OFFIONG IS STAYING PUT

Jul 12 2007 By Andy McGilvray

RICHARD Offiong this week told fans he’s focused on helping Hamilton reach the SPL, and is ignoring speculation linking him with a move elsewhere.

The 23-year-old has been the subject of interest from several clubs, and St Johnstone recently had an offer binned by the New Douglas Park club.

None of that bothers Offiong, who insists he’s just concentrating on enhancing his Accies career.

He said: “It’s flattering, but I don’t really pay much attention to any of that.

“Until I’m told exactly what’s happening I don’t listen to paper talk.

“I’m really, really enjoying my time here and I want to push on and take it to the next level with Hamilton.

“I just want to go out in every game and score, and that’s what I’m going to be trying to do this season.

“All I want to do is stay here and concentrate on my football.”

Offiong insists he’s ready to ditch the bad-boy act in a bid to help Accies reach the big time.

That, by his own admission, means cutting out “reckless” red cards.

Offiong was a key player last term, grabbing 16 goals, but also picked up two red cards, both for retaliation.

And he said: “I’m not going to get any reckless red cards like I did last year — I’ve learned my lesson and won’t be doing that again.

“And I’m working on my fitness so, hopefully, I’ll be able to stay injury-free for the season.

“I’ll try and emulate or better the season I had, try and get more goals and, hopefully, we’ll get promoted.

“Promotion is everything; everyone wants to play at the highest level, and we want to improve as a club as well.

“Everyone here is ambitious so, hopefully, we’ll be able to do that.”

Boss Billy Reid has brought in striker Neil Teggart, winger Kevin Davison, and forward Chris Jones is on the verge of sealing a loan deal from Swansea City, adding to a roster of existing strikers that include Brian Wake and Paul McLeod.

Offiong reckons that will be good for the squad, and give Accies a competitive edge.

He said: “It’s going to help to have more competition for places, and it’s always good for me and makes me raise my game, as others raise theirs as well.

“The team’s going to benefit from it as well, so bring it on.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to get off to a better start this year against Dunfermline than we did last season at Gretna, because it wasn’t very good.

“We’ve got good team spirit and the new lads have settled in brilliantly, so I think we’ll do really well.

“There are some good teams in the First Division, but we’re one of them and we’re aiming to do well.”