Reid Banks On Colin To Pitch In

Hamilton boss Billy Reid reckons Colin Fraser could be a crucial signing as his side prepare for their return to the top flight.

But while the new recruit, who has also had a stint at Livingston, won't be featuring on the pitch during games, he will be playing a vital role.

Fraser is Accies' new head groundsman responsible for the £400,000 surface which replaced the artificial one at New Douglas Park.

Reid said: "We have a fantastic surface to play on and everyone will enjoy coming here next season - just as long as they don't leave with the points. We've taken on a new head groundsman and people like Colin are very important to our club.

"A lot of people underestimate everything that goes on behind the scenes at a football club. It is not just about Billy Reid and the players - it is about the whole club."

And Reid took a verbal swipe at critics who claimed Accies only won the First Division thanks to the advantage of their artificial surface.

He said: "We turned our home ground into a fortress and lost only three home league goals all season.

"But people forget we also won more away games than anybody last season. So to say we won the League because of our pitch is nonsense."

Reid is still on the lookout for new players but reckons keeping the bulk of his talented young squad could be the key to staying up.

He said: "A lot of promoted clubs struggle and then the players who got them up are lost to predatory clubs.

"But we've tied up all our emerging stars and they will only get better in taking the step up with Hamilton."

Source :-Daily Record.co.uk