Accies boss defends Lennon
HAMILTON manager Martin Canning is a man who knows a thing or two about taking abuse from fans. The only difference between him and Neil Lennon is that most of it comes from his own club’s supporters.
That’s why he has sympathy for his counterpart at Hibs, who Accies travel to face on Saturday, after Lennon aimed gestures in the direction of the Rangers fans last weekend during his side’s victory at Ibrox.
“It just seems to be a part of modern-day football now that if you’re a manager, a coach or a player then you’re expected to take that level of abuse,” Canning said.
“Of course, it’s hard to bite your lip at times, but in the job we’re in you probably can’t react over a certain point.
“It’s human nature. Remember, managers are going to have good days and bad days like everyone else.
“There’s always going to be a bit of banter back and forward. Providing it’s in jest, it can be part of what makes football fun for everyone that goes to the games.
“There’s been times I have been tempted [to bite back] but I’ve managed to control myself. I know what I am like on the touchline. It’s not a reflection of me from Monday to Friday.
“The guy you are slaughtering on the weekend turns out to be a nice guy during the week. Football turns us all into maniacs.
Hamilton go into the clash with Hibs in fine fettle after a 3-0 win over Dundee last weekend.
But Canning knows that his men will be up against it at Easter Road.
“They’ve won the league last season and carried that momentum,” he said. “They work hard, fight for everything and they’ve got the quality, so it’s a good mix.”