Hodson: We’ll keep defying the critics

IF the removal of three points before the match left Brian Rice’s men more exposed to the harsh reality of their situation, the fortitude shown for much of it at least offered a degree of comfort. Already missing half of his squad through Covid and injuries, the Hamilton Accies boss could have lived without the SPFL revoking the gift of three points pending St Mirren’s appeal against their forfeited matches on January 14. Whether that unexpected bonus will still come Accies’ way is anyone’s guess. Predicting what comes next in Scottish football has always been a fool’s errand. Even if confirmation of that 3-0 ‘win’ duly arrives, though, Rice’s men would become one of four hovering just above Ross County. Just because that territory is familiar does not make it any less dangerous — especially for a side who seem to know nothing other than bad luck this year. The message for those who feel this season might be just one fight too many for Accies, though? Feel free to broadcast it. It would, in fact, be music to the ears of the game’s great survivors. ‘The lads have proved this club belongs in the Premiership,’ said defender Lee Hodson. ‘I know everyone writes us off every season. That’s great. Let them. ‘We know we’re better than that. We know we should be and deserve to be in this league. ‘That gives us the fire in our bellies to prove everyone wrong. ‘We might be down there at the moment, but there’s a massive fight between three or four clubs. ‘We’re ready to go for the back half of the season now.’ Don’t think Hamilton wouldn’t take the helping hand of a ‘win’ from their clash with the Buddies in October if it came to it. For now, though, Hodson believes a matter that will be decided by a January 14 tribunal must be banished from the mind. ‘It’s out of our control,’ he shrugged. ‘We need to worry about what we’re doing on the pitch in these next two games.’