Chalmers pays tribute to Rice but still eyes opening win
JOE CHALMERS today ends a twoyear Premiership exile – and admits he owes Hamilton’s Brian Rice a huge debt for that.
The manager in the opposition dug-out in Dingwall did more than anyone else to pick up the pieces of the former Celtic youth’s shattered self-confidence after he was released by Motherwell.
Chalmers lost his way in the game and found himself without a club after leaving Fir Park in summer 2017.
Having faced the threat of leaving full-time football altogether, Caley Thistle manager John Robertson threw him a lifeline, with thenassistant Rice working hard to restore belief and confidence.
Rice was also mastermind behind a change in position for Chalmers, moving the 25-year-old from left-back to a playmaker role to great effect.
Chalmers became a major influence in Caley Thistle’s central midfield, sweeping up player of the year awards, before Ross County tempted him away this summer.
Having managed just 23 starts in two seasons at Fir Park, Chalmers is eager to show his true ability in the top-flight, second time around.
He said: “The period when I left Motherwell and was without a club was difficult. You never know where you’re going to end up.
“Luckily, John Robertson took a chance on me and I worked hard on fitness and on my new position, trying to do everything I could to get my confidence back.
“I’ve come a long way in those two years and I’m in a much better place now. Brian Rice has been a massive influence in that. He is one of the best guys and best coaches I’ve worked with in football.
“He spent a lot of time trying to help me, personally, and I was glad to see him getting a chance as first team manager at Hamilton. It turns out we’re playing them first game of the season – and hopefully we can turn them over!”
Ross Cunningham, meanwhile, always believed he could make his mark in the Hamilton team once his fitness issues were resolved.
The forward underwent surgery in March to correct a fundamental ankle problem and has hit the ground running in the Betfred Cup.
The 21-year-old had previously made 15 substitute appearances for Accies and enjoyed a loan spell at Forfar. Now he is determined to put his new physical and mental strength into the season ahead.
Cunningham said: “I think I have matured a lot over the last two years as a person and got better as a player. So hopefully I can keep working hard and keep my place in the team.”