ACCIES MOVE OFF BOTTOM
But boss Rankin says: Fans wanted to kill me a few weeks ago, so we won’t get carried away
John Rankin insists he won’t get carried away now his Hamilton side are off the bottom of the table – because he remembers some fans were calling for his head just a few weeks ago.
It has been quite the turnaround for the Accies boss since the middle of last month.
They lost four straight league games in December and into January to leave them in deep trouble at the foot of the table, sitting six points adrift of Arbroath.
But five new signings in the transfer window and a run to next month’s SPFL Trust Trophy final has transformed their fortunes of late, with new boys Dylan Mcgowan, Tom Sparrow, Dylan Stephenson, Connor Smith and Reghan Tumilty all improving the squad alongside the return of Lucas de Bolle from a lengthy concussion lay-off.
And Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Inverness has seen them edge two points in front of the Litchies in the Championship survival fight, as well as moving within two points of Cove in the safety of eighth place.
It was a huge few days with back-to-back wins over the Caley Jags and the Accies fans gave the team a roaring reception at the final whistle.
But Rankin says he won’t rest on his laurels after a run of five games unbeaten in the league, taking 13 points – which is more than they managed in their previous 20 outings [11 points].
Asked if it felt good to see the fans giving him and his players a rapturous applause as they left the field on Tuesday, he quipped: “The fans were wanting to kill me about three weeks ago.
“Look, I’ve been in this game a long time. Whether it is criticism or adulation, it doesn’t make a difference to me. I don’t get caught up in it.
“You’ve got to remain calm and consistent with your message.
“Of course, I get down when we are defeated but I don’t get too high when we win either.
“It’s about keeping the players’ feet on the ground and I am delighted for my players.
“I know what they’ve been giving me.”
The added competition has, undoubtedly, given Hamilton’s survival bid the shot in the arm it desperately needed.
And Rankin believes the changes he has made to strengthen the group is paying dividends.
He added: “Players hate change – they really do – but when you bring in five or six new players, it brings a freshness and they are looking over their shoulder wondering if they are going to start at the weekend.
“Oh, there’s a fresh training kit coming in with a new number. Who is coming in now? Am I next out the door?
“That has brought a hunger and with that hunger we are seeing performances.”