Inverness CT v Hamilton: Accies boss calls for players to show fight in Highlands amid latest crisis
The manager of the month for April is looking for a big result today
Hamilton Accies boss Darian MacKinnon with his manager of the month prize
Darian MacKinnon has told his Hamilton Accies players if they show fight and desire at title-chasing Inverness Caledonian Thistle today, they give themselves a shot at finishing outside of the relegation play-off spot.
The Accies gaffer, who was yesterday crowned manager of the month for April after three wins on the spin, takes his side to the Highlands knowing a positive result can lift them out of ninth spot.
A draw could be enough with Accies just a point behind nearest rivals East Fife and boasting a far superior goal difference, but with East Fife playing eighth-place Cove Rangers, sitting three points ahead of Accies and with a far inferior goal difference, a victory for Accies would see them escape the play-off spot.
However, what the immediate future may hold for Accies is up in the air this morning after we revealed last night that some players at the club have been paid late – and underpaid in some cases – threatening to bring with it SPFL sanctions.
Hamilton Accies have still not responded to the news, but Lanarkshire Live Sport has this morning learned of a further player who has gone without some of their pay.
Speaking before the wage issue was revealed, MacKinnon told the club media: “The last three performances should give us belief. We need to take that into the game. We know it is going to be tough. They are going for the title, we are fighting down the opposite end of the table, but we just need to be at it.
“We need to take care of our own performance. They are a good side, but so are we. If we work hard and fight, we will give ourselves the chance.
Hamilton Accies players in action this season(Image: Adam Law)
“I have had some good memories up there, but that is irrelevant. We just need to be at it. Hopefully the fans fill the end out and cheer us on. We are going to need them. They have been great all season and hopefully that will bring us all together.”
On his manager of the month prize, he added: “It is a team effort from the staff. It is easy for me to stand here and take all the credit, but I have got a good team behind me. I’m not going to name everybody, but they know what they do for me. It is a good thing for the club.”
Meanwhile, the club yesterday announced it had regained its Bronze Licence after having it strapped last year for rule breaches under the former regime.
A club statement read: “Hamilton Academical Football Club is pleased to confirm that, following the recent Scottish FA Licensing Committee meeting, the club has been awarded the SFA Bronze Licence for the next 12 months.
“This accreditation reflects a continuous, year-round commitment that demands significant effort to maintain and further enhance standards across every area of the club. The SFA’s annual audit evaluates a broad range of criteria, including coaching, off-field staff, club accounts, financial administration, and governance.
Rebecca Nuttall is the CEO at Hamilton Accies
“This year’s award is a strong endorsement of the progress made behind the scenes, highlighting not only the club’s dedication to improving its infrastructure but also the hard work and commitment of the new board members and ownership. Their efforts have been instrumental in strengthening the foundations of the club and ensuring it meets the high standards required within the licensing framework.”
The club’s chief executive, Rebecca Nuttall, added: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of our staff for their dedication and hard work in securing this year’s Bronze Licence.
“Achieving this accreditation is always a demanding process, and it is especially creditable given the transition within the Board and key staff roles over the past year. The way everyone has pulled together to uphold the required standards is a clear reflection of the professionalism, resilience, and collective commitment that continue to move the club forward.”
READ MORE: Hamilton Accies and the most bonkers season ever: Hawaiian shirts and cans of Monster to new owners and admin threat chaosREAD MORE: Hamilton Accies players hit by late wages and some underpaid ahead of final game of the seasonREAD MORE: Morton 1 Airdrie 1: Diamonds fall into relegation play-off as boss criticises red card that ‘changed game’
