TALKING HAMILTON ACCIES
BINGHAMDELIGHTATDEAL
HIBERNIAN striker Simon Murray insists it was obvious that David Templeton had the quality to resurrect his career following the winger’s stint training with the Terrors.
The former Hearts and Rangers flyer arrived at Dundee United on trial in February following eight months out of the game and, while his fitness left plenty to be desired, Murray is adamant he still possessed the quick feet and intelligence which previously made him one of Scottish football’s brightest young talents.
Having failed to earn a contract at Tannadice, Templeton joined Hamilton and, after gradually finding his sharpness, is starting to show tantalising glimpses of his ability - most notably finding the net in Accies 2-0 victory over the Gers last weekend.
Murray, meanwhile, joined Hibs from United and has gone on to bag an impressive 13 goals this term. Their paths cross again at New Douglas Park today.
The Hibee hitman lauded: “When I was at Dundee United last year, he came in to train with the boys and you could see he was quick and had great feet - and he really looks like he is getting back to the level he was at when was flying and got his move to Rangers.
“You could see that he had great quality and he’s clever enough to drop into those wee pockets of space. He is a really good player and we definitely know that we’ll have a much better chance of winning if we find a way to stop him.
“We’ve been watching videos and we know what to expect on Saturday. However, we’ve got plenty of good players of our own that we know can damage them.
“Hamilton have been on a good run and beating Rangers was a great result for them. They are a very hard working team and, although they seem to be the favourites to go down every year, they seem to get better every year.
“We know it will be a tough game but if we play the way we can then there’s no reason we can’t win.”
Hibs’ trip to North Lanarkshire will give Murray an opportunity to exorcise ghosts of the past.
His last game at New Douglas Park was the second leg of last season’s promotion playoff, with his Dundee United side slipping to a 1-0 defeat and failing to secure a return to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
Despite a wonderful campaign – bagging 18 goals for Ray McKinnon’s men – it was a heartbreaking finale for a player who already knew his future lay elsewhere. Today, Murray aims to right some wrongs.
HHAMILTON striker Rakish Bingham believes the unprecedented security of his new contract can help bring out the best in him.
Bingham this week extended his contract until the end of next season, days after playing a key role in the second goal in Hamilton’s 2-0 win over Rangers.
Accies are looking to go five games unbeaten when they host Hibernian today and Bingham will go into the game with more confidence after his new deal.
The 24-year-old former Wigan, E CONTINUED: “That was a tough one to take, it was really hard at the time - but you just need to try to forget about it and move on. It was a bad end to the season Mansfield and Hartlepool player said: “It’s positive because I can focus on my football even more. At previous clubs I have always had one-year deals. Now is probably the longest I’ve been given.
“It’s nice to have that security and not have to worry about what’s happening at the end of the season. I know I’m going to be here until the summer of 2019 and now I can just focus on paying the club for the faith they have shown in me.
“I feel like this club can bring the best out in me, it’s just a matter of time.” but I’d like to think I’ve kicked on with Hibs and I’m looking forward to going back and hopefully putting that behind me.
“I desperately wanted to help Dundee United back into the Premiership, even though I knew I was coming to Hibs. It wasn’t the best day for the club, but it’s good to see them doing well this year.
“You learn every day in football, and that day was a big mo- ment in my development. It could have went better but it went the opposite way. But you learn and grow – and that’s the best way to be.”
As well as overcoming a stubborn Accies side, Murray reckons the artificial surface at New Douglas Park will prove another challenge.
He said: “I’m not a fan [of plastic pitches]. The surfaces are not the best and I think the top league should be on grass.”