Reid's squad running on empty as they attempt to hang on to SPL safety

May 14 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid hopes his side will cross the SPL safety line this week - and admits they’re running on empty.

A win from their crunch home clash with bottom side Falkirk last night (Wednesday), will have guaranteed Hamilton’s safety but, if not, the New Douglas Park side know they have another chance to secure their status when Motherwell come calling on Saturday.

Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Inverness put Hamilton on 38 points and while Reid feels relegation is improbable, he won’t rest until it’s mathematically impossible.

Speaking on Monday, Reid said: “I’m not going to stand here and say we’re safe but we’ve got 38 points which almost guarantees us safety.

“But until it’s mathematically impossible for us to be relegated, we’ll keep driving on because we want to finish as high up the league as we can. We’re sitting in eighth place and the guys have got a lot to play for.”

On Saturday’s derby clash, Reid said: “You always want to win these games for the supporters and the players and there will be a bit of spice to it as always.

“Including the cup game, we’ve had two victories each over four games and three of them have been at Fir Park, so it’s nice to have them back at our place.

“We’ve got two home games this week and I feel as though if we play to our potential we’re capable of winning those – I hope that’s proved right.”

If Hamilton do secure their SPL status, Reid feels it will be an amazing achievement for a young squad, particularly as several players are still playing through the pain barrier in order to see Accies over the line.

Reid said: “We’ve worked hard for it and we’re running on empty at the moment. I’ve said that for the last few weeks but we’re really stretched to the limit at the moment.

“It’s the first season up for a young squad and the intensity you have to play at has been testing in the last few weeks – I’ve got to be honest about that.

“We’ve got guys who are ploughing through things and they shouldn’t be playing but we need them and it just typifies what the club is about.

“We have a belief in what we’re doing and we believe that we’re good enough to play at this level. I think we’ve proved that.

“It’s all credit to the players because they’re the ones that have got to cross the line and go onto the park. The fans have given us great backing - I hope they appreciate that - but it’s a great achievement for everybody if we stay up.”

Although pleased with the way Hamilton dug in during Sunday’s draw, Reid wasn’t happy that midfield general James McArthur was shown a straight red card by referee Charlie Richmond for a foul on Filipe Morais.

Hamilton appealed the decision but it was dismissed on Tuesday and McArthur sat out last night’s clash.

Reid said: “They have decisions to make and rules to adhere to and I understand why the decision has been made. I have to reiterate that we feel there was no malice or intent, but we respect the decision of the referee’s committee and move on.”

On the draw, Reid said: “It was always going to be difficult, and to go there three times in a season and be undefeated is a decent achievement – even Rangers and Celtic find it difficult going up to places like that.

“We knew we had three games in six days and I know there were a lot of raised eyebrows with James McCarthy not starting, but at this stage of the season I feel as though I need to protect him a wee bit.

“Overall, we didn’t play particularly well but people know the problems we’re having at the moment. Trent McClenahan was rested again because he’s really struggling, Alex Neil is playing with an injury, and David Elebert has suffered a wee setback with his hamstring again.

“The effort and commitment that these guys give the club is, for me, second to none.

“I’ve had a go at them at times this season because sometimes you’ve got to try and win or pick up points when you’re not playing well. We didn’t play particularly well but the result is the important thing.”

Mark McLaughlin tweaked a hamstring in Sunday’s draw but was withdrawn immediately and Reid hopes he’ll be available for the run-in.

James McArthur’s red card at Inverness has put him through the disciplinary points barrier and he misses the first two games of next season. Similarly, Martin Canning’s booking on Sunday means he misses the first game of next season.