BARACLOUGH AIMS FOR DERBY DELIGHT
IAN BARACLOUGH wants Motherwell to harness a tide of new-found confidence and wash away their painful derby record this season. The new Fir Park boss is aiming for three wins out of three when he takes his side to New Douglas Park tomorrow to face Hamilton Accies. And Baraclough insists he won’t dwell on the painful meetings his players have endured with Hamilton already this term, losing 4-0 in the Premiership and exiting the League Cup on penalties. ‘Now that you have the taste for winning, you try to ride the wave,’ said the manager. ‘There has been an uplift in confidence and I can see the players coming in bubbly from day to day. ‘I think the hunger to win games is there. A lot of the focus this week has been on the recovery side, making sure we are ready for two tough games, with Aberdeen to follow on Sunday. ‘There is something extra about a derby because of the local bragging rights among the supporters who have to go to work the following day and mix with rival fans. ‘There is local pride at stake and you are representing your part of the area. ‘I didn’t realise Hamilton was so close but this game is one we want to do well in. ‘The 4-0 defeat from the previous Hamilton game has been mentioned to me, so we want to put the record straight on that one. ‘I haven’t watched that game. I do watch matches — the last three, in particular — but I don’t think I need to watch that one.’ Two 1-0 victories have bought Baraclough time as he attempts to convince both players and supporters that his methods will yield success. ‘We did well in the first half in our last game (against Partick Thistle) and created a lot of chances when the tempo was good and we passed it well,’ he reflected. ‘But, in the second half, we couldn’t replicate that and that was frustrating for me. ‘It’s something I have to be mindful of. Everything I want to do isn’t going to happen instantly. ‘We’ve made a good start — and that helps — but everything we are trying to get across will take time. Hopefully, the fans will stay patient with us. Winning helps me ease into the club and we want to continue to be unbeaten.’ The former Sligo Rovers boss is prioritising the futures of Henrik Ojamaa and Mark O’Brien as he looks toward January’s transfer window. The loan deals for both players — from Legia Warsaw and Derby County, respectively — are due to expire next month. ‘Further discussions have gone on about that,’ added Baraclough. ‘The players are keen to stay and it’s something I want to put to bed as quickly as possible.’