Hughes backs Accies boss Reid

12 September 2009 14:02
Hughes takes Hibs to New Douglas Park in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Sunday to face an Accies side who have endured a miserable start to the season. Four defeats from four games in all competitions. Twelve goals conceded and only two scored. Knocked out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup by lower-league opposition. The statistics make grim reading for manager Billy Reid. But Hughes is backing his opposite number to turn things around in his second season in the SPL, recalling how difficult he found it to establish Falkirk in the top flight four years ago. "I've got great respect for Hamilton," he said. "Why? Because they're like my old club, Falkirk. "Falkirk always fought their corner to try to get in the SPL." He added of Hamilton: "Everybody has tipped them for relegation. "And it brought a smile to my face because that was the same with me when we first did it with Falkirk. "It's not been great for them this year but I'm quite sure that will change. "Hopefully, it doesn't change on Sunday but they will get it right - Billy will get it right. They are a hardworking team and they have got some good players there." Despite going into Sunday's game following a defeat to Celtic, Hibs midfielder John Rankin expects an even tougher test against Reid's men. "I actually think this will be our most difficult fixture so far," he said. "Obviously, Hamilton have started the season not so well but their players have had two weeks now since their last game. "They have not got a point on the board so they have got a point to prove. "We need to look at that and try to overcome the difficulties that they are going to put in front of us." Unlike their opponents, Hibs have enjoyed a super start to the campaign, the defeat against Celtic two weeks ago spoiling their 100% record. Rankin said: "Obviously, we have got the two wins to start and then we were a wee bit disappointed after the Celtic game. "It is six points from the first three games; it is a good start but we have lost our first home game against Celtic, so we need to try to turn Easter Road into a fortress again. "Hopefully, we can in the coming weeks." Hibs are being tipped to break into the top four this term but Hughes insists the club he took over this summer are years away from being where he wants them to be. He said: "There is a lot more to come from us. You will never build it in weeks, months - it will take you years to build it. "That is not a cop-out. As soon as you come in, the fans will demand you get a result. "But where it is now and where I see it in a year's time is day and night." Hughes could give a debut to new signing Liam Miller tomorrow if international clearance arrives in time. He added: "I think if we keep everybody fit and healthy from now until the window then I have got a good enough squad to try to better what we did last year."

Source: Team_Talk