Doonhamers will be our hardest test - Reid

Aug 16 2007

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid this week warned his players they face their toughest test of the season so far when Queen of the South visit on Saturday.

Gordon Chisholm’s side visit New Douglas Park on the back of three straight defeats, but Reid reckons his side will need to be at their best to take three points.

He said: “Queen of the South will give us a difficult game on Saturday; they lost to Clyde in the Challenge Cup on Tuesday and that means they’ve had a draw and three defeats from their four games, but they will have all their big guns back in, as will we, and I expect a tremendous game.

“I think it will be our biggest test of the season so far.

“The players who are involved have got to pick up again, there will be negative vibes.

“Our players are disappointed at having lost to Ayr United in the Challenge Cup on Tuesday, but they have to look at their own performances – are they doing enough to feature in my plans? That’s what every player should be asking himself.

“We know the strength and character that will come in, and it’s up to the fringe players to keep pushing them.”

Reid was speaking after Tuesday’s 2-1 reverse against Neil Watt’s Ayr United and said: “We’re disappointed. We want to win every game, but took a chance in leaving out Mark McLaughlin, Alex Neil, Tom Parratt, and even leaving David Elebert on the bench because these guys are all carrying slight knocks and I thought it was important that they all got a rest.

“We were left with a young side full of players learning their trade, how to win football matches, and to stand up to the physical side.

“I thought some of them excelled – Grant Evans at 17 was outstanding at centre-back on his debut and he’s certainly one for the future, while James Gibson at left-back showed that he can stand up to a man’s game.

“There were one or two who didn’t do themselves justice but you’re always going to get that in a game like that.”

Trialist Nicky Wroe, a 21-year-old former Burnley midfielder, was an able right-back, but has failed to earn a deal.

But Reid said he WILL add to his squad before the transfer window slams shut on August 31.

He said: “If I’m going to be honest then we have to improve the squad. I thank Nicky for his services but we’re looking for a wee bit more quality, and that’s no disrespect to him.

“It will happen before the window, hopefully. We have our eye on two or three players and will add to the squad.”

Billy was delighted in Saturday’s 2-0 win over former club Clyde at Broadwood, but feels there is more to come from his side.

He said: “It was competent, professional, and we know in terms of middle to front that we can play a bit better, but it’s about winning football matches.

“Competition for places is healthy, they all know they need to earn the right to play in the team, but to go to Broadwood, keep a clean sheet, score two goals and get three points – and six out of six – is a fantastic start.

“However I’ve told the players that the minute they think they’re better than they are it will come back to bite them on the bum.”

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