*#<@ing Hell - As the late "Fergie" Might Have Said - Accies Are Top

CLEARLY, we live in interesting times; with Accies topping the table, Celtic barely in the top six and Motherwell, who have been "the second force" since Rangers' demise deep in relegation trouble.

 

I particularly welcome Accies topping the Premiership table. When I was covering fitba on a regular basis, I was roster54ed to a lot of Accies' games in the old First Division. This was back in  the days when New Douglas Park had its original artificial surface, Billy Reid was boss and young guns such as James McCarthy, James McArthur and Brian Easton were top of the English clubs' shopping list.

 

I admired what Ronnie McDonald, Reid & Co were doing back then. It was exciting to turn-up at the ground to see the latest precocious teenager being unleashed. Of course, not all of them made the grade. Promotion to the old Premier League brought the re-laying of the pitch, a diversion into buying foreign players, a few ups and down and, eventually relegation.

 

But, particularly after Billy Reid called it a day and Alex Neil took over, McDonald and the Accies' board returned to their core principles, believed int he kids and, even though we all expect the natural order to be resumed some time between now and Christmas, with Celtic going back to the top. I am certain Accies will enjoy their moment or two in the sun.

 

It is, however, somewhat ironic that this burst of sunshine over Hamilton follows so-quickly after Scott Struthers decided to leave Accies. I have always had a lot of time for Scott, one of the ablest club officials in Scotland in recent times. But, hey, that's football.

 

While Accies are tops, it is interesting to note that Dundee United, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock are all currently above Celtic. Thest three clubs have always believed in giving Scottish kids a chance - other clubs should note this and maybe try believing in Scottish talent a bit more.

 

I just hope, the likes of Accies having shown that this season, the champions are vulnerable, more of the Premiership clubs decide to have a go at them. This would make for a more-interesting season.

 

 

 

I NOTE, despite the man himself giving them a pronounciation lesson at his welcoming press conference, the majority of England's broadcast media continue to pronounce the Manchester United manager's name as Van Gal - instead of Van Haal.

 

But, as those of us who voted Yes last month know only too well. The English do what they like and are probably too-stupid to notice or change.

 

 

 

WELL done, by the way, Edinburgh City, who beat Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Cup on Saturday. And, thanks - those Talbot bar stewards will take their anger and disappointment out on those of us who face them on a weekly basis in the West of Scotland Superleague.