Accies boss is confident of SPL survival

Apr 9 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid believes two more wins will keep his side in the SPL.

But the New Douglas Park gaffer has ordered his shot-shy stars to get back on the goal trail if they are to take another three points from Dundee United on Saturday.

Accies have been a thorn in United’s side all season, dumping them in the league and Scottish Cup at New Douglas Park, while the Taysiders were fortunate to snatch a stoppage-time draw at Tannadice.

Reid believes that United will visit South Lanarkshire with revenge on their mind, but reckons his side have enough in them to take three points.

He said: “Between the last seven games I think we need two victories to keep us up.

“United will come here looking to turn us over because they haven’t managed to do that this season.”

Despite needing a double hernia operation, Australian right-back Trent McClenahan came on for the last 15 minutes of Saturday’s 4-0 defeat and Reid hopes he will feature between now and the end of the season.

Striker Richard Offiong needs surgery to clear up ‘debris’ from a previous knee operation, but although he almost certainly won’t feature against United, Reid hopes the Englishman will return shortly.

Midfielder Simon Mensing and goalkeeper Tomas Cerny return from suspension, while left-back Brian Easton played the 90 minutes at Celtic, having recovered from a hamstring injury.

Reid said there were several positive aspects to take from Saturday’s visit to Glasgow’s east end, despite the scoreline, including a debut for Stuart Mills who turned 19 on Tuesday.

He said: “I think there were a lot of positives, in terms of how we played and tried to pass it, and we had six guys out there who had come through our youth system, which for an SPL game at Celtic Park is remarkable

“Stuart Mills was given a debut at Celtic Park at 18. Grant Evans and James Gibson have gained more experience. James has now played the last five or six games.

“That was the probably one of the youngest Accies sides to play in the top flight, but the most important thing is learn and keep progressing.”

Reid hopes a large New Douglas Park crowd will get right behind Accies on Saturday as they hope to take a major step towards SPL safety, but said the fans have been excellent all season.

He explained: “Even when we’ve lost games I think they’ve seen the effort we produce.”