DERBYWITHA DIFFERENCE
by DAVID McCARTHY
BRIAN RICE has seen plenty in football as a player and manager but admits the trip to Motherwell is a whole new ball game.
The Hamilton boss has never been involved in a competitive derby with no fans but he will tomorrow when his team makes the short trip to Fir Park.
Rice’s team needs more than local bragging rights. Accies have yet to pick up a point after three games and their gaffer knows that has to change quickly.
He said: “In a derby there’s no doubt crowds feed off it. When the crowd’s in it’s more than a bit special. I’ve never experienced it without the fans and I’m sure the players haven’t either.
“I’m not sure how it’ll be but I’m sure it will be competitive. Good players can play, it doesn’t matter where they’re playing.
“I’m hoping my players realise in our build-up it’s still a derby and we’ve got to compete first and foremost, and impose ourselves on the game.”
Rice is convinced a repeat of Saturday’s second-half display against St Mirren, but with a goal or two thrown in, will get a tangible reward in terms of points.
He added: “We’ll be going to try to win it, as we always do. I couldn’t fault them second half or the first 15 minutes but there was a 30-minute spell when we’ve got to be better and we’ve looked at that.
“St Mirren took the chance when they were on top and we didn’t, that was the difference. I get excited when I watch games and people get on the ball and make things happen, take players on and make chances. I’ve got players in my team who can do that.
“Young Lewis Smith can, Andrew Winter is capable of doing it and David Templeton we all know is capable of doing it. Justin Johnson came on and gave us a wee glimpse of what he’s got.
“It was very exciting but if he plays from the start I need that from him and if he comes off the bench I’ll need more.”
Wide-man Johnson did make an impact from the bench but the manager believes being able to name nine subs and use five isn’t as beneficial as many would believe.
Rice, who announced Accies won’t be signing target man JJ Hooper, added: “I’m against having nine subs because how many first-team dressing rooms in the Premiership can cater for nine subs?
“We’re putting some kids on the bench and I always think you’ve got to earn the right to be in the squad and be on the bench. I feel we reward some people with a place on the bench to make the numbers up.”