McGovern wants a gong show for Accies manager

HAVING already effectively achieved their pre-season ambition of retaining their Premiership status — currently sitting 22 points and 27 goals better off than bottom club St Mirren — Hamilton Accies’ players could almost be forgiven for moving into cruise control for the remainder of the campaign. However, according to goalkeeper Michael McGovern, he and his teammates have another target in their sights — ensuring that Alex Neil wins the Manager of the Year award. The 33-year-old, in his first managerial position, has already taken huge strides forward in his new career, hoisting Accies into the top flight following their memorable comeback victory over Hibs in the play-offs and subsequently guiding them into the top six. As things stand, they are only two points behind second-placed Inverness Caley Thistle and the players visit the Highlands today, determined to keep Neil (right) in the running for the boss’s prize with another victory over Ross County. ‘That is the aim for us, to help him do that,’ said McGovern. ‘First and foremost, we have to win at Ross County and that could set us up for another run. ‘There is a long way to go but, if you were picking that award now, then he would be right up there. ‘It is up to us to get as many results as we can to help him achieve that. ‘He has been different class since I have been here. I have been thoroughly impressed with him and I think he will go on to bigger and better things. The job he has done with the resources he has, especially bringing through so many young players, is incredible. ‘He is very professional and very honest. As a player, honesty is a big thing with managers and you don’t always get it. ‘Alex is one of the best I have worked with.’ County boss Jim McIntyre is also an admirer of the work being done by Hamilton,

insisting their stirring season has been a vindication of the progressive attitude to youth development at New Douglas Park. The Ross County manager rates the Accies’ ambitious youth system as a glowing example to every Scottish outfit of modest means. The Dingwall club will strive to add to a recent downturn in results for their visitors today, but McIntyre won’t be taking them lightly. ‘Both teams like to pass the ball and get it forward quickly,’ he said. ‘It will be a good game and I’m looking forward to it. ‘If you ask what the key to Accies’ success is, then momentum coming up from the Championship certainly helps. ‘But above all, they’ve got good players. Everybody talks about their energy and pace but the simple fact is they have got good players. You’ve got to give credit where it’s due. ‘They’ve got experience through the spine of the team with Martin Canning at the back and Michael McGovern behind him. ‘Even their younger boys have got a lot of game time under their belts because they have been in the team from an early age. They’re a good side.’