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PREMIERSHIP 10th SCOTTISH CUP Fourth Round
LEAGUE CUP Group Stage TOP SCORER Mikel Miller (8)FourFourTwo Season Preview 2019-20 89HAMILTOn ACADEMICAL HEART OF MIDLOTHIAn
SEASOn PREVIEW
FFTVERDICT
12TH FFT VERDICT
5TH
Although the Hamilton Houdinis
are perennial escapologists, big
questions remain over whether
the Accies have enough quality
to implement boss Brian Rice’s
attractive style – and their rivals
arguably look better equipped for
a long relegation scrap ahead.Oft-criticised for lacking attacking
impetus under boss Craig Levein,
the arrivals of Conor Washington,
Jamie Walker and (eventually)
Steven Naismith should go a long
way to rectifying that. However,
top-six rivals Aberdeen and Hibs
still look a bit stronger on paper.The big talking point among the fans
is the improvement in signings from
new manager Brian Rice [below] since
his January arrival. He had brought
in eight new additions by early July,
including Welsh international Owain
Fon Williams in goal and Johnny Hunt
from Stevenage at left-back.
I won’t be happy unless we stay up
and prove the pundits wrong (again).
Our most underrated player is Greek
striker Marios Ogkmpoe, who missed
most of last season through injury.
He’s quick, strong and could make
a real impression. Plus, Steve Davies,
our cult hero for scoring the goal that
kept us up last season. He holds the
ball up and, with pre-season behind
him, will hopefully be a bit fitter.
Look out for Lewis Smith and Andrew
Winter, two up-and-comers who were
in the UEFA Youth League last season.
The best away ground is Dens Park,
but we relegated Dundee there so
won’t be back for a while. Ah well!The best away fans are Kilmarnock’s.
They’re relatively local, and as their
on-field performances have improved,
so has their travelling support.
The player I’d happily drive to
another club is Ryan Fulton, a former
Scotland Under-21 keeper we signed
from Liverpool. He’s not the best.
The opposition player I secretly
admire is Craig Halkett. He moved
from Livingston to Hearts over the
summer and is a great centre-half.
He’s been a big part of Livingston’s
resurgence and will improve Hearts.
The pantomime villain will be our
own Darian MacKinnon. He likes to
think he’s Scott Brown.
Did you know that Accies changed
their pitch last summer, and although
it’s still artificial, it’s vastly superior to
our previous incarnation.
The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is
that Rice is very popular. Predecessor
Martin Canning struggled to attract
players or supporters, as the quality of
football deteriorated. Rice kept Accies
up with a much more attractive style.
He’s been a breath of fresh air.
We’ll finish 9th. There’s optimism we
can go one better than last season.The big talking point among the fans
is the need for vast improvement to
the squad. Hearts’ lack of strength in
depth showed badly last season.
I won’t be happy unless we push
Aberdeen and Rangers for Europe and
pick up some longed-for silverware.
Our most underrated player is
Michael Smith. He replaced Callum
Paterson at right-back, which was
a massive ask, but he is Mr Reliable.
Look out for Aaron Hickey. He started
the Scottish Cup final aged just 16.
The best away ground is Easter Road.
Nothing beats Edinburgh Derby day.
The best away fans are Aberdeen’s.
Despite the journey, the numbers and
atmosphere they bring are fantastic.
Our best celebrity fan is Team GB
400m hurdler Eilidh Doyle.
The one change I’d make to the club
would be to introduce safe standing.
The best club social media account
is @Amoruso1998, featuring videos
of classic matches. A must-follow.The opposition player I secretly
admire is Kilmarnock left-back Greg
Taylor, who has a massive future
ahead of him. Rightly got capped for
Scotland at the end of the season.
The signature local dish is anything
from the Curry Shed in the Wheatfield
Stand. Essential matchday eating.
The other recommendation for
away fans is the Gorgie Fish Bar,
a fantastic chip shop on Gorgie Road.
Our key player will be Peter Haring,
if we don’t snap up Steven Naismith
[below] on a permanent deal. Haring
is important in the middle of midfield.
We missed his calmness and creativity
when he got injured.
The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is on
the wane. I was initially happy with
Craig Levein, but he starts the season
under pressure. His first substitution
is too often around the 75th minute,
with the game already gone.
If he left, he should be replaced by
Gary Holt from Livingston, who has
been great with limited resources and
has got a lot from an average squad.
We’ll finish 3rd. We’ve been average
for the last two or three years, but
should be a lot stronger this season.FAn FILE
JAMIE DEVLIN
@JamieDevlin1988FAn FILE
IAN KELLY
@acciesbook2010