Be protected from cutbacks
we don’t know when football is going to start back up.
“But as soon as we get the green light, the Academy will be up and running as normal.”
Rice’s own preparations for the season are, he argues, an example of the club’s commitment to youth.
“I have three young lads I have brought in from the Under-18s, who were out on loan at junior clubs to toughen them up a little,” he said.
“I have high hopes for them, but it will take time for them to settle in.
“Christmas time or towards the end of the season, I expect them to push for game time.
“Of course, they will have to earn the right to play by showing they are good enough, but the pathway is there for them.
“That is something we would have been doing with this coronavirus situation or not.”
The Hamilton boss is, meanwhile bullish, about the campaign that lies ahead, cheerfully inviting pundits to write off his team by labelling them relegation favourites.
“I hope people predict we will go down,” said Rice.
“There is nothing better than being the underdog in any fight. People take their eye off the underdog.
“I would be surprised and disappointed if we were not the underdogs.”