Billy wants to secure third place

Apr 19 2007

BILLY Reid goes into Saturday’s Dens Park clash with Dundee knowing that a draw will secure third place in the First Division – but wants all three points.

Hamilton’s hopes of landing second spot ended on Tuesday when St Johnstone beat Clyde 1-0, putting the Perth side six points clear, and with a vastly superior goal- difference.

Proud Reid (pictured above) wants Accies to finish as high in the league as possible, and knows that defeating Alex Rae’s side means nobody can get within touching distance.

Tuesday’s Broadwood win also gives Saints a chance to pip Gretna for the title – which may go down to the last day of the season when they visit New Douglas Park.

Reid said: “I still think there’s a bit to go in terms of the championship, but that’s not my concern.

“My concern is Hamilton Accies Football Club, and we’ll do all that we can to finish the season on a high.

“We’re four points ahead of Dundee just now, it’s far from a meaningless game on Saturday, and if we can take something then we guarantee third spot.

“We’re going to try and win the game, it’s one that we’re more than capable of winning, but Dundee will be out to beat us and try to snatch third place, so we’ll have to be on our toes.

“Our away form hasn’t been as good as I would have liked this season, but I think we’re more prepared now, defensively, than we’ve been for quite a time.

“We’re hard to break down and don’t give silly goals away.

“If we don’t concede goals we won’t lose games – and we’re starting to learn that.

“I’ve said before that I won’t allow our players to ‘down tools’, but you won’t get that with these players anyway.”

However, Reid feels that Hamilton haven’t been given nearly enough credit for what has been a rewarding season.

He said: “I think we’ve stamped our mark on this division, and teams don’t want to come here and play against us.

“When we get the ball down, play and pass, I think we’re a match for anybody.

“Last season we went from part-time to full-time football, and established ourselves as a First Division club in our first campaign.

“We finished third in the league, reached the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, and the Bell’s Cup Final – and it didn’t seem to be enough for some people, which I didn’t understand.

“This season we started again, rebuilt, went down a different road, and brought our own players through.

“I think eight or nine young players have come through our system this season and I don’t think there are any other clubs in Scotland who are doing that.

“We’re now maturing as a group, they listen, they’re great to work with, and I think they’re becoming better football players.”

Meanwhile, Reid was delighted with Saturday’s 0-0 draw with league-leaders Gretna, and said it shows just how far Accies have progressed.

He said: “Gretna were quite a bit ahead of us on the opening day of the season when they beat us 6-0, but I don’t feel that now – we’ve closed the gap.

“I don’t think there was a big gap between the two teams on Saturday, and I think our young players have learned as the season has gone on.

“Brian Easton was exceptional, and I have got to say that we missed James McCarthy – that says a lot about a 16-year-old, but he gives us a bit of quality in midfield, in terms of going forward.”

Reid added: “I think a draw was probably a fair result, but I can’t ask any more of my players because they gave me everything.

“I thought we dominated at the end, and James McArthur’s shot would have been a goal fitting to win any game, but unfortunately it struck the post.

“We stressed to the players before the game that Gretna are fighting tooth-and-nail for the championship, and that we had to match them.

“I was a wee bit disappointed in how we started the game; we were flat for the first 10 minutes and that’s not like us at home.

“I think that set the tone for the first 20 minutes, and then we got a foot on the ball, started to play, and Davie Winters started influencing the game — there were some great performances.

“I really feel as though we’re making progress as a club and a team.

“We don’t lose many goals here at New Douglas Park.

“Big Sean Murdoch has played five home games and hasn’t lost a goal yet, so that shows how solid we are now.

“Chris Swailes is back to fitness and David Elebert is outstanding, so we’re solid enough at the back.

“It augurs well for next season.”

In other club news, secretary Scott Struthers is one of five candidates going for a second vice-president’s position at the SFA.

But head of youth development John Bean has left the club after four years, following a financial restructuring of the youth set-up which made the post redundant.

Les Gray, vice-chairman and director of youth development, will instead have more of a hands-on role until restructuring is complete.

A club statement read: “The club would like to thank John for his effort and commitment over the last four seasons, during which time he has made a valuable contribution, and we wish him well in the future.”