Winters’ tale to run for another year

Apr 19 2007

DAVID Winters admitted his delight at being offered a one-year contract extension at Hamilton Accies... and promised fans there’s more to come next season.

The 25-year-old striker is enjoying life at New Douglas Park so much that he doesn’t want the season to end.

And he aims to repay boss Billy Reid’s faith in him by hitting double figures next term.

Winters is on top form at the moment, and has bagged four goals since the turn of the year, taking his tally to six.

That has prompted Reid to put a deal on the table, and Winters said: “I’m in talks just now and hopefully we can come to an agreement.

“I haven’t signed anything yet, but I look forward to sorting something out because I’m really happy here.

“The new contract gives me more stability, and a year’s a lot better than a six-month and the three-month deal.

“But I wouldn’t say that being given a longer-term deal will relax me more, because I’m always fired up before games and just look to do my best.

“I know the manager, Billy Reid, wants to bring in new faces and challenge for the title next season, and hopefully if we do that and if I do well, I can get another deal here.”

Winters hopes there’s more to come from him, but pleaded with boss Reid to play him in his natural striker’s role.

Winters said: “I haven’t really been happy with my goals tally this season, but due to our formation I have been playing a lot of positions that are new to me, like centre midfield or right wing, not as striker, which I’ve been used to.

“I’ve been used to getting 12 or 13 goals a season, so to get only six is something new to me.

“But they’ve been good goals, which have come at important times, so I can’t really ask for much more.

“I feel better and sharper all the time – I don’t want the season to end right now!”

Winters added: “I need to get more goals under my belt before the end of this season, but in football you never know what’s going to happen, so hopefully I’ll get a double or something like that in our last two games.

“We’re at home against St Johnstone on the last day of the season and I like playing on the surface at Hamilton.

“If there’s a bit of water on it the ball zips across and it’s great to play on.

“St Johnstone are always good to play against because the game is open, and it could be a massive match for both clubs.”

Manager Billy Reid has been pleased with David’s progress this season, and believes he’s earned his extension.

Reid said: “I asked David to up his work-rate, give me a bit more, and I think he’s done that – he’s earned a contract.

“He enjoys playing on the FieldTurf surface, when we get the ball down and pass it he is a joy to watch sometimes and can open up defences.

“It’s all credit to him, the deal is on the table, and I would like him to sign it.”