CANNING IS THE REASON I CAME BACK Andreu insists
Boss was key to Accies return
Tony Andreu said Martin Canning played a big part in his decision to return to Hamilton Accies.
The French midfielder signed a loan deal on Friday from Coventry City until the end of this season, when he’s out of contract at the English League One club.
Fans’ favourite Andreu (30) says Canning stayed in touch for the four years since he left for Norwich City, and that made a huge difference.
Andreu (below) also says it was just the right time, both for himself and the club.
He said: “Martin Canning played a massive factor in me rejoining the club. We kept in touch throughout the years since I left, and I think it was the right time to come back, to help them and to help myself to get back.
“We know each other, he knows how I play, he knows my game, he won’t ask me something I won’t do or can’t do. He knows my strengths and I know how he coaches. I know Beuzy [assistant Guillaume Beuzelin] as well, which is great, and he is great for me to come back to Hamilton, for me to have the confidence to play well and be good.”
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury curtailed Andreu’s career at Coventry, and he wants to prove that he can still play at a high level. What happens after that will be determined in the summer.
“I didn’t play much in the last months, so I need to get my fitness back,” said Andreu.
“I felt OK on Saturday. I was a bit tired at the end of the match against St Johnstone, but that’s going to get better and hopefully I can put some goals in, score some goals and help the team.
“Injuries have been a problem in the last few years, so now I’m just going to try my best to get fit, and to play well, because that wasn’t the case last year.
“I feel good, it’s a case of getting the sharpness even more,and I will score, and I will try to help the team. For now I feel good, so hopefully that will continue.”
Another major factor in Andreu’s decision to return to New Douglas Park has been the fans, and he admits he has been blown away by the welcome he received.
Andreu said: “I was very pleased with that, they were great, and the reaction was positive, It’s nice to hear. That’s why I want to give my best for them, for the team and for the club. I did that on Saturday, it wasn’t enough.
“I think it’s the right time for me to be here. We need to stay up, I need to play, so if I can help the club which helped me to get my move as well, I will be delighted. “I’ll definitely give my best for the fans, that’s for
sure.”