Mensing could be back for more

Dec 6 2007

A DREAM debut double saw Simon Mensing instantly capture the hearts of Hamilton’s fans... and he refused to rule out a permanent move.

German-born Mensing (25), is on an emergency loan deal from Motherwell, which expires on December 31, and admits he’s playing for his Fir Park future.

But if something is arranged between the neighbouring clubs, Mensing would be delighted to link up with boss Billy Reid again, having emerged at Clyde under his reign.

Mensing, who scored twice in Hamilton’s 4-2 win at Stirling Albion, said Reid played a major part in his decision to join Accies on loan.

He explained: “I’m just happy to be in the thick of things, and to get a brace was an excellent start.

“When I first came up from MK Dons I knew Billy at Clyde and I’ve not stopped speaking to him, to be honest.

“I’ve known he’s been interested in bringing me to Hamilton for some time, and I just felt it was the right time for me to be playing.

“Obviously you want to be playing week in, week out, and that wasn’t the case at Motherwell so I’m more than happy to be here.

“My plans at the end of the loan are to go back to Motherwell, but I would have to talk to them and weigh up all my options — I’d be silly not to.

“If something was going to happen I would have to wait and see what the management at the other end say.”

Being part of the ex-Clyde brigade is helping Simon settle in quickly at Hamilton, as he played alongside players like goalkeeper Bryn Halliwell and defender Mark McLaughlin, and knows some of the backroom staff, such as sports therapist Avril Downs.

And Mensing, who speaks with a broad English accent but is fluent in German, said: “It’s good to go to a new changing room and know people, because that makes it easier to settle in, especially when you’re only at a club for a month.

“Usually that’s how long it takes for you to find your feet, but hopefully I’ll do it a lot faster.

“I’ve known a few of the players from having played against them, and they seem to be a good bunch of lads.”

Having enjoyed a tough welcome back to First Division football, ex-St Johnstone star Mensing was delighted with Saturday’s win.

He said: “Stirling made it difficult for us so it was important that we got the win.

“I thought we had a great start with the two goals, Stirling got one back and that put their tails up, and towards the end we went through a 15-20 minute spell, which was a bit ropey.

“But fair play to Stirling, they piled on the pressure, and we were glad that we broke upfield and got that extra two-goal difference.

“It was an excellent team performance by us and the main thing was the three points.

“We’re now away to Livingston on Saturday, which will be another tough game, but they all are in this division, as we saw on Saturday.”