Accies squad taking shape as duo sign up

Aug 6 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Accies boosted their squad with the signing of 20-year-old midfielder David Louhoungou on a two-year deal yesterday (Wednesday).

And the former Stade Rennais defender comes in shortly after Hamilton agreed a six-month loan deal for Leicester midfielder James Wesolowski.

That brings Hamilton’s close-season signings up to six, with defenders Marvin Andrews and Izzy Iriekpen adding to concrete deals being signed by goalkeeper Tomas Cerny and right-back Trent McClenahan.

The number is expected to grow by the end of the week, with former Levante skipper Luis Rubiales (31) and Portuguese twins Marco and Flavio Paixao (24) – a striker and winger, respectively – likely to sign.

There’s bad news for Accies with young left-back James Gibson out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, while captain Alex Neil will also be out for up to four months after a hip operation on Monday.

Striker Richard Offiong (25) will hold talks with Greek side Skoda Xanthi tomorrow (Friday), and is expected to sign after the club accepted an £85,000 bid.

Manager Billy Reid is pleased with how things are going so far, but stressed he’s had to ensure he brings in the right players.

Reid said: “David’s got great legs and can run all day. He’s got a wee bit to go in terms of his development as a football player, but I think he’s a decent addition to the squad and he will feature.

“He’s a holding midfielder, but I feel that he can maybe play as a right full-back as well, so he’s cover for Trent McClenahan.

“I’m over the moon about signing James – I thought he was outstanding against us at New Douglas Park with Dundee United. I’ve watched him, and it only took one day in training for me to see that he’s going to be a fantastic player for us.

“He’s the right character, much in the same mould as James McArthur.”

Reid added: “We’re almost close to signing Luis. We have to cover the left-back situation with Brian Easton away and James Gibson doing his cruciate in, which is a massive blow.

“Marco and Flavio aren’t far away either. Marco plays through the middle and has a good goal-scoring record, and Flavio plays off the left or right side. They’ll give us the flair up front that we’ve maybe lacked – but it’s a question of how well can they adapt to the Scottish game.”

Speculation has been rife, linking Accies with moves for Falkirk’s Scott Arfield, Kilmarnock’s Craig Bryson, Dougie Imrie at Inverness, and Motherwell starlet Jamie Murphy.

Reid said: “The chairman Ronnie MacDonald asked me what Scottish players I would like and I told him I liked Scott Arfield, I gave Craig Bryson his debut at 16 with Clyde and I’m a huge admirer of him as a midfield runner, and I think Dougie Imrie is a player.

“I know there’s history with him but that doesn’t concern me at all – Dougie has been fantastic, he’s a great team player, gives his all and chips in with goals, and I would love to bring him to the club.

“Jamie Murphy is another player who I’m surprised hasn’t played in too many games with Motherwell, but he’s another player with great talent.”

Reid described Gibson’s injury as a “disaster”, saying: “James has played a bit-part over the years and I felt that he was ready to play, but because of Brian Easton’s form at left-back it’s been difficult for him.

“We can virtually rule him out for most of the season and it would be a bonus if we could get him back near the end.

“He’s a fantastic talent, and this was his chance to showcase it. It’s just one of those things. Hopefully he’ll come back just as good a player.”

Meanwhile, Hamilton were drawn to travel to First Division side Ross County in the Co-operative Insurance Cup second round later this month.

Reid admitted: “In terms of location it’s not exactly the ideal draw – we would have preferred a home tie.

“We’ll take nothing for granted, we’ll go up there and try and get the result.”