Rice: We’d play four a week to get fixtures completed
BRIAN RICE would be happy to play four games a week if it meant all of Hamilton’s league fixtures would be fulfilled.
Covid-19 is playing havoc with the schedule and there’s a danger of a pile-up if more games are postponed due to the pandemic.
But Rice, who will take his team to Pittodrie this evening for a rearranged clash, would hate to see the campaign ended prematurely.
And he said: “Last time there was an outcry because the season was called early.
“So unless there’s a rule where they say that’s what’s to happen – I don’t think there is but I’m sure it’s being discussed in the top places – we should fulfil the fixtures.
“If that means playing four times a week then we should play four times a week.
“And if that means having to play some of your younger boys then let’s do it.
“No manager has tried to take advantage of this situation to have games called off and I wouldn’t like to think that should happen.
“I don’t think they could anyway because the protocols with testing and re-testing are all in place. We don’t even use the dressing rooms now – we come in, train and then go home again.
“We don’t shower, we don’t eat together and we’ve still had six players who’ve had to isolate because of Covid-19.
“We’re the lucky ones, we’re being tested twice a week but it’s very difficult – we’ve never been in this place before and we’re just hoping we can come out the other side of it.
“I’m not in favour of teams having to forfeit games either – can you imagine the outcry if the title or relegation was decided by a forfeit?
“Regarding our game at Aberdeen, despite defeat at the weekend, the thing about us is we’re resolute, we bounce back and keep bouncing back.”
Accies captain Shaun Want isn’t too concerned about the club sitting bottom of the league after Saturday’s 5-3 home defeat by St Johnstone.
He said: “There’s a long way to go. I’ve been at Hamilton since I was 10 so I know exactly what’s at stake.
“We’ve been in this kind of situation many times before so we’ll just need to knuckle down and keep fighting.
“The gaffer wants to have a go rather than sit in but it’s my responsibility and the other defenders’, to keep the back door shut.”