New boy Akins aims to shine at Accies

Jul 24 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

LUCAS Akins this week admitted he’s in awe at Hamilton’s set-up, and says he already feels at home after signing a two-year deal.

The powerful 19-year-old striker is convinced he made the right move to New Douglas Park after being released by League One side Huddersfield in the summer.

Huddersfield-born Akins was top scorer in the Terriers’ under-18 side before breaking through to the first team in April 2007.

Although he was a regular on the bench, Akins was one of nine released by the club this summer.

Akins is confident in his own ability and aims to grab his chance with both hands, but knows he’ll have to play the waiting game before forcing his way into boss Billy Reid’s plans.

He said: “It’s a two-year deal but that’s not really important – although it means a lot to me because it’s a bit of security, it’s really more time for me to keep focused and work hard.

“I’m going to try and force my way into the side as early as I can, and I’m not resting on the two-year contract at all – it’s just there.

“It’s nice that we’ve agreed that, because it gives me time to settle up in Scotland, which is a lovely place with nice people, and I just hope the fans take to me and get behind me.

“I want to do well for them, and for this club.”

Akins admits it didn’t take long for him to decide to join Accies, and loved the place so much that he would have been pleased with the experience, even if he hadn’t earned a deal.

He said: “I was in awe of the place, to be honest – the set-up is really good, the whole thing is just fantastic.

“It’s the best set of lads really, and they’ve made me feel really welcome. I’m not being funny, but when I walked through the doors it felt like home.

“It’s a good environment to work in, the banter is great, and all the lads come in to training with a smile on their face. The gaffer has a great dressing room in there.

“They’ve all welcomed me, so even if I hadn’t signed I would have been happy and looked on it as a great experience.

“But I know this is the right place for me to be at this time, and it’s excellent.

“I’m delighted, to be honest; the club’s been promoted and they’re on the up. I know Billy’s a very good manager because he has a very good reputation, so I can’t wait to be working with him and improving my game, and then I’ll be looking at taking that to the next step.

“It’s all happening at exactly the right time, the right age, and I’m coming to the right place, because Hamilton give youngsters a chance.

“I’ll work hard first and try to get into the team. I’m not expecting to walk straight into the side, because they’ve got some good players in Richard Offiong, James Grady and Derek Lyle, so there is competition for places.

“But hopefully the manager will see that I can offer something a bit different to other players, I’ll get my chance, and hopefully I’ll take it when I get it.”

Akins, who has selected the unusual squad number of ‘13’, has done his homework on Hamilton – including picking up a copy of the Advertiser – and knows what to expect.

He said: “Obviously Celtic and Rangers are the big two teams in the league, and there’s nothing better than playing in front of approximately 60,000 people. That experience, just to be involved in that, to look around and take it in, is a fantastic opportunity for the lads.

“But there are also local derbies – I’ve read up a bit and I know all about the rivalry with Motherwell, so I’m looking forward to that.

“If we can get the place packed and the fans behind us, then I think we will have a good season.

“We have a young squad, the lads are really hungry and I am myself, and we want to win as many games as we can.

“But I know I’ve got a lot of hard work to do. This is just the beginning, and hopefully things will work out well.”

Boss Billy Reid added: “Lucas has signed for two years, and has shown up as the right type of character for me.

“He’s a young lad, he’s just turned 19, and we think he’s got decent potential, although he’s got a long way to go in terms of playing in the Premier League.

“But that’s what we’re all about – giving people a chance, and we’re certainly giving Lucas a chance.

“He’s made an impression in terms of how he goes about his business and although he could probably do a bit better in the games, that will come.

“I’m delighted to have him here, but it’s up to him now.”

Hamilton head for the Hartlepool tournament at the weekend, which also features Huddersfield and a Sunderland XI.