he’s going to be a top player, and we’ll bring him in and use him at the right time. You could see how hungry he was and how much of a player he’s going to be.

“I’ve been holding young James Gibson back, but I’m not going to do that any longer. He’s 17 years old, he now deserves his chance, and I thought he was great. Big Brian Easton continues to improve as well.

“These kids are the future of the club and I’ve got to make sure that they get games between now and the end of the season.”

Tom Parratt comes back into the squad on Saturday but captain Alex Neil starts a two-game suspension, missing Saturday’s Firhill clash and the visit of Ross County on March 31.

James McCarthy may be on international duty with the Republic of Ireland’s under-17 squad.