HAMILTON ACADEMICAL

LAST SEASON

PREMIERSHIP 10th SCOTTISH CUP Fourth Round LEAGUE CUP Group Stage TOP SCORER Mikel Miller (8)

FANFILE IAN KELLY @acciesbook2010

The big talking point among the fans is the improvement in signings from new manager Brian Rice [below] since his January arrival. He had brought in eight new additions by early July, including Welsh international Owain Fon Williams in goal and Johnny Hunt from Stevenage at left-back.

I won’t be happy unless we stay up and prove the pundits wrong (again). Our most underrated player is Greek striker Marios Ogkmpoe, who missed most of last season through injury. He’s quick, strong and could make a real impression. Plus, Steve Davies, our cult hero for scoring the goal that kept us up last season. He holds the ball up and, with pre-season behind him, will hopefully be a bit fitter.

Look out for Lewis Smith and Andrew Winter, two up-and-comers who were in the UEFA Youth League last season. The best away ground is Dens Park, but we relegated Dundee there so won’t be back for a while. Ah well! The best away fans are Kilmarnock’s. They’re relatively local, and as their on-field performances have improved, so has their travelling support.

The player I’d happily drive to another club is Ryan Fulton, a former Scotland Under-21 keeper we signed from Liverpool. He’s not the best.

The opposition player I secretly admire is Craig Halkett. He moved from Livingston to Hearts over the summer and is a great centre-half. He’s been a big part of Livingston’s resurgence and will improve Hearts. The pantomime villain will be our own Darian Mackinnon. He likes to think he’s Scott Brown.

Did you know that Accies changed their pitch last summer, and although it’s still artificial, it’s vastly superior to our previous incarnation.

The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that Rice is very popular. Predecessor Martin Canning struggled to attract players or supporters, as the quality of football deteriorated. Rice kept Accies up with a much more attractive style. He’s been a breath of fresh air.

We’ll finish 9th. There’s optimism we can go one better than last season.