LESSONS OF LAST TERM HELPED CANNING

TWELVE months on from the club’s first win at Celtic Park since 1938, Martin Canning will attempt to mark the anniversary by guiding Hamilton to another famous triumph over the champions this weekend. And after overcoming a difficult start to his tenure as manager, it is only now he is convinced that he is fully equipped for the task. Canning, who succeeded Alex Neil at the turn of the year, accepts the transition from player to manager at New Douglas Park has been far from plain sailing. However, the 33-year-old firmly believes he has become a better boss as a direct result of those early struggles when he failed to win during his first 13 matches in charge. After witnessing the recent sackings of top-flight counterparts, Ian Baraclough and Jackie McNamara, on the back of winless streaks which did not come close to matching his own last term, Canning realises how fortunate he was to have a chairman who stuck by him. ‘It’s been a journey,’ said the Accies manager. ‘There was a big transition period after Alex moved on. ‘Results didn’t go as well as I’d hoped initially and it was a bit up and down. ‘I’m fortunate to have the backing of a good board. It was a big decision for them to give me the job in the first place. ‘They backed me well and during that period they were nothing but supportive. They have been the same ever since. ‘They couldn’t be any more supportive and I’m thankful for that, especially during that difficult run. The board and the owners have been different class with me and it’s a great club to work at. ‘Out of every negative, you have to take a positive. You learn more in those times than when things are going well. ‘I learned a lot about myself and my players. I learned a lot from going through it, although I don’t want to do it again.’ Accies are not short on confidence, having won their last two matches, although they are acutely aware this represents a huge step up in class. ‘Beating Motherwell and Kilmarnock in our previous two games sets us up nicely,’ said Canning. ‘It certainly helps going into such a big game. ‘But, whatever happens our season won’t be defined by results against Celtic. ‘We need to play to our potential and hope Celtic don’t. They are the best team in the league, but if they have an off-day, you never know.’