Welcome Rob Edwards & Allan Currie to Hamilton Accies, it’s been a very hectic 10 days since the deal was announced.
Q) This is your first day being around the players and staff, you’ve had the chance to watch training and meet everyone. How have you found that first day?
A) It’s been great. Obviously we’ve been in touch with a number of staff on a regular basis but it was nice to meet face to face and discuss pressing issues. We did have a brief address of the players, and we wanted them to know we are approachable and will ensure all communication is open and honest during what will be a difficult time. It was great to see the facilities, which are excellent, and then looking forward to exploring the town a little this evening. Allan is obviously a local, but I am keen to understand the opportunity there and get a feel for the place.
Q) First of all, what attracted you to Hamilton Academical and what does it mean to you both now that this deal is concluded?
A) It’s a historic club with a great legacy in football. Growing up as a massive football fan I was always aware of the club being a regular in the Premiership for a number of years, and has a passionate fan base. We have seen that first hand since our interest and then moreso since the takeover. It’s a great club and feel that is huge potential to unlock.
Q) You’ve been clear about your ambition to bring the club back to Hamilton, something all fans see as a top priority – what early steps are being taken to make that a reality?
A) Its definitely something we want to do. We said from the outset how community is important to everything we do, so to have maximum impact and buy in from the community, we need to be in Hamilton and that is already being explored.
Q) Supporters understand that this season will be difficult to the end – how honest do you intend to be with fans about the challenges ahead, both on and off the pitch?
A) Very honest, as we will be with Darian and his staff. Regarding on field matters, Daz has been very supportive of the changes we need to make and understands why they need to be made. Off the pitch, the financial challenges are clear for all to see, and we need to just face up to all these legacy issues that we are inheriting, ensure our position on those matters is clear and find solutions to ensure we restore some credibility on all fronts.
Q) You’ve mentioned that changes will be made at the club – can you outline what areas you believe need immediate attention and why?
A) The cost base is just way too high. It needs to be reduced significantly so there will be relatively wholesale changes in the playing squad, and we will need to do a detailed audit on how we can operate most efficiently. Its good practice anyway, even if we were not walking to a very distressed business. I feel the messages we have put out havd been very well received, and we will continue to be transparent around changes we need to make, and why.
Q) In the short term, what does success look like between now and the end of the season, given the position the club finds itself in?
A) In reality, survival, and I don’t mean on the pitch. I have said before that is not a material concern. Knowing Daz a bit better now I know he will do all he can to make sure the club is competitive on the pitch and no matter who is out there, we know they will give their all, but the club is in an incredibly difficult financial position and if we can navigate that and come out the other side at the end of the season, I know we will be in a much better place to give more assurances on the clubs future and get the club back to where we all want it to be.
Q) Stability has been a major talking point for Accies fans in recent years – how do you plan to restore trust and create a more secure footing for the future?
A) Transparency, hard work and collaboration. As I have said, we will be clear with our intentions going forward, we will all work extremely hard to ensure we can deliver what we feel we can deliver, and we want to work together with the fans, local stakeholders, and community groups to ensure alongside a steady growth plan, we can create a club that the people of Hamilton are proud to be associated with again.
Q) Hamilton has a strong reputation for developing young players – do you intend to rebuild the clubs famous academy and how central will that identity be under your ownership?
A) Most definitely. We have had great success in Wales in a very small catchment, so to have a talent pool locally in Hamilton academy, rebuilt in the right way can once again play a huge role in the clubs future.
Q) What role do you see supporters playing in this next chapter, and how important is reconnecting the club with the wider Hamilton community?
A) We need the fans, and those that have had a relationship with the club before to come back and support us. This is the most difficult period in the club’s long history. It sounds cliche, but in order to have the best chance of navigating this period and come out the other side, we have to stick together. By engaging again with the community we hope to bring the club in front of new people and we hope they buy in to our message and ling term ambition for the club.
Q) There is understandable scepticism amongst some fans after what the club has been through – what would you say to those who need convincing that this time things will be different?
A) I would like to think that already 10 days in they can see what we are like as operators, and as of people. We mad our intentions clear and we have also listened. Football is a fickle game, and everyone has opinions, and they are very rarely the same. However, we will continue to listen and collaborate. Ultimately, we will still make the decisions we feel is in the clubs best interests, but you will understand why we are doing things and what it means for the bigger picture.
On behalf of everyone, I’d like to say thank you for stepping in when you did and we wish you all the success.
